From February to early March the capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz, is home to the world?s second largest carnival, the Carnival of Santa Cruz.
Over two weeks the streets of the island?s vibrant capital are awash with colourful parties, plenty of laughter and scantily clad performers. Jet2.com is currently offering reduced, cheap flights to Tenerife to take thrill seekers and party animals to Europe?s biggest carnival.
For any first timers planning on visiting the carnival in 2011 it is worth following a few tips and suggestions to help make the occasion as amazing as anticipated.
When to go to the Carnival
To fully absorb everything that this world renowned carnival has to offer, visitors will need to spend two weeks in Tenerife. For those whose budgets don?t stretch that far, deciding when to go is very important.
An easy mistake to make is to turn up midway through and miss out on both the opening and closing ceremonies ? two spectaculars not to be missed. The opening celebrations are full of pent up energy and excitement, possibly making this the more appealing time to go.
Dress to Impress
It?s less about impressing and more about being comfortable in the heat. This is particularly the case for those arriving for the start of the carnival. The beginning is characterised by plenty of dancing after a dazzling opening parade on the Friday. This is when the party starts and doesn?t really stop until Ash Wednesday after the ?entierro de la sardina" (burial of the sardine).
With dancing often the order of the occasion it is important to pack some comfortable footwear. It is also advisable to wear loose fitting garments, if only to conceal the appearance of sweat!
Where to Stay
It is fair to say that with so much fun and festivity going on, there won?t be much quiet time to be found in the capital. For that reason it might be worth staying in a nearby resort, of which there are plenty to choose from.
Puerto de la Cruz is less than 30 minutes away and offers a quieter sanctuary to escape the music and fun, ideal to recharge the batteries before doing it all again.
Bring a Costume
Whilst weighing down a limited baggage allowance with a costume might not be to everyone?s liking, having a costume ready for the carnival will help you get into the spirit of the festivities.
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