Tenerife attractions carnival 2017 -2020
with important reviews

Tenerife attractions Carnival were expected to go up tremendously for the  2020 agenda, as every year, except for festivities after March 12 of 2020. Why? Celebrations were suspended for the Arona region as well as Candelaria, Granadilla and Santiago del Teide. More about it under this article's headline Carnival in Las Americas.

Otherwise, look at how the young carnival girl is dressed and you'll understand that one of the biggest Tenerife attractions Carnival as well as in general is the weather and Tenerife climate.

And, remember carnival flights are cheap Tenerife flights when booked early.

Book any holiday home in Tenerife early. No rooms will be for rent when Tenerife attractions Carnival have started.. This is most important for the main carnival in the capital with motto The Coquette Fifties from the third of February 03 until the 29th. More about it in detail further down this page.

Example of Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival popularity

Since 1987 the Carnival "Rave" performance with the Queen of Salsa and the Caracas Boys has been the Guinnes book of records event for maximum attendance in a Plaza. Over 200 000 people (more than all inhabitants of the city at that time) attended this open air show with the Cuban singer Celia Cruz at Plaza de España.
Enjoy Cecilia Cruz with a carnival song of a later event...

The year 2019 kind of surpassed that record by 400 000 Juan Luis Gerra fans dancing the Bachata in several streets around Plaza de España that includes Plaza de Candelaria.

The most important street for the capital's carnival

All Fiestas for the Santa Cruz capital, such as its carnival and according posters are planned and organized in the so called Party and Fiesta street La Noria in Santa Cruz.

Tenerife attractions carnival 2020 Playa de Las Americas

Its 2020 carnival theme suggested a fusion of Japanese culture and latest vanguard trends. However, since March 12 of 2020 all Carnival celebrations for Arona, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje and Costa Adeje as well as La Guancha have been suspended until further notice, as published by the Spanish Media Diario de Avisos. This is following recommendations by the relevant Town Halls as well as by the Government of the Canary Islands because of several new cases of Coronavirus COVID-19 on the biggest Canary Island as well as on the rest of the archipelago. Also suspended have been carnival festivities in Candelaria, Granadilla as well as Santiago del Teide.

Mind that more than 25.000 onlookers were expected before all had been suspended.

Tenerife attractions Carnival 2020 Los Gigantes of Santiago del Teide from March 06 to March 14

Los Gigantes carnival is always after the Puerto Cruz and Santa Cruz celebrations while details are often announced "in the last minute".

However, unfortunately all its 2020 celebrations have been suspended until further notice for the same reasons outlined for the Playa de Las Americas Carnival.

XI edition of Tenerife attractions carnival of Los Silos 2020

Period: February 21 to first of March Saturday February 22 at 10p.m.: Festival of masked dance
Tuesday February 25 at 6p.m.: El Cho Perico the unique carnival character of Los Silos is "chasing" by-standers with nettles At 7.30p.m. Sampling of sweets and chocolates on Plaza de la Luz  --Sunday February 23 at 5p.m.:  Animal carnival disguise contest on Plaza de la Luz Los Silos --Saturday 29 at 11 a.m.: Crazy cars race in Calle Argume and contest by the town hall At 5p.m. The Sardine moves from Convent San Sebastian to the Casino and cremated at 11p.m. followed by live music, dance and fireworks
Sunday March 01 at 17 p.m.: Coso Apoteosis de Silense

Other towns of Tenerife attractions carnival that celebrate disguise with parades and sardine burial or the like

Adeje, Arico, El Rosario, Caleta de Interian, Candelaria, El Sauzal, Fasnija,  Garachico, Granadilla de Abona, La Matanza de Acentejo, La Victoria de Acentejo, Los Silos, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, San Miguel de Abona, Santa Ursula and Tacoronte. By the way, some remote settlements also celebrate a short Carnival, as it may be difficult to get to the carnival shows on the island. Even those without a harbor will bury a sardine or an alternative.

Tenerife attractions Carnival La Orotava 2020

Period: February 21 until March 01 with the main events of tourist interest
Monday February 24 at 7p.m.: Contest for best carnival costumes followed by a carnival costume dance festival
February 25 from 5p.m.onward: Day Carnaval Orotava with a Gran Coso parade from Cruz del Teide via Calle San Francisco, C.Esultor Estévez and Calvario to Plaza La Paz
February 26 at 7.30 on Plaza V Centenario: Funeral Don Crispin (Duelo Crispin)
February 27 at night: Don Carnal Piñata dance festival followed by the March 01 at 9p.m. at Liceo Taoro: Festival de Rondallas (Opera and Opereta Arias sung with Carnaval texts)

Tenerife attractions Carnival Icod de Los Vinos events 2020

Icod Los Vinos Carnival events of tourist interest from February 14 to 29

Friday 21 at 10.a.m.: Coso by schools from Calvario to Plaza America
Saturday 22 at 9 p.m.: Gala election of Icod Carnival queen
Sunday 23 at 5 p.m.: Gran Coso apoteosis of the Carnival of Icod
Monday 24 at 5 p.m.: Contest of disguise costumes on Plaza Luis de Leon Huerta At 10p.m.: Carnival dance Festival 
Thursday 27 at 9p.m.: Drag Queen Gala
Saturday 29 at 10p.m.: Burial of the Sardine from C/El Calvario to Plaza America

Tenerife attractions carnival Puerto de la Cruz Carnival

The Puerto carnival  has a summer version also which last was taking place in autumn, though. Expect updates for it, as it hopefully may not be postponed.

Tenerife attractions carnival Los Realejos 2019

Tenerife attractions carnival Los Realejos between February 16 to March 01 that may be of tourist interest

Friday 21 at 9p.m on Plaza San Agustin: Gala and Carnival queen election
Sunday 23 at 5p.m.:  Gran Coso Carnival Parade from Tigaiga to Plaza San Agustin followed by a Costume dance festival
Tuesday 25 at 1p.m. by Plaza San Agustin: XLVIII Antique car parade 
Sunday March 01 on Plaza San Agustin: A day with children activities and carnival parades followed by the Burial of Rascayú after 7.30

Rascayu instead of a Sardine burial at the Los Realejos Carnival in the following video

The original text which fits the Halloween type music of the strange Rascayú, as it appeared in 2016.  Skeletons clad in blankets dance around the tomb of his widow where he visits every night. A truly unique carnival character that is burned just like the Sardine. However, not on the ocean, as happens in harbor towns of Tenerife.

Tenerife Attractions Carnival in Santa Cruz Capital from February 19 to March 01

January 30, January 31 and February 01 at Recinto Ferial at 7 p.m.: Murga contests for kids
Monday, February 02 at Recinto Ferial at 5 p.m.: Festival of Carnival Choreography
February 03, 04, 05 and 07 at the Recinto Ferial at 8.30 p.m., adult Murga contests
Saturday, February 08 at Recinto Ferial at 8 p.m.: Music group carnival contests
Sunday, February 09 Recinto Ferial at 6p.m.: Kids Carnival Queen Gala
Wednesday, February 12 at Recinto Ferial at 5.30 p.m.: Gala election of Elderly Carnival Queen
Friday, February 14 Theater Guïmera 8.30 p.m.: Canción Risa Contest
Saturday, February 15 at Recinto Ferial at 8 p.m.: Comparsas Contest
Sunday, February 16 at Recinto Ferial at 1 a.m.: Disguise contest
Sunday, February 16 at the Auditorio Adan Martin at 5 p.m.: Rondallas music
Tuesday, February 18 at Theater Guïmera at 8.30 p.m.: Nifu-Nifa-Fregolinos show
Wednesday, February 19 at Recinto Ferial at 9.30 p.m.: Gala election Reina Carnival Queen
Thursday, February 20 at Theater Guïmera at 8.30 p.m.: Festival de La Zarzuela

Friday, February 21 Avda La Roche and Marina at 8 p.m.:Cabalgata Anunciadora Introduction street Carnival Parade (The Same event in Puerto Cruz on the next day was going to be postponed because of sudden rain and wind alerts)

Saturday, February 22 in Avda La Roche at 9 p.m.: Ritmo y Armonia parade
Sunday, February 23 at Plaza del Principe at 11 a.m.: Nifu-Nifa Fregolinos and Carnival del Dia from 1p.m.onward until 6p.m.
Monday, February 24: Lunes de Carnaval
Tuesday, February 25 Main Carnival Day with Gran Coso Apoteosis by 4p.m. in Avda La Roche and Nifu-Nifa on Plaza del Principe at 11a.m.
Wednesday, February 26 at 10 p.m.: Burial of Sardine
Thursday, February 18 at 6 p.m. at Parque Sanabria: Gran Coso of children and the Festival Galardonados on Plaza de Candelaria at 8p.m.
Friday, February 19 at 1.p.m.:  Carnival del Dia Day carnival

Tenerife attractions carnival Burying of the Sardine

Don't miss the forever new processions of the burying of the sardine in the capital or in any of Tenerife carnival towns.

 Although she looks gay despite dead, her mourners are dressed in black. Indeed, that includes children.

How and when watch Tenerife carnival parades?

Carnival parades happen by mid afternoons in the Canary Islands, except for the Sardine burials that take mostly place at night.
Best be there on the look out after lunch to find a good front place on parade streets. Hard chairs can sometimes be rented in the first line along some roadsides for about €2,50.
Follow parades in the capital by the harbor(port), such as by Avenida La Roche near Plaza de España...
You can now book high-stand seats by Plaza Espana to watch the Rythm & Harmony Parade as well as the Coso for €35 as a package deal or just the Coso parade for €27. Tickets are available from

here

Watch the Tenerife attractions Carnival in Puerto de la Cruz in Avda. Familia Bethencourt y Molina, which was called Avda. Generalisimo before... Find this street at the Martianez beach by the 5 star Hotel San Felipe

Carnival street dancing in the Tenerife capital

This is the big Samba workout which lasts right through the nights. Nobody sleeps. Take part in this carnival frenzy and dance yourself slim ... Or do you know a more fun way to lose weight quickly than with live Samba music when even masks are allowed?
Main locations for it are Plaza de Canderlaria/España and Plaza del Principe.

What about Tenerife Murgas of Puerto Cruz?

Every Tenerife town has Murgas or Murga as part of the mad season of carnival. Mind that it's the most diplomatic opportunity to voice any political and social grievances with much fun. All groups have competing shows as well as kind of semi finals for Children or Adult Murgas in the main centers of Carnival on Tenerife Island.

Example of previous Tenerife North Murgas competitions

650 participants of which three children groups and twelve of adults in the North contest of Murgas 2016. 

The XVIII edition of Tenerife Murga Contests of the North will take place in La Orotava on February 9, 10 with the 15 being the Finals.

Tenerife attractions Carnival of Murgas

Imagine that Murga who go back in Tenerife to last century XX look like clowns according to their theme.  Both their male or female groups from all corners of society are a most important part of Tenerife. Murga sing carnival songs based of folk music with an altered text that criticizes anything of society. Hence, the most witty win the contest on stage, but also take part in parades.

The first Murga surged as a group of seamen in Santa Cruz in 1917. Discover where the most important Murga have their own carnival club house of NiFuNiFa in Santa Cruz and who the renown founder was...In fact, he brought more fame to Tenerife attractions Nifu Nifa
Tel: 922 609 600, 922 609 601,
     922 609 602 and 922 609 603
     Fax: 922 242 366
By the way, Murga  are subsidized by the Cabildo and private people in Tenerife. Subsidizing for all Santa Cruz Carnival groups has been augmented since 2009.

Example of top group of Murga Santa Cruz de Tenerife and their winning topics

The Murga Los Bambones won first prize in 2014 for the presentation of the following topics which have been translated from Spanish to English.

• Una generación perdida which means a lost generation.
• Despedida - Dismissed
• Los que faltaban- Those that were missing (meaning emigrated)
• Pasacalle - Street hang-outs
• Siestas Ah! Manifestate! Siestas ah! Declare yourself
• Hay amores que matan - There is love that can kill
• And folowing is the video with the famous show of the Bambones

Congratulations to Los Bambones for their awesome, highly intelligent and artistic presentations of Tenerife attractions carnival that will make history!

Where can you see those Tenerife carnival festivals?

Watch Murga events Santa Cruz at the Congress Center Centro de Ferias y Congresos at recintoferialdetenerife.com a web I can't connect to right now but where you can look up the Recinto fair ground's address and more...
Murga shows Santa Cruz are presented in Spanish inside on an area of 1100 square meters which can accommodate 7500 people.

Tenerife parking and shopping during Carnival Santa Cruz

Mind staying over in Santa Cruz or nearby is a good idea. Parking during Carnival Santa Cruz will only be possible in the town outskirts. You can walk or catch a taxi while booking early helps. Most shops and malls may be closed. Therefor, less public transport is to be expected. However, Titsa has announced for February and March 2020 special public buses to all main Tenerife Carnival events.

Favorite costumes for teens

The favorite costume of a male youngster are clothes which he borrows from a sister, mother or girl friend.
Just for fun, you know...

Therefore the Santa Cruz Carnival poster shows Frankensteen with a negligent ballerina outfit in pink - and wings on him...

The witch is another carnival theme which goes with the topic.

Get  Tenerife attractions Carnival or other locations at tips for Tenerife carnival 2009 Santa Cruz for Carnival costumes and scary make up while the theme horror movies is ideal to fight recession.

High heels obstacle competition event carnival Puerto Cruz

This event also known as the Gay Parade of Puerto de la Cruz carnival is getting more popular by the year, as it knows few boundaries.

Female Tenerife carnival splendor is so attractive

The feminine carnival cult which involves all ages is impressive, while many make costumes themselves and or save up for them all year, as is the case with the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
The most striking, colorful, glittering, divine and feminine outfits are used for the dress up. Imagination knows no boundary.

Tenerife attractions carnival would not exist without the stunning ladies' costumes.

Tenerife Spain beauty election alias Carnival queen election before and now

To see the teenage girls at the gala for the carnival queen election in television is impressive. However, the style has changed drastically. Before, their dresses used to have heavy rods on the bottom to make them swing. Now a bikini style outfit is in. The head decorations with feathers but also much metal usually still weigh heavy on a scale. 400 kg that include the rest of the attire are a good estimate.

Before, the glamorous, highly attractive carnival fashion echoed  the courts of Louis XIV of the 13th century. Nowadays, the Caribbean style of Rio de Janeira takes priority on all Canary Islands. Mind, more human flesh is in vogue, but the head attire still weighs. So does the background gear on wheels that a want-to-be queen has to move with her outfit.

Why becoming a Tenerife carnival queen is so desirable?

The adult Tenerife carnival queen of the mad season doesn't only receive invitations by major carnival cities. Fashion magazines like Elle or Vogue may open doors for her. Tenerife females that shine like goddesses of attractions may be seen in other countries also thanks to satellites in the orbit that broadcast the election galas everywhere.

Carnival design academy

The design for carnival queen and Comparsa dresses including headgear has been a proud tradition in Tenerife for many decades. Now, there even is an academy in Santa Cruz where foreigners are welcome to learn.

History of Tenerife Carnival

Tenerife carnival festivities became island attractions by  official support as far back as 1775. In 1852,  carnival was, for the first time, funneled through municipal channels, as an important escape and illusion.
Everything changed when General Franco had the say all over Spain. However, Tenerife attractions carnival  survived underground as a force to be reckoned with thanks to the Murgas and Fiestas del Invierno. The wish for freedom of speech which is still so important to the Fufa of Nifu Nifa, to the Fregolinos as well as to many other Murga groups was not to be given up.  In 1979 when the dictator was gone, carnival costume parades returned to the streets as colorful as before Franco and the first private companies started to support a total re-organization. Nowadays already by November, a new yearly theme or motto is chosen for the Tenerife disguise season. 

Tenerife attractions carnival 1920 and sixty years later

 Displayed below is a good example of Tenerife Carnival history of 1920 with masqueraded ladies of Los Realejos with their very unusual hats.

Sometimes, even foreigners are selected by public tenders for the decoration of big humor and masquerading shows.

Posters are newly designed, elected, printed and distributed every 12 months.

Tenerife attractions carnival for the youngest

The fabulously dressed child on the right with the unusual clown costume is one of countless cute carnival kids. Mind many are much younger.  That's why they have their own queen called Reina Infantil. The masquerading season without this age group wouldn't be half as exciting. 

Tenerife attractions carnival and its gay community

Much of the LGBTQ community from all over Europe is drawn to the Tenerife carnival. In fact, it also offers great escape for expression to the still underprivileged gay people who contribute much to the crazy weeks of the Tenerife winter season. However, there is no official drag queen that represents Tenerife the island, but some of its towns like Los Gigantes and Arona elect one. Arona has a famous wig party in this context.

Bistro La Barca a favorite for gay carnival lovers

It's in  Longuera Los Realejos  in Calle Monturrio in my neighborhood. There, nobody is allowed to get harassed. It serves best cocktails (also alcohol free) which draws more new-comers during the crazy disguise season every year.
It's next to the good La Finca Restaurant which is a red house and almost a landmark on a street corner where you get to the Pavillon the Longuera Realejos sports stadium.

What's got Düsseldorf to do with Tenerife carnival?

German carnival Tenerife Düsseldorf  also made Puerto de la Cruz carnival different apart from its Mascarita Ponte tacon gay Marathon parade.

More honor for Tenerife attractions carnival

The Tenerife carnival has been declared of International Tourism interest in January 18 of 1980. It now thrives to receive the UNESCO distinction of World Heritage Merit i.e. Patrimonio de Humanidad.

The days of Tenerife attractions carnival are announced as events every year but may change slightly. Mind Easter doesn't fall onto the same dates every year either.

Why is Puerto Cruz carnival special?

It has about as many Carnival events as Santa Cruz the capital, sometimes even more. Its carnival queen galas are outstanding events with superb designs and choreography.

Puerto de la Cruz is the oldest Tenerife resort of most festivals, concerts and art in the street, such as the Mueca Tenerife North art festival. El Puerto, surely has its own style and has its own mad ways to spend the nights during its main two weeks of carnival. In fact, it comes second after Santa Cruz. 

One Puerto Cruz example which sums up much of its spirit of Tenerife attractions carnival

I never forget a hilariously happy group of such youngsters. One was carrying a miniature clothes stand which covered part of his upper body. The thing had washing lines with the most embarrassing underwear pegged on it.
Just figure the picture...
He was wearing a short embroidered roundish apron with frills and checkers. One could still see the pants and his bare knees below. Rest of hairy legs with stockings not quite up to the knee were showing. If not mistaken he also had plaited hair. How the heck he did that, no idea...
I forgot the rest,  but believe me, there were more ridiculous carnival details with this friendly guy. You see, it's those original accessories and the personality which goes with it that cause fun and laughter. That's what Tenerife attractions carnival Santa Cruz and the rest of the island are all about.

Buy toys and Party supplies for Tenerife attractions carnival

Purchase carnival Fiesta and party supply at Toscal Longuera. Of course, much is also on display downtown in Calle Castillo of the Tenerife capital.

Interesting links related to the Tenerife carnival

Carnival in Tenerife Arona-Los Cristianos suspended

Casa del Carnaval

Carnival hats

Carnival masks

Carnival posters

Carnival in Tenerife with most subtropical surroundings

Classic car shows of Tenerife carnival

Classic car club

Tenerife carnival with tips to fight Recession

Tenerife Carnaval with unusual photos

About carnival masks

Tenerife carnival queen

Carnival posters open air museum

Stunning Tenerife carnival costumes some of which won awards

Carnaval Tenerife Murgas the best of 2014

Tenerife carnival news of 2017 many of which are still vital

Restaurant La Casona a carnival restaurant by decoration

Go to Tenerife living where the life of the British Julia would have been meaningless, had there not been carnival of the capital Santa Cruz Tenerife.

Burial of Sardine better known as Entierro de la Sardina in Spanish.

Other attractive  events or just places you ought to have been to on Tenerife

From Tenerife attractions Carnival back to Homepage of Tenerife Holiday Home Insider

About the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

here

Buy Carnival costumes at Carolan C/Pérez Galdoso nº16 Tel.: 922 768272 in the Tenerife capital Santa Cruz or online at Carolan Fiestas

here

Disclaimer

Mind that all prices given here for indoor as well as outdoor events may be subject to change

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