Carnival, Festivals and Events in Tenerife
From the excess of the Tenerife carnival to the flower carpets of Corpus Christi, the island lives to the rhythm of colourful festivals. The Santa Cruz carnival is one of the world's biggest, but romerías, pilgrimages and patron-saint festivals also punctuate the whole year. We haven't attended them yet; this guide gathers verified, up-to-date information to spot the events not to miss and plan your trip around them.
The essentials at a glance
- Santa Cruz carnival (February): one of the world's biggest, parades, carnival queen, murgas.
- Corpus Christi (June): carpets of flowers and Teide volcanic sand in La Orotava and La Laguna.
- Candelaria (2 February and August): pilgrimage to the patron saint of the Canaries.
- Romerías (spring-summer): costumed pilgrimages, decorated carts and the baile de magos.
Our approach: verified research, not first-hand experience (yet)
- We haven't attended these festivals yet. This guide is based on official sources; as dates change each year, check the year's calendar before booking.
- We'll enrich it with our own on-the-ground experience after our next visit. Until then, the details are indicative: check them before you go.
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival
This is the island's flagship event. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival, in February, is renowned as one of the world's biggest carnivals, often cited behind Rio's. Spectacular costumes, murgas and comparsas, the election of the carnival queen and the grand parade (Coso) set the capital alight for around ten days.
Each edition has a theme, and the atmosphere fills the whole city, day and night. Dates change each year with the calendar: book your accommodation early, as the city fills up fast.
Corpus Christi and the flower carpets
In June, Corpus Christi brings one of the island's most photogenic traditions: the alfombras, sumptuous ephemeral carpets made of flowers and volcanic sand from Teide, covering the streets of La Orotava and La Laguna.
This work by local artists, built then walked over during the procession, is a unique spectacle. La Orotava is the most famous for its great carpets, including a huge one on the town-hall square.
Candelaria, romerías and patron festivals
Beyond carnival, Tenerife's festivals punctuate the year. The Virgen de la Candelaria, patron saint of the Canaries, is celebrated in Candelaria on 2 February and in mid-August, with great pilgrimages to the basilica.
Planning your trip around the festivals
Attending a festival transforms a trip but calls for planning. For carnival in particular, book your accommodation in Tenerife very early, as Santa Cruz and its surroundings fill up months ahead.
Car hire in Tenerife helps to reach festivals spread across the villages. To plan the rest of your trip, see our Tenerife guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Tenerife carnival?
In February, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, over around ten days. Dates change each year with the calendar: check the year's programme and book early.
Is the Santa Cruz carnival one of the world's biggest?
Yes, it's renowned as one of the world's biggest carnivals, often cited just behind Rio de Janeiro's, with parades, murgas and the election of the carnival queen.
What are the Corpus Christi alfombras?
Large ephemeral carpets made of flowers and volcanic sand from Teide, covering the streets of La Orotava and La Laguna during Corpus Christi, in June.
What is a romería in Tenerife?
A festive pilgrimage in traditional dress, with decorated ox-drawn carts and the baile de magos. Romerías mainly enliven spring and summer.
Do you need to book ahead for the carnival?
Yes, absolutely: Santa Cruz and its surroundings sell out months ahead for carnival. Book your accommodation as early as possible.