Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a weeks-long celebration with parades, concerts, and contests that fill the city's streets with color and music. The program features marches with elaborately decorated floats, performances by musical groups, and various stage events at different locations.
The celebration has roots dating back to the late colonial period and has been observed with costumes and groups since the late 1700s. In 1980 the festival received international tourist recognition, and in 2000 it was declared the Carnival Capital of the World.
The carnival brings people together in street celebrations where groups dress in elaborate costumes reflecting local stories and themes. Residents and visitors share in dancing, music, and creative expressions that fill the public spaces.
Many street activities are free and open to everyone, while galas and special events require advance ticket purchase. The celebration takes place in February over several weeks and spreads across various city locations, so plan time to explore different areas.
The climax ends with the Burial of the Sardine, a humorous procession where a sardine is burned to symbolize the end of celebrations. This peculiar ritual combines laughter and joking to create a unique closing to the festivities.
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