Carnivals

Canarian carnival celebrations that combine European, American and African traditions in a spectacle of costumes, murgas and comparsas.

The carnivals of the Canary Islands, especially those of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, are deeply rooted popular festivals that blend European, American and African heritages. For weeks the streets fill with costumes, murgas, comparsas, rondallas and galas, turning the cities into the stage for one of the most important celebrations in the archipelago.[1][2]

Murgas and comparsas

Murgas —satirical choirs with percussion— and comparsas —dance groups with elaborate costumes— are two of the most characteristic expressions of the Canarian carnival. Their lyrics and choreographies each year reflect social current affairs and island humour.[1]

International reach

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the most important in the world and has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. Its programme attracts visitors from many origins every year and projects the festive image of the Canary Islands beyond the archipelago.[1]

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