Carmen Gil, the Tenerife Carnival Queen wearing Santi Castro's fantasy "Empire"
Its origins go back to the year 1900, and this celebration has been, since then, one of the most important of the carnival. This year, with the decade of the 60s and the philosophy of hippie movement as a central theme , the urban core of the city will be transformed into a veritable hive where the party and fun will last until dawn.
The streets of the capital will be the stage through which they will parade spectacular floats that will parade the newly elected Carnival Queen, Carmen Gil (who will wear the fantasy "Empire" designed by Santi Castro), accompanied by her court and by the murgas, comparsas, rondallas and dance groups Of the carnival.
A display of color, music and joy will shake Santa Cruz de Tenerife today. So if you are one of the lucky ones who are on the Canary Island today, you too can be a part of a celebration that stays true to tradition , and share the euphoria and emotion of a city from which authentic fervor emanates for its festival with the greatest projection at a national and international level.
Around eight in the afternoon, at the end of the parade, a large pyrotechnic display will open the way, to the rhythm of prestigious popular orchestras, to the traditional shrove tuesday dance in the Plaza de la Candelaria.
You are still in time to experience first-hand one of the most attractive parties of the moment. Take a look at the many events that are yet to be held and don't hesitate, choose an original costume, lose yourself in the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and become, you too, the true protagonist of the party.
Locals and visitors turn to the celebrations
Wednesday, February 22
9:00 p.m. Burial of the Sardine. Starting from Juan Pablo II, Méndez Núñez, Pilar, Villalba Hervás, La Marina streets and ending next to the Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena, on Francisco La Roche Avenue.
Great pyrotechnic display, after the burning of the Sardine in the Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena.
11:00 p.m. Dances with performances by great orchestras and DJ's in the Plaza de La Candelaria.
Vertigo Festival in the Plaza de Europa.
Thursday February 23
8:30 p.m. Rondallas Festival at the Guimerá Theater.
Friday February 24
9:00 p.m. Contest of 'The Song of Laughter' at the Guimerá Theater
11:00 p.m. Dances with performances by large orchestras and DJs in the squares of La Candelaria and del Príncipe.
Vertigo Festival in the Plaza de Europa.
Saturday February 25
Starting at 1:00 p.m. day carnival.
6:00 p.m. Children's arena in the avenues of Francisco La Roche and Marítima.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. Performances by the Carnival Groups on the stages of the Plaza del Príncipe and La Candelaria.
11:00 p.m. Dances with performances by large orchestras and DJs in the squares of La Candelaria and del Príncipe.
Vertigo Festival in the Plaza de Europa.
Sunday February 26
10:00 a.m. XLI Great Contest in the City of Old Cars in the García Sanabria Park. From 12:00 noon the tour of the city will begin.
10:00 a.m. I Exhibition of Classic Cars on Avenida Francisco La Roche, at the height of the Almeyda Barracks.
11:00 a.m. Performance of the Afilarmónica Nifú-Nifá in the Plaza del Príncipe
12:00 p.m. Performance by the Lyrical Group 'La Zarzuela', from the Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero, in the Plaza del Príncipe.
5:00 p.m. Great End of Carnival Party 2012 of the Friendship Circle XII January.
5:30 p.m. Performances by the Carnival Groups in Campo Castro (La Noria street) and Plaza del Príncipe, Europa and La Candelaria.
9:30 p.m. Great Pyrotechnic Exhibition in the Plaza de España.