Confetti, Costumes & Culture Shock: My First Carnaval in Santa Cruz

Before moving to Tenerife, I had heard people talk about Carnaval, but nothing could have prepared me for what it’s actually like in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s officially the second biggest Carnaval in the world after Rio de Janeiro , and honestly, I believe it. It was completely wild in the best possible way.

I live right in the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which meant I didn’t even need to go looking for the party because it came to me! From my balcony, I could hear the music, see the crowds, and feel the energy, and it genuinely felt like the city didn’t sleep for an entire week. Every night, there was something going on, and the atmosphere was just unreal.

The celebrations actually started at school on Friday, and it wasn’t just for the students. All of the teachers had to dress up, and our theme was hip hop artists. Safe to say it was chaos in the best way. Imagine trying to teach while dressed like a rapper, surrounded by students in full costume. It was loud, colourful, and honestly one of the most fun school days I’ve ever experienced.

We then had Monday and Tuesday off school, which basically meant one thing...full Carnaval mode. And I really committed to it. Over the weekend I somehow managed to rotate through a whole range of costumes including: Cupid, Barbie, a cowgirl, a ninja and a pirate. Every day was a new outfit, a new vibe, and a new excuse to get involved. One thing I learned very quickly is that you can never be overdressed at Carnaval, if anything, the more extra you are, the better.

Just when I thought I had seen it all, Wednesday arrived, which is when El Entierro de la Sardina, (the Burial of the Sardine) takes place. This was honestly one of the strangest but most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. Everyone dresses in full funeral wear, black clothes, veils, dramatic makeup, and joins a procession through the streets. But instead of being quiet and respectful, people are fake crying, wailing, and putting on these dramatic performances as a giant sardine is paraded through the city.

Yes… a sardine.

It sounds completely bizarre, and it is, but it’s also incredible. The whole thing symbolises the end of Carnival, but it’s done in such a theatrical and over the top way that you can’t help but love it. I remember standing there thinking this is so weird, but also so cool.

Carnaval in Santa Cruz isn’t just an event, it’s an experience. It takes over the entire city, brings everyone together, and creates this energy that’s impossible to describe unless you’ve lived it. From dressing up at school, to dancing in the streets, to quite literally mourning a sardine, it’s something I’ll never forget. If you ever get the chance to experience it, do it. Just make sure you bring a costume... or five.