This Saturday, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife celebrated its 2025 Comparsas Contest, captivating audiences with its vibrant displays of dance and color. Ten groups participated, showcasing the dazzling spectacle for which the carnival is renowned.
The Comparsas Contest generates immense anticipation each year due to its spectacular dances, rhythms, and lavish costumes, ensuring it remains one of the most sought-after events of the festival. Broadcasted live by RTVC across multiple platforms, viewers could catch every moment of the action from the Recinto Ferial, located at the heart of the city.
The competing groups, including Danzarines Canarios, Río Orinoco, and Cariocas, thrilled attendees with their performances, each evaluated by judges on interpretation and presentation. The buzz surrounding this competition highlights its significance within the larger carnival celebrations.
While the excitement for 2025 was still buzzing, attention quickly turned to the future as the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife opened voting for the theme of the 2026 Carnival. Launched on February 22 and set to run until 23:59 on February 28, the public now has the chance to choose between four colorful options: Latin Rhythms, Hollywood Glamour, Myths and Legends, and Asian Pop Culture.
Councilor for Fiestas, Javier Caraballero, emphasized the importance of public involvement, stating, "La votación de la temática es el primer paso para todo buen carnavalero," indicating how integral this process is to maintaining the carnival's vibrant character and engaging the community's imagination.
The voting process is straightforward, conducted online through the official carnival website. To prevent duplicate votes, the system incorporates filters ensuring each unique IP address is only counted once, thereby maintaining the integrity of the results.
The anticipation surrounding the 2026 theme adds another layer of excitement as the carnival atmosphere permeates the air of Santa Cruz. After the voting period concludes, the announced theme will serve as the foundation for the creative expressions by various dance groups and carnival participants.
On March 9, coinciding with the traditional closing fireworks of the 2025 Carnival, the chosen theme will be unveiled during the Sunday of Piñata festivities at the Plaza de La Candelaria. This moment will not only crown the 2025 celebrations but also set the stage for the creativity and fantasy expected to come alive during the next carnival.
Each year, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife stands out not just for its glitz and glamour but also for the cultural heritage it celebrates. It's more than just performances; it’s about community, involvement, and collective memory. Voting for the 2026 theme is just one way locals can continue nurturing this cherished tradition.
With the vibrant imagery of 2025 still fresh, both locals and visitors are already preparing for what’s to come, hoping to be part of another unforgettable chapter in the history of carnival festivities. Santa Cruz de Tenerife remains at the forefront of cultural expression as it evolves, ensuring the spirit of joy and creativity remains uninterrupted. The countdown is on for another round of festivities, and city streets will soon be transformed once again by the pageantry of carnival.