The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, held annually on the Spanish island of Tenerife, is a renowned event that draws visitors from around the world and a bucket list item. This vibrant celebration is known for its lively music, colorful costumes, and joyful atmosphere. It is held during the same time of year as Carnivals in Nice, France and Venice, Italy.
During the carnival, the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife come alive with parades, dances, and competitions. The highlight of the event is the Carnival Queen election, a contest in which contestants wear elaborate costumes and perform dances to impress the judges.
In addition to the main parade, there are numerous other activities and events that take place during the carnival, including street parties, music concerts, and traditional performances. This makes it a truly unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to attend.
If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife, make sure to visit during the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and festive spirit of the Canary Islands.
What to see and do in Tenerife
With its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and vibrant cultural scene, Tenerife is a popular tourist destination that offers a wide variety of things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions:
- Teide National Park: This beautiful park is home to Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, as well as many hiking trails and scenic drives.
- Loro Parque: This popular zoo and botanical garden is home to many exotic animals, including penguins, dolphins, parrots, and primates, as well as a large aquarium and many beautiful gardens.
- Siam Park: This water park is one of the largest and most popular attractions in Tenerife, with many exciting water rides, slides, and pools, as well as a wave pool, lazy river, and beach area.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: This is the capital of Tenerife and is home to many historical landmarks, such as the Church of Our Lady of Concepcion, the Plaza de España, and the Museum of Fine Arts, as well as many shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
- Playa de las Americas: This popular beach resort is located on the southern coast of Tenerife and is known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and many water sports and beach activities.
- Garachico: This charming town is located on the northwest coast of Tenerife and is known for its historic landmarks, such as the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, the Plaza de la Libertad, and the Castle of San Miguel, as well as its beautiful beaches and scenic cliffs.
These are just a few of the many attractions and activities in Tenerife, so whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just relaxing in the sun, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful island.
Canarian food in Tenerife
Canarian food is the cuisine of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa. Due to its location, Canarian food has a unique blend of Spanish, African, and Latin American influences. Some popular dishes and ingredients in Canarian cuisine include:
- Papas arrugadas con mojo: This is a signature Canarian dish of boiled potatoes served with two types of sauce – green mojo made with cilantro and garlic and red mojo made with paprika and garlic.
- Gofio: Gofio is a flour made from roasted grains that is a staple food in the Canary Islands. It is often mixed with water or milk to make a type of porridge, or used in desserts.
- Potaje de berros: A hearty stew made with watercress, potatoes, chickpeas, and sometimes meat.
- Queso de cabra: Canarian goat cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, often served as a starter or used in salads.
- Cherne: Cherne, a white fish found in the waters around the Canary Islands, is often grilled or fried and served with papas arrugadas and mojo.
- Carne de cabra: Goat meat is a common ingredient in Canarian cuisine, often used in stews and casseroles.
- Mojo picón: A spicy sauce made with garlic, paprika, and chili peppers, often served with meat or fish.
In addition to these traditional dishes, Canarian cuisine also features a variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local wines. Overall, Canarian food is known for its simple, flavorful ingredients and the influence of the island’s unique cultural heritage.
How to get to Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Tenerife is a popular holiday destination, and there are several ways to get there from Europe:
- By Air: The most common way to get to Tenerife is by air. There are several airlines that operate flights from major cities in Europe to Tenerife’s two airports, Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Some of the airlines that operate flights to Tenerife include Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and Norwegian Air.
- By Ferry: There are also ferry services that operate between Tenerife and several cities in Europe, such as Cadiz and Huelva in Spain, and Santa Cruz de la Palma in the Canary Islands. These ferry services are operated by companies like Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen.
- By Road: It is also possible to get to Tenerife by road. However, this option would involve driving to one of the southern ports in Spain, such as Algeciras or Malaga, and then taking a ferry to Tenerife.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it is recommended to research the travel requirements, including COVID-19 protocols and entry requirements, before planning your trip to Tenerife.
