Carnaval in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest and most vibrant carnival celebrations in the world. It takes place annually on the island of Tenerife, which is part of the Canary Islands, Spain. The Tenerife carnaval usually occurs in February or March, just before Lent, and it’s known for its colorful parades, elaborate costumes, lively music, and energetic street parties. It is a much different vibe than found at the Carnivals in Venice or Nice, France.
The Tenerife carnival is famous for its spectacular costumes and competitions, including the selection of the carnival queen and her court. The festivities often last for several weeks, with various events and activities taking place throughout the city. It’s a time when locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy the festive atmosphere and embrace the spirit of celebration.
The streets are filled with music, dancing, and entertainment, with people of all ages participating in the festivities. Traditional foods and drinks are also enjoyed during the carnival, adding to the cultural experience. Overall, Carnaval in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a vibrant and lively celebration that showcases the rich culture and heritage of the Canary Islands.
History of the Tenerife Carnaval
Tenerife Carnival has roots dating back centuries. It originated as a pagan festival celebrated by the Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, to honor their gods and celebrate the arrival of spring.
With the arrival of Spanish conquerors in the 15th century, Christian traditions merged with the pagan festivities, leading to the evolution of the carnival as we know it today. Over time, it became a significant event in Tenerife’s cultural calendar.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the carnival faced restrictions and was even banned at times due to its excessive revelry. However, it persisted, and by the 20th century, it had regained popularity, evolving into the elaborate and extravagant celebration it is today.
Modern Tenerife Carnival features colorful parades, elaborate costumes, lively music, and street parties that attract thousands of visitors from around the world. Each year, the carnival has a theme, and participants compete in various contests, including costume competitions and dance-offs.
The main events typically take place in the capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, although other towns across the island also host their own celebrations. The carnival culminates with the burial of the sardine, symbolizing the end of the festivities and the beginning of Lent.
Tenerife Carnival has become an essential part of the island’s identity, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and providing a platform for locals and tourists alike to come together in joyous celebration.
Tibidabo offers stunning views of Barcelona & the Mediterranean
One of the great ways to use a Barcelona BusTuristic or Hop On – Hop Off pass is to stop in Tibidabo. The stop will take you one to two hours but it will be well worth the time and money. Tibidabo is the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola, thus the views are spectacular. Tibidabo offers stunning views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean not to mention some great architectural works.
Upon reaching the Tibidabo bus stop, you will notice the Andrea Tower, also referred to as La Rotunda. La Rotunda was built by Adolf Ruiz i Casamitjana in 1906. Just outside of this building is the tram, which takes you to funicular for the breathtaking views atop the mountain.The funicular, opened in 1901, is one of three in Barcelona. It travels a length of 1,130 meters. The other two are the Funicular de Vallvidrera and the Funicular de Montjuïc.
If the tram is not working, the Metro bus stop is a few feet away and will take you to funicular in a short 10-15 minute bus ride.
The Funicular to Tibidabo Mountain
The funicular is priced at 7.70 euros, roundtrip, but using a coupon from the hop on bus company, the price drops to six euros. Travel up the mountain top in the first car that faces downward. As you ascend, the first car has open windows from which you can stand and shoot some great pictures of Barcelona.
The Views of Barcelona
Forget about the amusement park that greets you when you depart the funicular. Instead, look at the beautiful Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor. In English, it is the Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Expiatori del Sagrat Cor
Started in 1902 by the Spanish architect Enric Sagnier, Expiatori del Sagrat Cor was completed by his son Josep Maria Sagnier i Vidal in 1961. You can learn about the historical significance at this Wikipedia page.
As mentioned, the views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean are worth the visit. From the top of Mount Tibidabo, one can see the Mediterranean in the background and La Familia Sagrada in the foreground.
Spectacular views of La Sagrada Familia from Tibidabo
Final Thoughts on the Views of Barcelona
I stated earlier that a stop via those hop on and hop off busses would be worth the time. That’s because getting to Tibidabo is a journey via public transportation. Plus, you really only need an hour or two to appreciate the views. So, save yourself some time if you use the hop on and hop off bus.
Montserrat from Barcelona is a day trip worth taking. Montserrat is a monastery located atop an unusual rock mountain in Catalonia, Spain. It has a history that goes back to the 11th century when Benedictine monks built the monastery. Extremely popular among Catholic pilgrims, the Black Madonna, mother of Jesus, is one reason for its popularity.
Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona
Montserrat is a 30-mile journey from Barcelona and it is easily accessible by train or car. If you travel by train, and I would highly recommend that you do, take the cable car instead of the Funicular option.
From Barcelona, take the FGC R5 train from Placa d’Espanya to one of two stops. Montserrat Aeri is the stop for cable car and the next stop, Monistrol de Montserrat, is the stop for the funicular.
Which stop is best? For the views, the cable cannot be beat. For comfort after a long day, take the funicular. By the time the train arrives in Montserrat Aeri, it is usually quite full. This requires passengers to stand or sit on the floor for the hour journey back to Barcelona. Another point about the cable car ride, the station at the top requires a 500m walk on a narrow paved path with stairs at the end (around 40 steps).
Trains run every hour. As the signage inside the train station is almost non-existent, leave yourself an extra 15-minutes or so to find the train. Just keep looking for the little R5 sign. Oh, and try to take the 9:30 am train or earlier – that will allow you to beat the tour buses that arrive at Montserrat at around 11 am or so.
Black Madonna
Pope Leo XIII declared the Virgin of Montserrat patroness of Catalonia. The Virgin of Montserrat is a statue of the Virgin Mary and infant Christ located in the sanctuary of the Mare de Deu de Montserrat (rear of the Basilica chapel) and surrounded by altar of gold. The line can be long but it will also give you access to a view of the altar and church from up above. Well worth the wait.
The famous Black Madonna. You can touch the ball she holds for good luck!
L’Escolania or Boys’ Choir
L’Escolania is a boys’ choir of sopranos and altos, singing every day in the Basilica of Montserrat, except when we there.
The inside of the Basillica where you can hear the Boys’ Choir. The light in the middle of the picture, above the altar, is the Black Madonna.
Enjoy the panoramic views
Monserrat has numerous well-marked hiking trails. Taking a journey up to Montserrat’s highest point, Sant Jeroni, allows for a view of nearly all of Catalonia and the island of Majorca on a clear day.
Gaudi’s influence
Gaudi was 31 years old, in love, but rejected for not being upper class. Jilted, Gaudi instead went to Montserrat, left his mark and came back with the inspiration for Sagrada Familia.
The grounds of Montserrat.
In summary, this is a very easy day trip from Barcelona, leaving plenty of time afterwards for a short rest and an evening dinner back in Barcelona. Lastly, I have been told that pick-pocketing is quite common at the train station, especially around the automated machines. Do you have any tips for visiting Montserrat?
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.
Tibidabo offers the best views of Barcelona & the Mediterranean
One of the great ways to use a Barcelona BusTuristic or Hop On – Hop Off pass is to stop in Tibidabo. The stop will take you one to two hours, but it will be well worth the time and money. Tibidabo is the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola. Thus, the views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean are stunning – as stunning as the views from Montserant.
The view from Tibidabo
Upon reaching the Tibidabo bus stop, you will notice Torre Andreu, also referred to as La Rotunda. La Rotunda was built by Adolf Ruiz i Casamitjana in 1906.
Torre Andreu, also known as “La Rotonda ” is a neoclassical modernist building that was completed in 1918. It is famous for its distinctive oriental pagoda pictured above, which has intricate mosaic work on the inside and columns.
Just outside of this building is the tram, which takes you to the funicular for the breathtaking views atop the mountain. The funicular opened in 1901. It is one of three funiculars in Barcelona. The other two are the Funicular de Vallvidrera and the Funicular de Montjuïc.
Sagrat Cor Church
Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor.
At Tibidabo, you will also find the Sagrat Cor church and Tibidabo Amusement Park. Sagrat Cor is entirely appropriate as this is where it is reported that the devil tempted Jesus. Tibidabo originates from the Latin Vulgate Bible verses, Matthew 4:9 and Luke 4:6. The phrase, tibi dabo, means I will give to you, which was supposedly said to Jesus by the devil as they looked down from a mountain on the kingdoms of the world. A sculpture of the Sacred Heart by Josep Miret Llopart sits on top of the church.
Transportation Alternatives
If the tram is not working, the Metro bus stop is a few feet away, and it too will take you to the funicular in a short 10-15 minute bus ride.
