Tenerife Carnival – a colourful, feel-good spectacle

When Tenerife suddenly starts to sparkle and drum through winter, it can only mean one thing: carnival season. For a few weeks, the island flips a switch—bringing the Canaries into full celebration mode with show-stopping costumes, music and a touch of southern flair, plus an infectious sense of euphoria you can’t help but catch.

Is Tenerife Carnival worth it?

Absolutely. What many people don’t realise: Tenerife Carnival is the second-largest in the world—a cultural powerhouse brought to life by a huge network of around 10,000 participants. The “Carnaval” in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, has been awarded the title Fiesta de Interés Turístico Internacional — a distinction reserved in Spain for only the most significant celebrations.

And if you already know Tenerife—perhaps as a hiking paradise or a winter escape for beach time—you’ll experience the island in carnival mode in a completely new way: surprisingly urban, hugely creative, and as always, warm, authentic and welcoming.

Do you want to celebrate Tenerife Carnival and are you looking for a well-located place to stay on the north coast?

Carnival in Tenerife doesn’t end on Ash Wednesday!

Tenerife doesn’t follow one single, island-wide carnival calendar. Instead, each town deliberately schedules its highlights at different times. A little insider tip for your trip: in many places, Carnival on Tenerife goes into a second round on Ash Wednesday.

Here, Carnival is a weeks-long season of street parties, parades, galas and competitions—from family-friendly afternoons to all-out party nights, when every street turns into a stage for DJs and pop-up bars. Often, it continues well into March.

For the latest details, it’s best to check the local council websites—or simply ask us if you’re interested in a specific event.

What’s part of Tenerife Carnival?

At Tenerife Carnival, you’ll experience traditions you won’t find in many other European countries. Every town has its own carnival culture—shaped by strong local pride and a programme with its own unique character. Each year, the theme changes too: in 2026, for example, it’s “Mexico” in Puerto de la Cruz and “Latin Rhythms” in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Murgas: satirical singing groups that comment on society and politics

Comparsas: dance and drum groups performing rehearsed choreographies

Gala de la Reina (Queen Election): spectacular costumes—up to five metres tall—that look like moving works of art

Cabalgata Anunciadora (Opening Parade): the official kick-off for the main street-party days

Coso Apoteosis (Grand Parade): a major parade through the streets

Carnaval de Día: a festival-style street party that starts as early as lunchtime—open-air stages, live music/DJs, bars and dancing

Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine): quirky and wonderfully Spanish—a symbolic farewell to Carnival. An oversized papier-mâché sardine is carried through town in a parody funeral procession, accompanied by theatrical “widows” (often men in costume). The sardine is then ceremonially burned in public.

Piñata Weekend: another full weekend of celebrations after Ash Wednesday, before the island settles back into its usual rhythm

Where is Carnival at its best in Tenerife?

It’s hard to say—every town has its own charm. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a must for anyone looking for the island’s biggest carnival, with the most extensive programme. You’ll find children’s galas, “Senior Queen” galas, kids’ parades and fireworks. Stand-out events include the Dragnaval with its drag queens, as well as the Concurso de Comparsas Ritmo y Armonía—a street competition where dance and drum groups go head-to-head and are judged by an expert jury.

Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast is another unforgettable experience, with major parades, party crowds and wonderfully quirky rituals like the Mascarita Ponte Tacón—a men’s marathon where participants run through the streets in high heels. Another highlight is Matar la culebra (“killing the snake”), a carnival tradition of Afro-Cuban origin that is still celebrated in Puerto de la Cruz today.

And Garachico celebrates Carnival with real passion—smaller in scale, but just as creative. The highlight for our guests: the parades pass right by Villa ARTE. And if you’re staying in Apartamento Amarillo, you can watch the spectacle from your balcony like you’re in a private box—great views from above, without the crowds.

If you’re visiting Tenerife outside carnival season, you can still immerse yourself in the island’s carnival spirit all year round at the “Casa del Carnaval” in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Across 1,000 square metres, you’ll discover the history and culture of this iconic festival—one of the highlights is the exhibition of its legendary costumes.

Five exclusive apartments at Villa ARTE

Instead of anonymous hotel blocks, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and the charm of a historic building in one of Villa ARTE’s five apartments. Villa ARTE is located right in the heart of Garachico—just a few steps from the Atlantic’s natural lava pools on one side and the historic old town on the other. One highlight is the large panoramic rooftop terrace, with sweeping views over the sea and the rooftops of the old town.

Garachico is an ideal base for exploring Tenerife. This charming coastal town offers everything you need for a varied, feel-good holiday.