Destination guide
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival: music, costumes and island traditions
Discover Santa Cruz Carnival's street celebrations, traditional performance groups and practical visitor tips.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife turns the island capital into a celebration of music, creativity and colourful costumes. Local groups spend months preparing performances that draw crowds into the streets.
Its traditions include murgas, groups known for musical satire, and comparsas, whose dance performances bring rhythm and spectacle to the festivities. Costume competitions and parades are also central to the programme.
Events range from large street parties to symbolic customs such as the Burial of the Sardine, a theatrical celebration with plenty of humour.
Dates, routes and schedules vary each year. Check the official municipal programme before travelling, plan your return journey and wear comfortable shoes to enjoy the celebrations.