Delve into the Tenerife island and discover its popular and honorable Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, considered internationally as the 2nd best in the world, after those held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The wide variety of celebrations, parades, contests, galas, orchestras, attractions and street stalls selling games and food will make you enjoy a wonderful atmosphere, completely breaking with all your preconceived notions.
Without a doubt, this Festival of International Tourist Interest It is in high demand, both by its Canary Island residents and by many foreigners; what makes her aspire, nowadays, in World Heritage.
Also noteworthy is the great diversity of famous singers who have attended this festival, such as: Celia Cruz with the Billo's Caracas Boys orchestra (1987), Juan Luis Guerra (2019), among others.
For this reason, through this post, we will give you the opportunity to know firsthand, There are many important aspects you won't want to miss when attending this great event. Carnival celebration in the Canary Islands.
If you want to live a sublime and totally unforgettable experience, surrounded by thousands of costumed people who take to the streets every year for more than a week, these are more than enough reasons for you not to think twice and immerse yourself in this majestic celebration. You won't regret it!
What prior knowledge should you have about the history of the 2nd best Carnival in the world in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
Since 1962, Year after year, a Carnival poster for each edition, in which embodies the proposed theme, in order to inspire many people, who dedicate months to the creation of their unique and eye-catching costume.
It is worth mentioning artists such as, Juan Galarza, Gurrea, Javier Mariscal, Paco Martínez, among others, those who have done the same.
In turn, it is important to take into account the diversity of main scenarios that possesses the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Located in different squares (La Candelaria, El Príncipe, Europa, etc.), this event is even more lively and well-known, as each one offers different musical styles, giving you the option to choose, according to your preferences, the one you wish to stay in.
Similarly, it is worth mentioning one of the main streets of the carnival “San José Street”.
Therefore, I invite you to immerse yourself in this famous, popular, and well-known event, in order to appreciate the culture, history, art, folklore, and gastronomy from a more festive perspective.
Subsequently, we provide you with a List with information on 12 key tips to consider, if you decide to venture into this spectacular Carnival.
The House of Carnival
This infrastructure, inaugurated in 2017,It is known as a museum dedicated to this popular celebration, which is located in the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
It is worth noting that this milestone is aimed at four target audience groups: the tourist, the carnival community, specialists and researchers, and the general public.
In it, we can appreciate Diversity of costumes and prominent elements in the field of carnival; a documentation and research center for carnival heritage; and a space for workshops and activities to revitalize the carnival.
Without a doubt, the digital applications The amenities this place offers will make anyone who visits it feel like they have a very rewarding experience.
The Announcement Cavalcade
This celebration takes place on Friday, And once the night ends, the street party officially begins.
In it, we can see all the carnival groups parading through the city streets, announcing the arrival of Carnival.
Likewise, we will have the opportunity to see the queen and the ladies-in-waiting in their own floats, escorted by the troupes; the street bands; etc.
This route starts from the Parque de la Granja and ends in the Plaza de España..
The Great Apotheosis Bullring
This event takes place on Tuesday. It is a parade that takes place along Anaga Avenue, and that It officially signals the end of Carnival. What a choreographic festival!
In it, the carnival groups, floats, queens, etc. parade again, but this time, during the day and in an exhibition celebrated especially for the tourists who arrive by bus from the most touristic areas of the islands.
The Daytime Carnival
It is worth knowing that currently the Daytime Carnival, inaugurated in 2008, It is a very well-established activity, which has been very successful, and which attracts too many people.
This event is aimed more towards families, due to their daytime schedules.
It should be noted that This carnival has two days at your disposal: the first Sunday of the festival and piñata Saturday, which refers to the last weekend.
The Night Carnival
With reference to this celebration, it is necessary to keep in mind that The dates for its development are Saturday and Monday, considered days “Carnival strongholds” o «"the definitive carnival event.".
It is one of the most popular carnival nights where the streets of Santa Cruz fill up with people dancing all night long.
It is also a day dedicated exclusively to dancing. 2 main scenarios: One located in Plaza de la Candelaria, and the other located in Plaza del Príncipe.
There are many kiosks and tobacconists where you can buy whatever you want at any time.
Which plan to follow on your holidays?
Don't miss the Experience Carnival Queen Gala & Private Backstage Tour
This itinerary includes a city tour with the tourist bus, a visit to the headquarters of the groups participating in the Carnival, and the exclusive access to the backstage area of the candidates for Queen to observe the costumes up close.
If you want to live a unique and sustainable experience, and also Enjoy the Carnival experience in a different way, Book now before places run out! of the Carnival Queen Gala.
The Burial of the Sardine
This spectacle takes place on Ash Wednesday. It consists of dressing in mourning clothes to accompany a large papier-mâché sardine, which will later be burned.
During the tour, you can hear the desperate cries of the widows, due to the death of the sardine.
And, it should also be noted that this figure is made by the prisoners of the Tenerife II prison.
Piñata Saturday and Sunday
Regarding this celebration, it's important for you to know that it is the celebration that marks the end of Carnival, until next year.
Piñata Saturday, Since it coincides with the daytime carnival, the number of attendees has increased in recent decades, to the point of having internationally renowned performances.
And as for the Piñata Sunday, There are vintage car competitions and the traditional performance of the NiFú-NiFá Philharmonic.
Then, everything concludes with a pyrotechnic display.
Carnival troupes
It should be noted that The carnival groups are an icon of the great festival.
Some of them are: Los Rumberos, Los Danzarines Canarios, Los Joroperos, Los Cariocas, Los Tabajaras, Bahía Bahitiare, Tropicana, Los Brasileiros, Río Orinoco and Los Valleiros.
In addition, If you love to dance, You should know that you have access to assistance at a contest called “rhythm and harmony”, in which you will be able to appreciate the great diversity of carnival groups, which perform at the Tenerife fairgrounds.
Don't hesitate to come and dance to the rhythm of the music! Experience the comparsa competitions!
Floats
If you're passionate about interior design, you can't miss certain events, such as:
The heraldic cavalcade or the apotheosis arena, since, in these two celebrations, You will have the opportunity to appreciate many floats of different styles and colors., which you will undoubtedly find of great interest.
If you look at the image, it's “the Merengazo float”, Designed by Juan Fajardo Hernández, and which has a long history in the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
You can also find many of them at the night carnival, in the San José Street, meeting point of these.
Murgas
If you are passionate about singing and the replicas, You can't miss the carnival group competition, both for children and adults, which takes place year after year at the fairgrounds, belonging to the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The carnival groups They are music bands that play rudimentary instruments and sing songs ridiculing social and political reality.
It is worth mentioning some prestigious carnival groups such as: Los Bambones, Murga Los Diablos Locos, Los Mamelucos, Los Zeta-Zetas, La Traviata, among others.
Queen's Election Gala
The adult Queen of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is chosen on the Wednesday before the carnival weekend., in a gala that is broadcast throughout the country where the announcer of the carnival of the year will be revealed.
The candidates are presented to a judging panel that assesses their presence, attitude, and the suit, which weighs around 150-200 kilos, which is aided by wheels to be able to transport it.
It should be noted that the The price of the suits is too high., Therefore, the candidates They need a sponsor.
The suits are usually made of feathers, plastic, metal and an exclusive and very beautiful rhinestone.
Don't wait any longer and buy them now! Tickets for the Queen of Tenerife Gala, They'll sell out very soon!
The Fair (attractions, games and food stalls)
The Fair It provides you with many fun moments.
There is various attractions, for both young children and teenagers, such as: the crazy little cars, the inverter, the funny mouse, the haunted house, the little bulls, among others.
In turn, you also have at your disposal a vast number of gambling games, where you can win prizes, from stuffed animals to electronic devices.
And another relevant point to address is the traditional gastronomy offered by the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, through the countless food stalls, such as: the big shot, etc.
Safety and cleanliness on public roads
It is worth mentioning that The island of Tenerife not only embodies Carnival through partying and fun.
But also, raising awareness among both residents and foreigners about keeping the city clean.
This work is carried out satisfactorily by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, thanks to the street sweepers.
Y, with regard to security, We must also acknowledge the great work of the police and the Red Cross, who are available 24 hours a day to care for and prevent any risky event that may arise.
Provisional calendar of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2021
The final calendar changes over the years:
Here, you can Check out all the events you wish to attend. Are you going to miss it?
If you liked this publication, Don't forget to leave us a comment and also check out our various posts on other related content! Canary archipelago!
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