Tenerife Carnival 2020 - Dates, Schedule, Parades & Events
The dates and the theme for the 2020 carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are already announced and you can plan your trip to the island if you want to take part in the largest event of this kind happening in the Canary Islands.
- Tenerife Carnival 2020 Dates: February 19th, 2020 - March 1st, 2020
- The theme for the 2020 Carnival in Tenerife is The Coquette '50s.
- How to Celebrate the Carnival in Tenerife
- Tenerife Carnival Queen 2020
- Schedule of Events for Tenerife Carnival 2020
- Main Events at the Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Election of Tenerife's Carnival Queen
- Street Carnival in Santa Cruz (Carnaval en la Calle)
- Carnaval de Día / Daytime Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Tenerife Carnival Parade (Shrove Tuesday)
- Burial of the Sardine (Ash Wednesday)
- Daytime Carnival - Saturday de Piñata
- Tenerife Carnival 2020 theme: The Coquette '50s
- Costume ideas for Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
- Our impressions of Tenerife Carnival
- Tenerife Carnival Hospital (First Aid)
- Transport - How to get around the carnival
Tenerife Carnival 2020 Dates:
February 19th, 2020 - March 1st, 2020
The carnival usually lasts for several weeks, but the first weeks are usually dedicated to indoor events and competitions where the queen of the carnival is elected. The last part of the carnival is when the outdoor parties happen, the big parade and also the burning and burial of the sardine.
The theme for the 2020 Carnival in Tenerife is The Coquette '50s.
How to Celebrate the Carnival in Tenerife
The first thing you need to understand about the carnival if that this is a big celebration, comprised of several types of events, which take place over the duration of a month.
For example, at first, you have several events for the Election of the Tenerife Carnival Queen, then you have an Opening Parade (Announcement Parade), several days of street parties in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, followed by the big Carnival Parade (Coso de Carnaval) and the Burial of the Sardine.
If you want to celebrate like the locals, then you have to participate in at least one night of carnival party and at least one Daytime Carnival in Santa Cruz, also known as the Sábado de Piñata.
The Daytime Carnival is the event that draws the largest crowds of people to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, to celebrate the carnival all day long - it is estimated that in 2019, there were 400 000 people celebrating the carnival on the streets of Santa Cruz, which would mean a world record for the largest gathering of people watching a concert in a public square.
Tenerife Carnival Queen 2020
In 2020, the carnival in Tenerife will have a total of 37 candidates for the title of Carnival Queen, for all three categories: there will be 16 candidates for the title of Carnival Queen - the phase for Young adults, 10 candidates for Seniors and 11 candidates for the kids' category.
Schedule of Events for Tenerife Carnival 2020
The most important events happen on the streets when the big parties take place and the city centre of Santa Cruz comes to life every day and night with music and dancing.
Main Events at the Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- The big Carnival Parade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Burial of the Sardine - Entierro de la Sardina
- Daytime Carnival / Carnaval de Dia
This is a provisional calendar and it might suffer changes. A final program of the carnival will be announced at a later date, but the order of the events is usually the same every year. We will update this page if there are changes to the schedule.
Friday 24/01/2020
- Inaugural Gala Tenerife Carnival 2020
- Time: 21:30 h
- Location: Plaza Alisios (next to Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín)
Thursday 30/01/2020
- 1st Phase of Competition for Murgas Infantiles
- Time: 19:00 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Friday 31/01/2020
- 2nd Phase of the Competition for Murgas Infantiles
- Time: 19:00 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Saturday 01/02/2020
- 3rd Phase of the Competition for Murgas Infantiles
- Time: 19:00 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Sunday 02/02/2020
- Choreographic Festival
- Time: 17:00 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Monday 03/02/2020
- 1st Phase of the Competition for Murgas Adultas
- Time: 20:30 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Tuesday 04/02/2020
- 2nd Phase of the Competition for Murgas Adultas
- Time: 20:30 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Wednesday 05/02/2020
- 3rd Phase of the Competition for Murgas Adultas
- Time: 20:30 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Friday 07/02/2020
- The final of the Competition for Murgas Adultas
- Time: 20:30 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Saturday 08/02/2020
- Competition for Musical Groups
- Time: 20:00 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Sunday 09/02/2020
- Gala for the Election of the Kids Queen
- Time: 18:00 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Wednesday 12/02/2020
- Gala for the Election of the Carnival Queen
- Time: 17:30 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Friday 14/02/2020
- Competition La Canción de la Risa
- Time: 20:30 h
- Where: Teatro Guimerá
Saturday 15/02/2020
- Competition of Comparsas
- Time: 20:00 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
Sunday 16/02/2020
- Festival de Rondallas
- Time: 17:00 h
- Location: Auditorio de Tenerife
- Costume Competition
- Time: 11:00h
- Location: Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos
Tuesday 18/02/2020
- Concert of the Group Lírico Musical Los Fregolinos
- Time: 20:30 h
- Where: Teatro Guimerá
Wednesday 19/02/2020
Election of Tenerife's Carnival Queen
- Gala for the Election of the Carnival Queen
- Time: 21:30 h
- Where: Centro Internacional de Ferias and Congresos
- You can also watch the Gala on TV or Facebook, transmitted live
Thursday 20/02/2020
- Festival de La Zarzuela
- Time: 20:30 h
- Where: Teatro Guimerá
Street Carnival in Santa Cruz (Carnaval en la Calle)
These are the events that happen on the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and they are actually the heart and soul of the carnival, with big street parties where large crowds of people come together to celebrate the joy of the carnival.
Friday 21/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 20:00 h | Announcing Parade of the Carnival (Cabalgata Anunciadora) | Avenida Bélgica |
| 22:30 h | Street party with dancing and music | Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
| - | Competition of Float Cars and Decorated Vehicles | Avenida de Bélgica |
Saturday 22/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 17:30 h | Shows on all the stages in the city | Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
| 21:00 h | Ritmo and Armonía Competition | Avenida de Francisco La Roche |
| 22:30 h | Street party with dancing and music | Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
Sunday 23/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 h | Performance by Filarmónica Ni fú – Ni fá | Plaza del Príncipe |
| 12:00 h | Performance by Agrup. Lírica Los Fregolinos | Plaza del Príncipe |
| 13:00 h to 20:00 h |
Carnaval de Día / Daytime Carnival in Santa Cruz de TenerifeThis is the main event of the day and one of the most anticipated days of the carnival. Location: all stages - Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
|
| 17:30 h | Shows around the city | Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
| 22:30 h | Street party and performances by live orchestras and bands | Plaza de La Candelaria |
Monday 24/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 17:00 h | Street party with live music | Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
| 17:30 h | Shows around the city | Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
Tuesday 25/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 h | Performance by Filarmónica Ni fú – Ni fá | Plaza del Príncipe |
| 12:00 h | Performance by Agrup. Lírica Los Fregolinos | Plaza del Príncipe |
| 16:00 h |
Tenerife Carnival Parade (Shrove Tuesday)The big carnival parade of Santa Cruz de Tenerife ("Coso" Apotheosis) on Francisco La Roche and Avenida Maritima Location: Avenida Francisco La Roche and Avenida Maritima |
|
| 20:00 h | Street party with live music | Plaza La Candelaria |
Wednesday 26/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 22:00 h |
Burial of the Sardine (Ash Wednesday)Entierro de La Sardina / Burial of the Sardine Starting from Juan Pablo II Street, goes towards Méndez Núñez, El Pilar, Villalba Hervás, La Marina and ending at the Plaza de España. Location: Burning of the Sardine on Avenida Maritima. |
|
| 22:30 h | Street party with live music | Plaza del Principe |
Thursday 27/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 20:30 h | Festival de Rondallas | Teatro Guimerá |
Friday 28/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 18:00 h | Kid's Parade | Leaving from Parque García Sanabria, goes towards the streets El Pilar, Villalba Hervás y La Marina.calles El Pilar, Villalba Hervás y La Marina. |
| 20:00 h | Festival Galardonados | Plaza de La Candelaria |
| 22:30 h | Street party with live music | Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
Saturday 29/02/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 h 14:00 h |
Kids' Carnival | Plaza Isla de La Madera |
| 17:00 h 20:00 h |
Kids' Carnival | Plaza Isla de La Madera |
| 13:00 h to 20:00 h |
Daytime Carnival - Saturday de PiñataCarnaval de día This is the largest street party during Carnival in Tenerife Location: Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza España and Plaza de la Candelaria |
|
| 20:00 h | Festival de Galardonados | Plaza de La Candelaria |
| 21:30 h | Street party with live music | Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche |
Sunday 01/03/2020
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 h | Big Contest for Antique Cars | After the competition, the cars will tour the streets of the city, starting at 12:00 and the parade will end on Avenida Francisco La Roche |
| 11:00 h | Performance by Filarmónica Ni fú – Ni fá | Plaza del Príncipe |
| 12:00 h | Performance by Agrupación Lírica La Zarzuela del Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero | Plaza del Príncipe |
| 17:00 h | End of the 2020 Tenerife Carnival (Sunday de Piñata ) | Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero |
| 18:00 h | End of the fiesta. Group tour through the city center. Upon completion there will be a fireworks show. | Plaza de La Candelaria |
Tenerife Carnival 2020 theme: The Coquette '50s
The poster for the 2020 edition was also revealed on October 1st 2019 and the author is Javier Nóbrega.
The themes proposed for the 2020 edition were the following:
- From ancient to modern Japan
- Modern Art to Pop Art
- Route 66
- The coquette '50s
- New York, the city that never sleeps
- Urban Tribes
- Cowboys and American Indians
- Bella Italia
It seems that New York was a big favourite for 2020, but in the end, the public voted for "The coquette '50s" as a theme for the carnival in Santa Cruz.
What to do in Tenerife - Our recommendations
Costume ideas for Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
Wondering what to wear to the carnival in Tenerife?
Most of the participants to the carnival in Tenerife will be wearing a costume, and it is highly advisable that you get one as well! It doesn't have to be anything fancy or complicated, a simple wig with some funny sunglasses or a hat will do.
Most of the locals will be dressed in costumes during the street parties, so if you want to blend in, you should try to be prepared. A lot of Chinese shops and supermarkets will sell different types of costumes during the carnival season, so it will not be difficult to find something simple and cheap.
During the parades, people don't tend to come dressed in costumes, but they will definitely be wearing costumes during streets parties like the Daytime carnival.
The Burial of the Sardine is another special day when participants come dressed up as "widows" of the sardine, mourning the poor sardine. So, if you want to be prepared, wear something black, like a black dress (men and women alike!), a veil and even a hat. This event tends to have sexual connotations, so don't be surprised when you see some extravagant costumes on the streets of Santa Cruz!
Our impressions of Tenerife Carnival
We have been to the big Carnival of Tenerife in 2019 and we must admit that we had a better time than we expected.
Since we are not big fans of large crowd gatherings, we thought that we would not enjoy the experience, but we're glad to say that we were wrong and that we absolutely loved every minute of the carnival in Tenerife!
We first went to the Announcement Parade, which took place on a Friday evening and then continued throughout the night with a big party. At this event, there were mostly locals and very few tourists, so it's a good opportunity to see the authentic atmosphere of the Tenerife Carnival.
Although we were a bit afraid of the big crowds, we must say that there was ample space since the parade goes through several long boulevards, so you can pick a less crowded spot along the way.
Regarding safety, although there was a lot of drinking involved, we must say that we never felt unsafe, as there were a lot of Police present everywhere and people were generally friendly, with everyone minding their own business. This might not be the case on every night of the carnival in Tenerife, but we never felt unsafe while we were there.
We went to all the different stages in the city centre, which had different types of music and atmosphere, but we preferred the vibe in Plaza de la Candelaria.
We really liked the Opening parade of the carnival in Tenerife and we would recommend it to anyone (although the big parade before Ash Wednesday is larger and much more popular).
Honestly, the carnival in Santa Cruz was so much fun and we are planning to return for another edition since we did not get to attend in all the events and we'd also like to come better prepared with costumes next time!
Tenerife Carnival Hospital (First Aid)
You must know that there is a big carnival hospital set-up close to the main area of the carnival, so in case you feel sick you can ask around about directions. We were impressed to see how big this area was and it's a good thing that they are able to provide immediate assistance to people who need it.
Transport - How to get around the carnival
Most of the city centre will be blocked and closed to car traffic, so we would advise you to avoid coming by car in the centre area. Instead, you can use public transport and we have a dedicated article for how to get around the carnival in Santa Cruz.
Coming to the island for the big Carnival and wondering how the weather will be?
Read more about Tenerife in February, including info about temperatures and what clothes you should bring with you.
Find the best place to stay in Tenerife when planning your holiday during the carnival. There are lots of nice Airbnbs in Santa Cruz if you want to be there for just a few days while the big events are taking place. Use our Airbnb code when you create your new account and you will get a 34€ discount to use for your first booking.
