A lot of rhythm, color, humor and imagination is what we will find in the streets during the Carnival of Tenerife 2020. Internationally famous, it is considered the second most popular carnival in the world. It’s no surprise that it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 1980.
Originally, the Carnival of Tenerife it consisted of a parade where participants dressed up and wore masks and other types of decorations. But with the passing of time, it has become a great party without comparison, with an important follow-up and with the celebration of different competitions and open-air events for all tastes and ages.
WHEN IT HAPPENS
Carnival is a celebration that takes place just before Lent. The dates usually vary between February and March. In this edition the carnival of Santa Cruz will be between January 24 and March 1.
WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS
The inauguration of the carnival began on 24 January, and throughout the month of February different events and competitions take place, but the main events that you should not miss are:
On 19 February the great Gala Election of the Queen of Carnival of Tenerife 2020 takes place, a contest in which the candidates parade wearing costumes called “fantasy” that can exceed three meters in height and 100 kg. They’re true works of art, the result of the work carried out by members of the different teams throughout the year, and which are assessed and chosen by a jury to represent the carnival throughout the year. This is one of the star events of the Tenerife carnival.
The next essential date takes place on Friday 21st. La gran Cabalgata Anunciadora will flood the streets of Santa Cruz with colour, batucadas and the best possible atmosphere. A huge parade in which the Queen of the Carnival, thousands of people and dozens of carnival groups take part and tour around the streets for hours. When it ends, the party begins with dancing and performances by great orchestras.
Carnival in the streets
From Saturday 22 February to 1 March, the carnival begins in the street and can be at night or during the day. The party consists of the celebration of dances and performances on the different stages that are usually spread around the city. The live performances, the kiosks and the decorated cars or floats, offer a great variety of music for all tastes. From here, the population of Tenerife, the carnival par excellence, gathers together with other carnival-goers from other islands, the rest of the country or the world around the most legendary carnival meeting places, such as El Corinto or El Águila. Check the programme, mark the days on the calendar and all that remains is to enjoy and dance!
The culmination of the carnival will take place on March 1st. There will be a series of concerts and performances, an antique car competition, a tour of the streets of the city by all the groups participating in the carnival and for the final closing, there is a great pyrotechnic exhibition that you cannot miss.
DON’T FORGET YOUR COSTUME
For the people of Tenerife, the making of costumes is a tradition. They meet in groups for long sessions of sewing and creativity to develop the designs. Others, on the other hand, with little time to do so, decide to improvise and be more practical, although no less colourful. The fantasy of the costumes (this year dedicated to ‘Los coquetos años 50’) and the cheekiness of those who wear them offer a unique spectacle. If you don’t want to be out of tune, you’ll have no choice but to dress up. Put on some brightly colored fabric, some funny wig or a funny mask. The important thing is to feel comfortable and free to dance and enjoy yourself all night or day.
SOME TIPS
- Carnival days are long and intense and uncomfortable shoes can take their toll. Use the most comfortable footwear you have and don’t mind getting them dirty.
- Don’t neglect the weather and adapt your costume to it. Use warm and waterproof clothing.
- Don’t neglect your belongings and always keep the essentials well stored: money, documents and telephone.
- Use public transport. The services are reinforced on the occasion of the carnival and you do not have to worry about parking in a Santa Cruz saturated with traffic and people.
Now we are ready to enjoy the Carnival of Tenerife 2020. Let the fun begin!
EXTRA
If you don’t want to go all the way to Santa Cruz, the carnival doesn’t end there. In Arona, very close to Vanilla Garden, the Arona Carnival is celebrated. Los Cristianos, one of the most important tourist areas of the island, also celebrates its own carnival from March 12th to 23rd. As usual, the streets of the municipality host the election of the queen of the festivities and an attractive carnival program. Check out the programme for Arona’s carnival and don’t miss out on the opportunity to get to know the essence of the island’s carnival.
