While the full, definitive program for every single small town won't be finalized until closer to the dates, here is a detailed directory of the main events and key dates for the major Carnivals in Tenerife North (Santa Cruz, La Laguna) and the key dates for the biggest one in Tenerife South (Los Cristianos/Arona).

🎭 Tenerife Carnival 2026 Key Dates 

The Carnival celebrations across the island primarily fall between mid-January and mid-March 2026, with the main festivities centered in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in February. 

Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Jan 16 - Feb 22, 2026 - Coso Apoteosis (Main Parade): Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Los Cristianos/Arona - March 5 - March 16, 2026 - Grand Carnival Parade: Sunday, March 15, 2026  

🎊 Carnival Events in Santa Cruz and La Laguna (North) 

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the undisputed heart of the Carnival and hosts the grandest events. La Laguna often has a more traditional celebration that can be enjoyed throughout the main period.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Main Event Highlights

• Theme: 'Ritmos latinos' (Latin Rhythms)

• Official Start: Friday, January 16, 2026 (Opening Ceremony)

• Queen Election Gala: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (The glamorous main event)

• Opening Parade (Cabalgata Anunciadora): Friday, February 13, 2026 (Announces the start of the street party)

• Rhythm and Harmony Comparsas Parade: Saturday, February 14, 2026

• Daytime Carnival (Carnaval de Día): Sunday, February 15 & Saturday, February 21, 2026

• Coso Apoteosis (Grand Carnival Parade): Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (The spectacular main parade)

• Burial of the Sardine (Entierro de la Sardina): Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (A bizarre, hilarious mock funeral)

• Piñata Sunday (End of Carnival): Sunday, February 22, 2026
  
  

La Laguna - Carnival in La Laguna generally runs concurrently with Santa Cruz. While it has its own official calendar of smaller events, the main street party is largely enjoyed by taking the tram or a short drive to Santa Cruz for the massive night parties and main parades.

☀️ Carnival Events in Tenerife South

The largest and most significant Carnival celebration in the south is held in Los Cristianos (Arona municipality), and it generally takes place later than the capital's.

Los Cristianos (Arona) - Main Event Highlights

The Los Cristianos International Carnival is the one to attend if you are staying in the South. The municipality of Arona includes Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, and other resorts.

• Anticipated Dates: Thursday, March 5 to Monday, March 16, 2026

• Opening Parade: Saturday, March 7, 2026 (Often along the Golden Mile in Playa de las Américas/Los Cristianos)

• Drag Queen Show: Usually a Friday or Saturday night event (e.g., Friday, March 13, 2026)

• Grand Carnival Parade (Gran Coso Apoteosis): Sunday, March 15, 2026

• Burial of the Sardine (End of Carnival): Monday, March 16, 2026

Golf del Sur and San Miguel de Abona

The Carnivals in the smaller municipalities like San Miguel de Abona (which includes Golf del Sur, San Blas, Los Abrigos) are generally more localized and community-focused.

• They usually take place on a single weekend or a few days after the main Santa Cruz and Los Cristianos events.

• To find the specific program for San Miguel de Abona/Golf del Sur, 

you will need to check the official website of the San Miguel de Abona Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de San Miguel de Abona) closer to the date (usually late January or February 2026). Their celebrations typically include a small Coso (parade) and a night of street parties in the town center of San Miguel.