On January 12th, a spectacular gala marked the beginning of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, the island's biggest and most important celebration. While the official inauguration occurred on that day, it wasn't until six days later, on January 18th, that the first event of the year took place, the initial phase of the children's “murga” gala.
To keep you informed about all the upcoming events and activities that will fill the streets of the island's capital, here's an overview of this year's program, featuring all of the contests, galas, and street parties.
Here are some of the highlights over the next three weeks:
January 27th and 28th: the Musical Group Contest will take place on Saturday at 8:00pm, followed by the Children's Carnival Queen Selection Gala on Sunday at 6:00pm at the Recinto Ferial.
January 31st (Wednesday at 5:30pm), don't miss the Senior Carnival Queen Selection Gala, then on
On February 2nd, at 8:30pm in the Guimerá Theatre, "La Canción de la Risa" (The Song of Laughter) will take centre stage.
February 3rd, Saturday, will showcase the Comparsas Contest at 8:00pm in the Recinto Ferial and the traditional Los Fregolinos Concert at 8:30pm in the Guimerá Theatre.
On February 4th, Sunday, the Fancy Dress Contest in the Recinto Ferial and the Rondallas Contest at the main Auditorium, starting at 5:00pm.
February 7th, Wednesday, brings one of the most anticipated moments: the Carnival Queen Selection Gala at 9:30pm in the Recinto Ferial.
On February 8th, Thursday, enjoy the Zarzuela Festival at 8:30pm in the Guimerá Theatre.
Finally, on February 9th, Friday, the celebration spreads throughout the city as the traditional Parade kicks off the Street Carnival. Starting at 8:00pm, the floats and groups will traverse the Dominican Republic Plaza.
On Saturday, February 10th, on Avenida Francisco La Roche at 9:00pm, the Ritmo y Armonía Contest will take place.
On Sunday, February 11th, the Ni Fú-Ni Fá Philharmonic Orchestra will perform with Los Fregolinos in the Plaza de Principe starting at 11:00am. At 1:00pm, one of the most awaited events arrives: the Daytime Carnival across the city centre.
On Carnival Tuesday (February 13th), the Ni Fú-Ni Fá Philharmonic and Los Fregolinos will perform again at 11:00am. On Avenida Francisco La Roche, the traditional Coso will take place from 4:00pm onwards.
February 14th, Wednesday, marks the traditional Burial of the Sardine, starting at 8:00pm as the symbolic fish and mourners proceed from Calle Juan Pablo II.
On February 15th, Thursday, the Rondallas Festival will enchant audiences at the Guimerá Theatre from 8:00pm.
February 16th, Friday, will feature the Children's Coso from 6:00pm in the García Sanabria Park. The Award Winners Festival will follow at 8:00pm in Plaza España.
On Saturday, February 17th, the Day Carnival takes centre stage again, starting at 1:00pm in the city centre.
Finally, on Sunday, February 18th, the festivities come to a close with a final performance by the Ni Fú-Ni Fá Philharmonic and Los Fregolinos in the Plaza de Principe from 11:00am. The Grand Finale will be at 6:00pm in the Círculo de la Amistad XII de Enero, culminating in a dazzling firework display bidding farewell to the Carnival at 6:00pm.
