Welcome to Summer Carnival in Tenerife

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

There are many reasons why we love Tenerife: the locals, cuisine, papas arrugás (wrinkly potatoes), black-sand beaches, charming village streets and the way they go all out for any kind of celebration. Tenerife is, without a doubt, one of the ‘happiest’ destinations in Spain, where no-one can feel down with all the exciting festivities happening all around them. Be taken over by this magical island when you plan your all-inclusive holiday to Tenerife for this month during one of the liveliest events of the year for the Summer Carnival has arrived, which is an enticing festivity that we strongly recommend discovering from the comfort of our hotels in Tenerife.

On 14th, 15th and 16th September, the Summer Carnival will arrive, preceding the Winter Carnival of Tenerife. This celebration brings together people of all ages and is the best way to discover the way locals celebrate their culture during one of the warmest times of year. Parades, batucada (substyle of samba), orchestras, shows and concerts… All of this takes place by the beautiful coastal promenade in the zones of Avenida Colón, Paseo San Telmo and Plaza de Europa. This event started three years ago to recognise the importance of conserving the culture of Tenerife at any time of the year and has since gained a lot of popularity.

From midday on Friday 14th until midnight on Sunday 16th, locals and tourists can enjoy a wide variety of activities and shows during this carnival. Enjoy salsa workshops, stalls for face and body painting, dances, exhibitions where you can admire traditional wear for the carnival and endless parades of masks, stilts and bands… Discover everything that makes Tenerife so incredible during a weekend jam-packed with culture, tradition and, above all, fun!

One of the most popular aspects of this carnival is the exhibitions of Murga (musical theatre), choirs of more than twenty people who sing songs about society and the state of the country for humorous effect, accompanied by a percussion band. These songs are usually made up of popular Canarian songs, the interpretation of which is a fundamental part of the carnivals. These murga exhibitions involve a contest of the best dressed, best lyrics and best interpretation.

Food is also a very important part of these celebrations. With this being said, you will find food stalls serving the best cuisine of the Canary Islands which we strongly recommend trying. Some unbeatable specialties are papas (potatoes) con mojo (a sauce), chickpea stew, sancocho (a soup), fish churros, roast potatoes, gofio (roasted grains) and frangollo (a dessert). Any one of these is a treat for your tastebuds that can be combined with a wide range of artisanal beer and local wine.

The last day of the festival is reserved for fanfares: metal instrument bands that play short but intense musical pieces. This the final part of carnival and is the best way to end summer as you wait expectantly for the Winter Carnival. Are you ready for a weekend of fun and excitement?