Glitter, costumes, music and unbridled joy: it’s carnival time in Tenerife and Bahía del Duque! This yearly celebration, which captures the hearts and souls of the inhabitants of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is one of the most highly anticipated and thrilling festivities worldwide. With a history that has withstood the passing of time, the Carnival of Tenerife is much more than an event: it is a cultural and artistic manifestation as well as an identifying characteristic of the Canary Islands.
Our hotel Bahía del Duque located in Costa Adeje and a member of The Tais Hotels & Villas is the perfect base of operations to combine the best of the intense rhythm and the peace of an exclusive environment. After thrilling the carnival’s costumes and dancing, the perfect segue is to relax in our pools, stroll through our lush gardens or put yourself in the expert hands of the staff of our internationally acclaimed spa Bahía Wellness Retreat. This extraordinary experience only gets better with the culinary delights of our hotel’s ten restaurants, one of which holds a Michelin star.
Worldwide recognition
Proud and untamed, the Carnival of Tenerife was declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest in 1980 and earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records in 1987 for its turnout of over 200,000 at a historic open-air concert of the iconic Cuban artist Celia Cruz. Considered the most important carnival in Europe and second only to that of Rio de Janeiro worldwide, it is the most eagerly awaited data among the island’s inhabitants, drawing every year thousands of tourists who hope to experience its magic.
Rhythm, colour and tradition
As part of the festivities, over 100 carnival associations take to the city’s streets and stages with their vibrant energy. Carnival artists, musical groups, associations and artists lead the celebration, filling Santa Cruz de Tenerife with processions and shows that are brimming with creativity, satire and passion. Each procession is a stunning display of light and colour that delights and astounds locals and visitors.
The majesty of the Carnival Queen election ceremony
One of the most emblematic moments of the Carnival of Tenerife is the Carnival Queen election ceremony, during which the candidates don breath-taking costumes of original fantasy creations. Authentic works of art in motion, the costumes can weigh more than 400 kilograms and are the result of months of hard work, enthusiasm and dedication. They are adorned with diverse materials such as fabrics, semiprecious stones, feathers and sequins that are fastened to a steel structure of considerable dimensions.
Daytime Carnival: fun for the whole family
The carnival’s night-time festivities are supplemented by daytime activities, which take place in the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and have become very popular in recent years, especially as an ideal form of family-oriented entertainment. Starting at midday, the city is filled with live music as the island’s famously sunny winter climate warms the hearts of spectators. At this largely improvised event, both locals and visitors are welcome to take part in original and surprising costumes that thrill old and young alike.
Journey to the heart of the carnival
The Carnival House Museum features an impressive collection of costumes, musical instruments and images that reveal the evolution of this unique cultural phenomenon. It is the ideal destination for those who wish to learn about the history of this spectacular celebration.
Take a journey into our carnival’s world of fantasy with the help of our Club House staff. They will gladly organise a schedule of experiences that will take you to the heart of this incredible celebration.
