If the cold snap is getting you down it could be time to head to Tenerife for The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the best known and celebrated festival on the island. Many holidaymakers stay in the south of the island, but most say the best carnival action is in the north. No problem, it is only 77km from Playa de las Americas, less than an hour by car.
The Tenerife carnival starts in a couple of days time on Friday 12th February, with the opening parade in the evening. From then on it is non-stop action right through to Sunday 21st February. The streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife are flooded with musicians and dancers dressed in brightly coloured costumes, parading before lively carnival goers, often in equally outrageous costumes. The party goes on late into the night!
Watch out for the Carnival Queen, who is due to be chosen today.
A mid-point in the festivities will be reached on Thursday 18th February, with the “entierran la sardina” (burial of the sardine) when the carnival is officially dismissed. But don’t worry, it starts again the following weekend, known as the weekend of “piñata”, culminating in a massive firework display on Sunday evening (21st February).
The Tenerife carnival has a long tradition on the island, and was banned during the Franco era. However, it still went ahead, thinly disguised as a Winter Festival. They couldn’t stop the people of Tenerife celebrating this colourful and lively tradition then, and they can’t stop them now!
There are huge numbers of flights to Tenerife from many UK airports and a limited number of flights to Tenerife North itself. Grab a flight and book a Tenerife hotel or a Tenerife apartment in one of over 30 resorts featured by TravelRepublic.
The Tenerife Carnival is waiting for you!