After Epiphany, Carnival comes to Tenerife, bringing over a month of carnival festivities to the island, especially in Santa Cruz.
The Three Kings made all the children in Spain happy on the morning of January 6 and, after completing their annual task, have returned to the Far East. Their mission is over for this year. In Tenerife, all attention is now focused on the carnival celebrations, which will take place in Santa Cruz from Friday, January 21 to Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Secrets of Africa
The world-renowned carnival in the Tenerife capital, Santa Cruz, is filled with events, and this is what all the Tenerife residents look forward to with enthusiasm, alongside an international audience. One event will take place this year, centered around the theme of the 2025 carnival: ‘Secrets of Africa’, which will guide the activities throughout the year.
Five Weeks of Enthusiasm
The carnival in Tenerife is one of the most spectacular and beloved events in Spain and the world. This vibrant celebration, which fills the streets with color, music, and dance for five weeks, attracts thousands of people, both locals and tourists from all over the world. The carnival is primarily celebrated in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, known as the epicenter of this extravagant event.
A Global Spectacle
The Tenerife carnival is often compared to that of Rio de Janeiro and is considered one of the largest carnivals in the world. The theme of the celebration changes every year, ranging from historical themes to pop culture, providing room for unprecedented creativity in costumes, performances, and decorations. Preparation begins months in advance, with hundreds of people working on the impressive floats, dazzling costumes, and choreographies that form the heart of the carnival.
Highlights of the Carnival
The carnival officially begins with the election of the Reina del Carnaval, the carnival queen. This show is an event in itself, with candidates wearing the most luxurious and extravagant dresses, often adorned with thousands of crystals and featuring impressive wings and ornaments. The queen election is broadcast live and marks the start of weeks of festivities.
The streets of Santa Cruz transform into a giant dance floor during the colorful parades and street parties, also known as the Ritmo y Armonía parade. These parades feature dance groups, brass bands, and exuberantly decorated floats, accompanied by lively music that invites everyone to dance. The atmosphere is energetic and contagious, with a mix of traditional Canarian music and modern sounds.
The Burial
Another iconic element of the carnival is the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine), a comedic and satirical ceremony that symbolizes the end of the carnival. In a theatrical parade, a giant sardine is carried through the streets, often accompanied by “mourning widows” and other eccentric figures, before being symbolically burned.
A Celebration for Everyone
The carnival in Tenerife is a celebration for everyone, regardless of age or background. In addition to the major events in Santa Cruz, festivities are also held in other towns and villages, such as Puerto de la Cruz and Los Cristianos. For children, there are special parades and activities, while adults enjoy the lively street parties that go on into the early hours.
The Magic of Carnival
After Epiphany, Carnival comes to Tenerife, and it is more than just a party; it is a celebration of life, a display of creativity, and a moment of togetherness. For five weeks, people escape their daily routines and immerse themselves in a world of color, music, and joy. This unique event continues to win over thousands of hearts year after year and proves why Tenerife deserves its nickname “The Island of Carnival.”
The official carnival includes more than 100 groups, each with an average of 50 members: murgas, comparsas, costume groups, rondallas, and music groups. The street carnival/festival takes place in public spaces and is an event where the general public particularly participates.
Groups
Murgas consist of a large group of people who sing songs with critical lyrics. The compositions, often developed with humor and irony, are based on popular tunes. A distinctive feature is the kazoo (murga whistles) that each member carries and sometimes uses.
Comparsas are groups of singers, musicians, and dancers who take part in the carnival celebrations and also compete for a top spot in the parade.
Rondallas are similar to the murgas, but here, the singers are accompanied by string and plucked instruments.
Canciones de la Risa are parody groups consisting of at least five and up to twelve members who perform a funny repertoire and a witty setup where humor predominates.
An overview of the festivities and dates for all events in Santa Cruz can be found [HERE].
MurgasCanarias.es © Photography
After Epiphany on Tenerife comes Carnival ©
