Puerto de la Cruz Carnival 2026: Dates, Events & What to Expect as a Visitor
If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife in February 2026, experiencing the Puerto de la Cruz Carnival should be right at the top of your list. This is one of the island’s most enjoyable and visitor-friendly carnivals — colourful, lively and full of character, without feeling overwhelming.
As someone who knows Puerto de la Cruz well, this carnival has a very special charm. It takes place right in the town centre, locals actively take part, and visitors are always made to feel welcome — whether you’re travelling with children or looking to enjoy the party atmosphere in the evenings.
Below you’ll find the key dates, main events and locations, along with a few practical tips to help you enjoy the carnival like a local.
Please note: Dates are confirmed by the municipality, while exact times and routes are usually published closer to the event. This guide will be updated if there are any changes.
When Is Puerto de la Cruz Carnival 2026?
Carnival celebrations: Friday 6 February – Saturday 28 February 2026
Main carnival week: 12 – 22 February 2026
Big parade weekend: Saturday 21 February 2026
Although events run throughout the month, the real carnival atmosphere builds from mid-February onwards.
Where Does the Carnival Take Place?
One of the best things about Puerto de la Cruz Carnival is how easy it is to enjoy on foot.
📍 Plaza del Charco
This is the heart of the carnival. If you’re only visiting for one day, this is where you’ll want to be. Expect:
Live music and DJ sets
Carnival stages
Street bars and a buzzing atmosphere day and night
📍 Town Centre Streets
Surrounding streets such as Calle Quintana and Avenida Familia de Betancourt y Molina host parades, street parties and informal celebrations.
📍 Seafront & Harbour Area
The backdrop for some of the most traditional events, including the Burial of the Sardine, with the ocean adding to the atmosphere.
Main Events & Dates – Puerto de la Cruz Carnival 2026
🎭 Official Carnival Opening
Friday 6 February 2026 | Evening | Town Centre Stage
The carnival officially begins with music, performances and the presentation of the year’s theme. It’s a great introduction to the weeks ahead and usually attracts both locals and visitors.
👑 Carnival Queen Gala
Thursday 12 February 2026 | Evening | Main Carnival Stage
One of the most impressive events of the carnival. The costumes are genuinely spectacular — large, detailed and incredibly colourful. This event is suitable for all ages and is a favourite with visitors.
🎉 Street Carnival (Carnaval en la Calle)
Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February 2026 | Afternoon & Evening | Plaza del Charco and surrounding streets
This is when Puerto de la Cruz really comes alive:
Families enjoy the afternoon atmosphere
Costumes everywhere you look
Music and dancing continue into the night
Saturday night in particular is very lively and popular with party-goers.
🎶 Entrecalles
Monday 16 February 2026 | Afternoon | Town Centre
A more relaxed but very local event, where carnival groups move through different streets performing music and dances. It’s a lovely way to experience the carnival without the crowds of the weekend.
🐟 Burial of the Sardine (Entierro de la Sardina)
Wednesday 18 February 2026 | Evening | From Town Centre to Seafront
A traditional and slightly surreal event that symbolically marks the end of the main carnival days. Despite the name, it’s humorous and theatrical rather than sombre — and well worth seeing.
👠 Mascarita Ponte Tacón
Friday 20 February 2026 | Evening | Town Centre Streets
One of Puerto de la Cruz’s most famous and entertaining events. Men dressed in extravagant costumes and high heels parade and compete through the streets, cheered on by large crowds. It’s great fun and completely unique to this carnival.
🎊 Grand Parade (Gran Coso Apoteósico)
Saturday 21 February 2026 | Afternoon | Main Parade Route
This is the biggest and most visually impressive event of the entire carnival:
Floats
Dance groups
Live music
Hundreds of participants in costume
It’s ideal for families, photographers and anyone wanting to see the carnival at its best.