Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2027: Dates, Key Events and How to Enjoy It

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2027 runs later than usual: the opening gala is on 22 January, the Queen election gala on 17 February and the street carnival from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 February 2027, according to the programme presented by the city council. It’s one of the biggest carnivals in the world, with free parades and street parties that fill the capital with hundreds of thousands of people. Book accommodation and transport early, and bring a costume.

Santa Cruz Carnival 2027 key dates

Date (2027)	Event
Fri 22 January	Opening gala (Gala Inaugural)
Sat 23 January	Musical groups contest
Sun 24 January	Choreographic groups contest
Fri 29 – Sat 30 January	Children’s murgas contest
Sun 31 January	Rondallas contest
Mon 1 – Thu 4 February	Adult murgas heats
Sat 6 February	Adult murgas final
Sun 7 February	Children’s Queen gala
Wed 10 February	Seniors’ Queen gala
Sat 13 February	Comparsas contest
Wed 17 February	Carnival Queen election gala
Fri 19 February	Cabalgata Anunciadora (opening parade)
Sun 21 February	First Carnaval de Día (daytime street party)
Tue 23 February	Coso Apoteósis (grand parade); local holiday
Wed 24 February	Burial of the Sardine (reported)
Fri 26 February	Children’s parade and Piñata Friday dances (reported)
Sat 27 February	Carnaval de Día (expected)
Sun 28 February	Piñata Sunday, final day

Dates are from the council’s programme as reported in June 2026 and later local press. Those marked “reported” or “expected” haven’t been confirmed in full by an official programme, and timings can change. Always check the official Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife website before travelling.

Why the dates moved

Santa Cruz carnival usually starts in early January. For 2027 the council pushed the start back about two weeks because the fairground (Recinto Ferial) hosts a children’s Christmas park until 6 January, leaving too little time to build the main stage. The result is a street carnival that falls after Ash Wednesday, unusually.

The main events explained

The galas

The Queen election gala is the glamorous centrepiece: candidates parade in enormous, elaborate costumes so heavy that they are built on wheeled structures. Tickets sell out fast; it’s broadcast live on Canarian television.

Murgas, comparsas and rondallas

• Murgas – satirical singing groups in costume, poking fun at politicians and local news (in Spanish).
• Comparsas – big, Brazilian-style dance troupes with drums and feathers.
• Rondallas – string and choir groups with a more traditional sound.

Cabalgata Anunciadora

The opening street parade, with floats, comparsas and the new Carnival Queen. It marks the start of the street phase.

Coso Apoteósis

The grand parade on Carnival Tuesday along the seafront avenue, with all the groups, floats and queens. Arrive early for a good spot.

Carnaval de Día

The daytime street party is the one most visitors remember: stages, DJs, bands and tens of thousands of people in costume dancing in the streets from early afternoon into the evening.

Burial of the Sardine

A mock funeral procession with “widows” wailing behind a giant papier-mâché sardine, which is then burned, followed by fireworks.

Getting there

Santa Cruz is around an hour from the southern resorts by car or bus.

• Bus: TITSA runs express services from the south to Santa Cruz, with extra services and late returns usually added on the busiest nights. See our Tenerife buses guide.
• Tram: the tram links Santa Cruz with La Laguna.
• Car: parking is very difficult; streets close for parades. Consider parking on the outskirts and using the tram or bus.
• Taxi: expect long waits late at night.

Where to stay

Hotels in Santa Cruz and La Laguna fill months ahead and prices rise sharply. Many visitors stay in the south and travel in for the day. Our where to stay guide compares areas. See the Santa Cruz area page for nightlife and shows outside carnival.

Tips for first-timers

1. Dress up: even simple costumes help you join in.
2. Carry little: a small amount of cash, a phone and ID. Pickpockets work the crowds.
3. Stay hydrated: it can be warm, and street parties last for hours.
4. Agree a meeting point with your group; phone networks can struggle.
5. Expect late nights: parties run into the early hours.
6. Check the programme daily: times change.

Other carnivals in Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz and Los Cristianos hold their own carnivals, usually after Santa Cruz’s, with parades and drag events that draw big crowds. Dates for 2027 are typically announced closer to the time. See our Tenerife events 2027 guide and the festivals listings.