Tenerife Carnival - Royal Sun Resort

Tenerife Carnival is second only to Rio de Janeiro! It is famous all over the world for its colorful and vibrant celebrations and parties. Here is everything you need to know about celebrating carnival in Tenerife. Happiness and colour flow through the streets, making you feel like the star of a great improvised show. There is nothing to stop you from enjoying the moment you've been looking forward to all year: Tenerife's Carnival! The Island's most emblematic festival has been putting smiles on people's faces for centuries, in a whirlwind of rhythm, glitter and madness.

Your Essential Guide to 2023 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival!
Street parties, parades, costumes and drag queen contests. Tenerife has it all! Amongst all the chaos that is carnival, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out what to see and do. This guide has everything you need to know about celebrating carnival in Tenerife!


When is the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival?
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is a pre-Lenten carnival that takes place over an entire month! The main week of carnival is the week prior to Ash Wednesday when the celebration kicks into high gear. During this week businesses shut down and everyone heads out to party.

The 2023 Tenerife Carnival dates Friday, 17 February 2023 and Sunday, 26 February 2023. The main carnival activities take place from February 15 to February 26, 2023.

Main Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Celebrations

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – The Queens Gala
Friday, February 17, 2023 – The Opening Parade and Street Carnival
Sunday, February 19, 2023– The First Daytime Carnival
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – Grand Carnival Parade
Wednesday, February 22, 2023– The Burial of the Sardine Parade
Saturday, February 25, 2023– The Second Daytime Carnival