Celebrated in all the towns and cities of the island, with the biggest and most attractive to be found in Santa Cruz Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz. The celebrations in Santa Cruz are the most important and the biggest due to their ability to attract people from all the islands.

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The different local town halls, through their entertainments committees, organise many activities connected with the event. The essence is found in the street. The Plaza Espana in Santa Cruz Tenerife is decorated and here you will find numerous small shops, stalls and kiosks selling 'churros' (fritters eaten with hot chocolate) as well as bandstands with musical groups to give a festive atmosphere to the area.

After the election of the Queen and the Children's Queen, Carnival commences with the opening procession.

The following week is full of contests of street musicians, fancy dress costumes and a procession of vintage cars.

The most important event takes place on Tuesday with the 'coso' (procession which takes place in the afternoon). The burial of the sardine is another ritual which takes place in some of the towns.

The celebrations in Los Realejos and La Orotava are particularly important. In Santa Cruz Tenerife a slow moving procession of people carry the enormous sardine. Mourners, men dressed as pregnant women and widows roam through the streets whilst crying and wailing. The complete event finishes on the Saturday and Sunday following Carnival Tuesday with musical groups, an open-air dance, parades and exhibitions.