Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz 2025: Complete Programme of Events

The Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz is one of the most emblematic and colourful events in Tenerife. The 2025 edition promises to be an unforgettable celebration with an agenda packed with activities for everyone. From the election of the carnival queens and kings to the famous burial of the sardine, each day offers unique experiences that capture the festive essence of the carnival. Canary Islands.

Calendar of Main Events

FEBRUARY 2025

Saturday 15 February

• Presentation of the candidates (without costume)
• Time: 20:00 - 21:30
• Venue: Castillo San Felipe

Thursday 20 February

• Election of the Senior Carnival Queen
• Time: From 20:00
• Place: Esplanade of the Port

Friday 21 February

• School children's show
• Schedule: 09:00 - 11:00
• Place: Esplanade of the Port

Saturday 22 February

• Mercedes vintage car show
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:00
• Venue: Avenida Colón/Hotel Valle Mar

Sunday 23 February

• Election of the Children's Carnival Throne
• Time: 18:00 - 20:00
• Place: Esplanade of the Port

Tuesday 25 February

• Election of the Carnival King
• Opening hours: 21:00 - 00:00
• Place: Esplanade of the Port

Thursday 27 February

• Election of the Carnival Queen
• Opening hours: 21:00 - 00:00
• Place: Esplanade of the Port

MARCH 2025

Saturday 1 March

• Carnival Exhibition
• Time: 21:00 - 23:00
• Place: Plaza del Charco
• Carnival music and dancing at night
• Opening hours: 23:00 - 06:00
• Place: Plaza del Charco

Sunday 2 March

• Costume contest
• Opening hours: 12:00 - 18:00
• Place: Plaza del Charco
• Dance
• Opening hours: 18:00 - 23:00
• Place: Plaza del Charco

Monday 3 March

• Cuban ritual "Mataculebra".
• Time: 20:00
• Place: Calle Quintana/Plaza del Charco
• Drum and dance show to kill and defeat the snake
• Street singing groups
• Opening hours: 18:00 - 22:00
• Carnival music and dancing at night
• Opening hours: 23:00 - 04:00
• Place: Plaza del Charco

Tuesday 4 March

• Valley Classic Car Rally
• Time: 14:00
• Place: Avenida Colón

Wednesday 5 March

• Mourning for the Sardine
• Time: 19:00
• Place: Plaza del Concejil
• Burial of the Sardine
• Time: 21:00
• Route: Avenida Colón, Plaza Reyes Católicos, Obispo Pérez Cáceres, Avenida Familia Betancourt y Molina, Zamora, Santo Domingo, La Marina and fishing port.
• Carnival music and dancing at night
• Opening hours: 23:00 - 04:00
• Place: Plaza del Charco

Friday 7 March

• Mascarita Ponte Tacón (Men in Heels Marathon)
• Registration and heel measurement - Schedule: 20:00
• Place: Plaza Reyes Católicos
• Start of the Marathon - Schedule: 22:00
• Place: San Telmo Chapel
• Route: San Telmo, Santo Domingo, La Marina and Esplanade of the Port
• Carnival music and dancing at night
• Opening hours: 23:00 - 06:00
• Place: Plaza del Charco

Saturday 8 March

• Grand Carnival Parade
• Time: 16:00
• Route: Avenida Colón, Plaza Reyes Católicos, Avenida Familia Betancourt y Molina, Zamora, Santo Domingo, Plaza del Charco and Calle San Felipe.
• Carnival music and dancing at night
• Opening hours: 19:30 - 06:00
• Place: Plaza del Charco

Carnival 2025 Highlights

Not to be missed events

1. Election of the Carnival QueenA show full of colour, music and creativity where the main ambassador of the festivities is crowned.
2. Mataculebra RitualA fascinating tradition of Cuban origin where the hunt and defeat of a giant snake is simulated amidst percussion rhythms and traditional dances.
3. Burial of the SardineOne of the most emblematic ceremonies of the Canarian carnival, symbolising the end of the festivities with a funeral procession accompanying a giant sardine to its cremation.
4. Mascarita Ponte TacónThe fun competition where men run in high heels through the streets of Puerto de la Cruz, a unique event that attracts thousands of spectators.
5. Grand Carnival ParadeThe highlight of the celebrations, where parades, floats and costumed groups parade through the main streets of the city.

Music and Ambience

Throughout the carnival period, the Plaza del Charco becomes the epicentre of the party with live music and DJs keeping the party atmosphere going until the early hours of the morning. Attendees will be able to enjoy Latin rhythms, electronic music and traditional carnival tunes.

Tips for Visitors

• AccommodationBooking several months in advance is recommended, as Puerto de la Cruz receives thousands of visitors during Carnival.
• Transport: Use public transport or arrive early to find parking.
• ClothingAlthough it is not compulsory, dressing up in costume enriches the carnival experience.
• TimetablesMain events usually start on time, but evening celebrations extend into the early hours of the morning.

The Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience that combines tradition, creativity and the characteristic Canarian joy. Don't miss the opportunity to experience one of the most colourful and lively festivals in Spain!