Carnival in Santa Cruz
de Tenerife 2026

Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026

Carnival is the best time to experience the pink nightlife in Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz. The city hosts one of the biggest Carnival parties in Europe.

• Visiting Tenerife for Carnival? Book your stay early! The AC Hotel is rated “Fabulous” and is just a short trip to the parties and the beaches. The hotel has a rooftop pool, fully equipped gym and stylish designer rooms.

The Gay Parties

• Next Edition: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – Sunday, February 22, 2026
• Gay visitors to Carnival in Santa Cruz can enjoy a dedicated LGBT+ zone located in Plaza de San Francisco is the with the support of the island’s LGBT association, Algarabía
• Dates are based on the traditional fall of Lent. Some specific event dates may change.
• The gay events are typically held on the last 10 days of the carnival celebrations. 

Plaza San Francisco

• Plaza de San Francisco is the hub of the gay carnival, where everyone’s visible, under makeup, sequins and wigs!
• Drinks are reasonably priced and the organisers host a fun event with camp music and several artists and performances.
• Events run for 10 days and nights.

La Alameda de la Libertad

• The Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena will host a safe space for the LGBTIQ+ community during the Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnivals.
• It is a space that has been presented under the slogan ‘La Alameda de la Libertad‘ and that once again has the organization of Global Canarias Events together with Clandestina nightclub and the Hoy me Otro Penca party.
• The square will feature bars, kiosks, food trucks and live performances.

Gay Bars Hosting Events

• Popular gay bars in Santa Cruz include, Heroes Bar for great cocktails, The Boss for cruising and Clandestina for Drag Shows and DJs.
• García Sanabria Park becomes a popular cruising area on carnival nights.
• Stay in the heart of Santa Cruz, just steps from the bars and restaurants at the Urban Anaga Hotel, featuring spacious designer rooms, highly-rated breakfasts and an excellent location.

Santa Cruz Carnival – Schedule of Events

• Wednesday (typically before Fat Tuesday) – Election of the Carnival Queen, 21:30 at the Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos.
• Friday (typically before Fat Tuesday)  – Opening Parade, 20:00 – Starting at  la plaza de la República Dominicana, ending at La Marina and la Avenida Francisco La Roche.
• Saturday (typically after Fat Tuesday)  – Daytime Carnival, 13:00 – Plaza del Príncipe, Ron Barceló-Plaza de La Candelaria and Avenida Francisco La Roche
• Sunday (typically after Fat Tuesday) – Parade of Vintage Cars, 12:00 – Francis La Roche Avenue, followed by the ending party – Prince’s Square 5:00 p.m. Grand End of Carnival Party with a spectacular firework display.
• Wednesday 18th February, 2026 – Burial of the Sardine, 22:00 – at la avenida Marítima.
• You can pre-purchase tickets for these events in advance.

Dragnaval Tenerife

• Monday (typically before Fat Tuesday) – Carnaval Monday, includes Dragnaval 2025, Drag Queen Gala, from 9 pm in the Plaza de la Candelaria.
• In this second edition, the competition will bring together a maximum of 12 participants , who must demonstrate their talent, originality and staging to win over the jury and the public.
• The Dragnaval has established itself as one of the major attractions of the Chicharrero Carnival, offering a space where creativity and diversity are the protagonists. With its spectacular nature, dazzling costumes and impressive choreographies , this gala has become a benchmark for drag art in the Canary Islands.

The Main Parade

• Tuesday 17th February 2026, Shrove Tuesday –  Rhythm, colour, flamboyance, luxury and of course the most brilliant spectacle are the fundamental ingredients for this Carnival.
• The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the most “Brazilian” of all the Spanish carnivals. After all, Santa Cruz is the twin city of Rio de Janeiro.
• The highlight of the carnival is the main parade, el Coso, which takes place on the last Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) of the event.
• Events kick off at 11:00 at Plaza del Príncipe and continue at 20:00 at the Ron Barceló Stage in the Plaza de La Candelaria.

Hotels close to the gay area in Santa Cruz

Stay close to the action in the centre of Santa Cruz by choosing one of these highly rated hotels:
Iberostar Heritage,    Hotel Taburiente,    Urban Anaga,    Hotel Colon Rambla.