Intro: Caught in the Carnival Chaos
Yesterday, March 1, 2025, I dove headfirst into the Tenerife Carnival madness at the Certamen de Ritmo y Armonía in Santa Cruz—and wow, what a ride! Held along Avenida Francisco La Roche at 9:00 PM, this parade of rhythm and harmony was a whirlwind of dazzling costumes, pounding drums, and pure energy. With 100+ photos and heaps of videos ready for Reels and TikToks, I’ve got the scoop—plus some life hacks you’ll wish you knew if you’re planning to go next time. Spoiler: Bring stamina (and maybe a costume)!
The Free Chair Hack You Can’t Miss
The official site says it kicks off at 9:00 PM, but here’s the first life hack: if you want a free chair along the route, get there hours early. We rolled up 40 minutes before—8:20 PM—and every single seat was already claimed! Locals clearly know the drill, staking out spots with food, water bottles and bags well in advance. By the time the parade started, it was standing room only. And guess what? There’s no end time listed anywhere—ours lasted about 2.5 hours. Standing that long with no break? Brutal. My legs were screaming, but I toughed it out to catch every second of the action.
Nick’s Beer Quest vs. My Carnival Obsession
Nick decided he couldn’t handle the standing and bolted to find a beer about 30 minutes in. Fair enough—carnival vibes are better with a drink, right? Meanwhile, I stood my ground, camera in hand, determined to capture the highlights. And trust me, there were plenty! The Carnival Queen—Elizabeth Ledesma Laker, crowned earlier this week—rolled by on a glittering float, her massive costume sparkling under the lights. Then came the debutant comparsas—new dance groups competing for the first time in this iconic contest. Groups like Los Rumberos and Danzarines Canarios brought jaw-dropping moves and wild outfits. Think feathers, sequins, and synchronized chaos—it was unreal!
Parking Like a Pro
Here’s a golden nugget: parking wasn’t the nightmare we expected. We snagged a spot in a port lot near the city center—only €6 for the some hours and I believe it was about 25 euros a day (sorry we were in a hurry – I will check it again and update!), and there were plenty of spaces. Compare that to the chaos of circling Santa Cruz streets, and it felt like winning the lottery. Being so close meant we could dive into the festivities without a long trek. If you’re driving to Tenerife Carnival 2025, head to the port early—it’s a budget-friendly lifesaver.
2.5 Hours of Pure Spectacle
The Certamen de Ritmo y Armonía was a non-stop parade of color and sound. Debutant groups strutted their stuff on moving platforms, each trying to outdo the last with batucada rhythms and high-energy choreography. No breaks, no downtime—just 2.5 hours of sensory overload. I’d have loved a chair, but standing let me weave through the crowd for the best shots. My videos of the queen and dancers are already blowing up on TikTok—check @anissa.online to see for yourself!
The Party That Never Sleeps
When the parade wrapped around 11:30 PM, Santa Cruz didn’t slow down—it exploded. From 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM, the city turned into one massive party. Live DJs blasted beats everywhere, and the streets were packed with costumed revelers. The funniest part? Almost every guy was dressed as a woman—think wigs, heels, and glitter galore! Nick and I stuck out as the only tourists without costumes, but it didn’t matter—the vibe was electric. If you’re hitting Tenerife Carnival 2025, pack a cheap outfit; you’ll blend right in.
Final Thoughts & Tips
This was my wildest carnival experience yet—exhausting, exhilarating, and totally worth it. Next time, I’m claiming a chair at 7:00 PM, costume in tow. Want more? My full gallery of 100+ pics and behind-the-scenes videos are live at www.anissa.online/tenerife-carnival-2025-rhythm-harmony. Follow @anissa.online on all my socials for the Reels and Shorts dropping this week!
Quick Tips for Certamen de Ritmo y Armonía 2025:
- Arrive 2-3 hours early for free seats.
- Wear comfy shoes—2.5 hours on your feet is no joke.
- Park at the port for €6 and easy access.
- Costume up to join the fun!
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