Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a famous yearly festival in the capital of the Canary Islands, Spain. It is one of the world’s best-known carnivals, second only to Rio de Janeiro. The city is twinned with Rio because of the celebrations.

When it happens
- It usually takes place in February or March. It starts about two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends the weekend after Ash Wednesday.
- The weekend after Ash Wednesday features the piñata weekend, and Carnival Tuesday ends the festivities with a grand parade.

What you see
- The official carnival and the street carnival. The official side has more than a hundred groups, like murga, comparsa, and rondalla, while the street carnival is more informal and happens in the streets with people in costumes.
- Main events include the Gala Reina (Queen of the Carnival) where the Carnival Queen is chosen, and the Announcement Parade where groups march through the city.
- On Ash Wednesday there is the burial of the sardine, marking the official end of the main carnival. The party then continues with the piñata weekend.
- The final parades, called the Coso, happen on Carnival Tuesday.

The people and costumes
- Costumes can be very heavy, sometimes up to 100 kilograms. The Queen and her bridesmaids ride on floats, and many participants are sponsored by companies.
- The Carnival is broadcast on national TV and other networks.

History and symbols
- The carnival has been celebrated for centuries, with references going back to the 18th century. It has endured through difficult times, including periods when it was restricted.
- Since 1962, a new official poster is created each year. Since 1980, the carnival has been designated a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.
- Since 2017, the Casa del Carnaval (Carnival House) is a museum in Santa Cruz with costumes, posters, and interactive displays. The event has also given rise to beloved characters, such as Super Chicha.

Places and connections
- The main venues for competitions and the Queen’s election have included Teatro Guimerá, Plaza de Toros, Plaza de España, and the Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos de Tenerife.
- The festival has helped establish twin-city ties with other places known for big carnivals, including Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, Venice, Aalborg, and Barranquilla.