Look lively, here comes Carnaval

If you like a party, the Canary Islands are the place to be in the spring, it’s Carnaval season and everyone is invited to join in. As always it will be a riot of colour, music, dancing, and maybe the odd little drink or two.

It all kicks off with the daddy of then all, Santa Cruz , second only to Rio in size and splendour. The main events begin on Friday 12 February, and from then on it’s a constant round of competitions to find the Carnaval Queen, and the winning Murgas (musical satire) with similar competitions at childrens level. Wednesday 17 February is the night the sardine gets paraded through the city accompanied by wailing mourners, and Saturday 20 February is the big all day street party that runs into the early hours of next morning. the final day.

Then all the regional  events kick in, those staying or living at Las Rosas and El Marques will be close to the action for the Los Gigantes Carnaval. This runs from Thursday 26 February to Monday 1 March, Sardine night, with the big Coso (parade) on Sunday 28 February.

If you are lucky enough to be at Los Claveles in Los Cristianos, your dates are Friday 5 March to Monday 15 March, sardine night, with the Coso parade on Sunday 14 March.

These Carnaval celebrations really show off Tenerife at its best, they are fun, lively and very infectious. You can’t fight it so give in to the rhythm and get up and dance.