Carnival in Tenerife never really stops.
Just as Santa Cruz starts calming down slightly, Los Cristianos steps up.
The Ayuntamiento de Arona has officially opened participation for the 2026 International Carnival of Los Cristianos Fancy Dress Competition, happening on 14th March 2026.
If you like dressing up, this is your moment.
Or if you’ve been secretly building something outrageous in the garage for months, even better.
The competition takes place on 14th March, with registrations happening the same day from 2pm to 6pm in Plaza de la Pescadora in Los Cristianos. They may extend the time depending on how many people turn up…which usually means it’ll run on “Carnival time”.
Participation is free and open to anyone.
You just need to complete the registration form and present ID along with details of your costume…sorry, your “fantasía”. That word always makes it sound far more dramatic than “fancy dress”.
And that’s the point.
Carnival here isn’t half-hearted. It’s feathers, sequins, platforms you can barely walk in, and outfits that must weigh more than a small family car.
Los Cristianos Carnival has its own flavour compared to Santa Cruz. Slightly more compact. Slightly more local. Still loud. Still colourful. Still brilliant.
If you’re living in the south and have never actually taken part, maybe this is the year.
Prepare your fantasía….even if you’re not competing.
Dust off the glitter.
And try not to leave the glue gun until the night before.