Tenerife Carnival

The carnival in Tenerife is said to be second only to that of Rio. Packed with gorgeous girls, stunning costumes, marching bands, live music and happy mayhem, and although it is tied to Easter celebrations elsewhere, there is nothing at all religious about this month-long party.

Each year a different theme is chosen and the carnival kicks off with the presentation of the Carnival Queen contestants.

Days of band and murga (comedic folk singers) contests and concerts follow and culminate in the Grand Parade. Though the Grand Parade is really the highlight of the Carnival season, more events follow.

Festivities focus on Santa Cruz to begin with but gradually spread out to other areas as each town and village celebrates its own fiesta.

The floats, fabulous costumes and dancing troupes of the Grand Parade are certainly spectacular but the Carnival is very much a spectator sport. Think Halloween and go as your favorite celebrity, cartoon character or vegetable. Anything goes!

If you intend to go to watch the Grand Parade, here are some tips:

Get there early - Parking in the same time zone as Santa Cruz will be almost impossible if you don't get there early. The seats in the bleachers fill up really fast as well.

Bring a cushion - unless you want a numb bum after a couple of hours.

Bring a hat - sunglasses and sun cream. The weather may still be relatively cool in February, but if it turns out to be a scorcher you are prepared.

Bring a jumper - it can be quite cool in February, especially near the sea.

Bring some snacks and bottled water - there are kiosks to buy food and drink, but you will not wanting to be popping in and out of your seat too often.

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