20 Feb
Never under estimate the power of Santa Cruz Carnaval, for the party people of Tenerife it’s an excuse to cut loose and have a great, crazy, over the top time but it’s also a wonderful showcase for everything that’s good about the island. Despite the recession the 2012 event has been as entertaining and daring as ever, if anything cutbacks have encouraged more inventive home made designs for those fancy dress outfits that shock and delight in equal measure.
The showpiece highlight is the Election of the Carnaval Queen, a dazzling extravaganza that underlines the wealth of fashion design and flair in Tenerife. Within hours of Carmen Gil winning this years crown her photo was zapped around the world with coverage appearing in newspapers and magazines as far afield as Vancouver and Brisbane. The internet ensures that no corner of the globe is left untouched and even the influential American based blog The Huffington Post wanted a piece of this years action.
Carnaval touches everything around it and spreads its magic and in turn the good name of Tenerife. The main week of celebrations in 2012 coincides with 28,000 cruise liner visitors to the islands capital city, what a tale they will have to tell when returning to their home cities. After the glitter and sequins have been swept away carnaval fever moves on to regional events around Tenerife adding a touch of culture and tradition to those who believe the outdated stereotypes of this historic island. Long live Carnaval, the best brochure that Tenerife could ever hope for.