Tenerife Carnivals 2010

From 12th to 21st of Februrary 2010

They are held in all towns and cities of the island, but with greater splendor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz. This festival in Santa Cruz island reaches an identity for the attractiveness of that importance. A great number of activities that are scheduled by the respective municipalities through their festival committees. The carnival is lived on the street. The "Plaza de España" in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is decorated with numerous stalls and kiosks that animate the music festival grounds. Upon being elected the carnival queen and her court and the child queen is passed to the Carnival Procession.

The next week is full of competitions murgas, street musicians, extras, costume contests and a parade of vintage cars. The great apotheosis takes place on Shrove Tuesday with the "coso" (ride that begins in mid-afternoon).

The burial of the sardine is another ritual that takes place in all the areas mentioned, although in Realejos, La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz is celebrated with greatest splendor. The sardine is made from rags. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife procession carries a kite with a huge sardine placed on a throne. Mourners, pregnant men, widows roam the streets in tears and attacks of all kinds.

With the "little piñata", on Saturday and Sunday after Mardi Gras this festivity ends, where festivals, parades and exhibitions take place.

Check the CARNIVAL 2010 PROGRAM here