Tenerife is an island known for its spectacular events. Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival is one of such events. This carnival attracts millions of people from everywhere being one of the best celebrated events in Spain. If you are looking for lively entertainment and the time of your life, now is not the time to miss this carnival. Since this is a very popular event, it might be a good idea to book flights to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in advance. This time of the year is a ideal for getting great deals on flights and cheap hotels.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival usually starts around the 18th of February and could last up to the 1st of March. The Carnival is similar to the celebrated Brazilian carnivals which normally involve people parading in their brightly coloured and extravagant costumes.

After more than two weeks of fierce competition, Santa Cruz de Tenerife officially begins with the election of the Queen which is more of a gala affair with decorations, floats and parades. The election is followed by a proclamation parade to announce the start of the carnival. This involves a lot of merrymaking with music and dancing. Sometimes, the lyrics of the songs are politically inclined but offered with a great sense of humour. Next is the apotheosis of the carnival known as 'Coso' which is meant to mark the end of the carnival. This particular day, people parade the streets with different dances and a lot of fireworks. There is also the burial of the sardine which usually takes place on the first day of lent to signify the end of the carnival and an end to luxurious eating. This day, a lot of people dress in mourning costumes in a long procession carrying a symbolized giant paper-made sardine ready to be burnt. Some of the participants pretend to be widows and even resort to mock wailings. Santa cruz de Tenerife is finally wrapped up with Pinata Chica which is celebrated with shows, dances and more parades.

The time of the Carnival is a good opportunity to savour the great tastes of Santa Cruz de Tenerife because this is when the best of the Canaries' foods are prepared. Here, visitors get treated to sumptuous meals and some serenading. It's recommended to try them accompanied by great local wine.

Words alone cannot describe how important this carnival is as it is better experienced than imagined.