Santa Cruz de Tenerife Kicks Off Carnival 2026 with a Spectacular Array of Events

This Saturday marks the highly anticipated commencement of Carnival 2026 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a vibrant celebration that promises a plethora of festivities and activities designed to engage the community and showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Festive Launch and Cultural Highlights

The Carnival celebrations officially kick off this Friday evening with the unveiling of the event’s official poster, which embraces the theme of Latin Rhythms. This exciting launch event will feature captivating performances by renowned Dominican artist Manny Cruz, alongside talented acts such as David Afonso, Jeannette La Cubanísima, and the Orquesta Revelación. Scheduled to begin at 20:30 and running until midnight, this free event is set to deliver an unforgettable night filled with vibrant music and exhilarating dance, drawing both locals and visitors into the festive spirit.

Family-Friendly Activities to Engage Young Minds

In a bid to promote literacy and foster a love for reading, municipal libraries across the city will host a special family activity day coinciding with the Carnival launch. This initiative aims to engage children and their families in creative storytelling and interactive workshops. Notable events include:

• In Añaza, storyteller Silvina Rodríguez will enchant audiences with her session titled “If Clouds Were Made of Cotton.”
• The Central Library will host a theatrical workshop called “The Story in Action,” led by the talented Miguel Ángel Granados, encouraging children to explore their creativity.
• In Ofra, Marianexy Yanes and Levis Aliaga will present “Wolves’ Tales,” a delightful series of sung stories that promise to captivate young listeners.

Empowering Youth Through Workshops and Programs

The Distrito Joven initiative is set to provide a variety of free training and leisure workshops throughout the weekend, aimed at empowering local youth. Activities designed to inspire and engage include:

• A dynamic session of “Distrito Talent” at the 7 Islas Community Centre, where young individuals can showcase their skills.
• An advanced nails course (Pro Nails) at the Nuevo Obrero Civic Centre, offering practical skills for aspiring beauticians.
• A creative theatre workshop at the Lázaro Siliuto Youth House, encouraging self-expression through the performing arts.

Additionally, local youths will have the unique opportunity to participate in an eco-adventure on horseback at the El Manchón de las Flores Riding Centre on Saturday, promoting both environmental awareness and physical activity.

Artistic Showcases and Film Screenings

The TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes will be buzzing with activity as it screens the film “Faruk,” directed by the acclaimed Turkish filmmaker Asli Özge, starting Friday. The venue will also unveil two exciting exhibitions, “Acts that Weigh” and “Massive,” as part of the Bienal Fotonoviembre 2025. In addition to these exhibitions, the museum will host a series of conferences and a workshop focused on contemporary art and post-industrial work, all with free admission, making art accessible to everyone.

Theatrical and Musical Extravaganza

The Tenerife Auditorium is set to debut “Marcela (A Song by Cervantes),” directed by the talented Leticia Dolera, with performances scheduled throughout the weekend. Families can enjoy the enchanting show “Four Strings and a Bit,” performed by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, for the first time on Sunday, Wagner’s opera “The Flying Dutchman” will grace the stage, promising a captivating experience for opera enthusiasts.

Moreover, the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) will host the XII International Jazz and Nature Photography Festival, featuring a blend of film screenings and live music performances. Notable artists such as the Michel Mbarga Quartet and the Ancor Miranda Quartet will take the stage, showcasing their talents alongside visual artwork from various local artists, creating a rich tapestry of culture and creativity.

Return of the Experimental Music Festival

This Saturday also marks the return of the Keroxen 2025 festival at the El Tanque Cultural Space, a celebration dedicated to electronic music and sound experimentation. The lineup includes innovative performers such as Maya Al Khaldi, Ale Hop, Minami Deutsch, HHY & The Kampala Unit, and Container. This festival promises to create an immersive experience centered on contemporary creation and audiovisual art, appealing to music lovers and artists alike.

Exciting Athletic Event: The Half Marathon

In addition to the cultural festivities, the Santa Cruz Half Marathon 2025 will take place this weekend, drawing an impressive turnout of over 3,600 runners. Participants will have the option to compete in both 21K and 8K races, with the starting and finishing points located at the Parque de La Gesta. The scenic route will take runners through the heart of the city and extend to San Andrés, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Santa Cruz. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at the finish area, celebrating the achievements of all participants.

Key points

• The Carnival 2026 celebrations begin this Saturday in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• The official poster unveiling features Latin Rhythms and includes performances by Manny Cruz and others.
• Municipal libraries will host family activities promoting reading on the same day.
• The Distrito Joven program offers free workshops and activities for youth.
• TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes will screen the film “Faruk” and host art exhibitions.
• The Tenerife Auditorium will present various theatrical and musical performances over the weekend.
• The Santa Cruz Half Marathon 2025 will take place, expecting over 3,600 participants.