Embrace the magic of the Tenerife carnival in 2027

We can easily imagine that when you hear the word “carnival”, you first picture the famous Carnival of Rio. But what if we told you that among the carnivals held in Europe, there is one carnival in Spain that combines centuries-old traditions with unique festivities and an atmosphere full of music and color? 

This is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife we’re talking about! Keep reading to learn all the details about the most exciting Spanish carnival in 2027! 

Parade participant playing the drums in Santa Cruz

All you need to know about the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 2027

If you feel overwhelmed by all the information available online, don’t worry at all, we’re here to help you out! Our useful guide is the only thing you’ll need to easily plan your festive getaway to the Canary Islands’ most anticipated carnival this year!

Find all important information for this year’s festival:

• What is celebrated at the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
• When is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
• Where is the Carnival of Tenerife taking place?
• What happens at the Carnival in Tenerife?

Colorful confetti pieces in the blue Canarian sky

What is celebrated in the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife?

The Tinerfeños and Tinerfeñas (the inhabitants of Tenerife) celebrate the period before Lent, bringing together costumes, music, dancing and street festivities. Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s celebration has centuries of history and was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 1980.

The people of Tenerife are very proud that an event of such size takes place yearly on the island, and they try to make sure to contribute in the best way possible to all celebrations. In fact, many of them are participating in all major events, in costume or not!

When is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife?

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife usually takes place in February or March, with preliminary events sometimes beginning in January. In 2027, celebrations run from 22 January to 28 February, with the main street festivities taking place from 19 to 28 February.

Tip: in case you are in the mood for some additional cultural events, the Canary Islands music festival in the city of Santa Cruz is also a big hit!

How long does the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife last?

The programme lasts around 5 weeks in 2027, with the main street celebrations running for 10 days.

Masqueraders dancing in the parade of Santa Cruz

Where is the Carnival of Tenerife taking place?

Celebrations take place across Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with street parties and parades in the city centre and major galas and competitions at the Recinto Ferial de Tenerife. Check the official programme for each event’s location.

What is the best place to stay in Tenerife during the carnival?

Stay in central Santa Cruz if you want to reach the street festivities on foot. If you choose accommodation outside the city, check your transport options for returning after evening events.

How to move around during the Carnival of Tenerife?

If you decide to stay outside Santa Cruz, you’ll need to take the bus or a coach to take you to the venues on the nights of the Carnival, since parking spots can be hard to find during the festivities. However, the best way to get around is on foot, because the streets are usually filled with life, music and color.

For journeys from outside the centre, use local buses or the tram between Santa Cruz and La Laguna, and check the latest timetables and service changes before travelling.

What happens at the carnival in Tenerife?

Every year the Santa Cruz Carnival has a different theme, which is decided at the beginning of the preparations. For 2027, the selected theme is "Roma Eterna: El Imperio del Carnaval". If you want to know more details about the events, visit the website of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife town hall. 

Here’s what you can do in the carnival:

• Attend the main official events with well-organized parades including floats, concerts, DJs, and dance groups.
• Join the street festival where you can have fun participating in the impromptu parties on the street.

Highlights include the Carnival Queen Gala on 17 February, the opening parade on 19 February and the Coso Apoteósico main parade on 23 February 2027. The daytime carnivals are scheduled for 21 and 27 February. Put your costume on and go out to the streets to dance and enjoy the biggest party on the island!

Another important moment of the carnival is the Burial of the Sardine (“El Entierro de la Sardina”). It features a humorous mock funeral procession followed by the burning of a large sardine effigy. The Carnival officially ends with Piñata weekend, with a spectacular fireworks display.

Hardcore carnival fans should bear in mind that Santa Cruz has a museum dedicated to this emblematic carnival of the Canaries, La Casa del Carnaval. If you decide to visit it, you’ll be able to admire some of the most impressive Carnival Queen costumes, carnival posters and videos from past festivals. 

Carnival night in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

How to get to the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

To visit the carnival, first you need to find a way to get to Tenerife! Taking a ferry from mainland Spain to Tenerife is ideal if you want to transport your car, carry heavy luggage or travel with your pet. There are two ferry routes in this case: Huelva to Tenerife or Cádiz to Tenerife, both with regular weekly crossings. 

If you are already on the Canary archipelago and want to participate at the Carnival of Tenerife, there are multiple ferry routes to the capital. Ferries also arrive at Los Cristianos port. In this case, you will need to travel north to Santa Cruz for the carnival.

The ferry connections between Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands are:

• Gran Canaria - Tenerife: you can get to Santa Cruz de Tenerife from the ports of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or Agaete. There are up to 15 daily crossings lasting around 1 hour 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.
• Fuerteventura - Tenerife: the ports of Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable have indirect connections with Santa Cruz de Tenerife almost daily. The fastest ferries last around 4 hours 15 minutes including the stopover in Gran Canaria. 
• Lanzarote - Tenerife: you can also reach the port of Santa Cruz from the port of Arrecife in Lanzarote indirectly. The duration of most ferry trips from Lanzarote to Tenerife usually ranges between 8.5 and 10 hours including the stopover in Gran Canaria. There is at least 1 daily departure.
• La Gomera - Tenerife: the island of La Gomera is connected with the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife. Every day there are between 2 and 6 ferries available. The average trip duration is less than 1 hour.
• La Palma - Tenerife: there are at least 3-4 daily ferry routes from Santa Cruz de la Palma to Los Cristianos or Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The trip usually lasts between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on the destination port.
• El Hierro - Tenerife: the port of La Estaca in El Hierro is connected with the port of Los Cristianos up to 11 times per week. The trip to Tenerife lasts 2.5 hours.

Check all real-time schedules for your trip to Tenerife and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper!

Tip: Tenerife has 2 airports, the Tenerife North Airport, which is located around 12km from Santa Cruz, and the Tenerife South Airport, near the port of Los Cristianos.

Participants marching in the streets of Santa Cruz

Find the best all-year-round tips for Tenerife

If you want to extend your holidays in Tenerife, you can find all the information you need about the island and the ways to reach it by ferry on Ferryhopper.

Now, you are ready to plan your trip and start your fantastic adventure in Tenerife!