Arona Proposes Moving 2027 Carnival to Post-Easter Dates to Avoid Scheduling Conflicts

Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s decision to reschedule its festivities has created a ripple effect across the island, forcing neighboring towns like Arona to adjust their own calendars. By moving its start date and breaking from traditional religious timing, the capital has prompted other municipalities to rethink their schedules to ensure they still have access to the performers and groups essential for their events.

In Arona, Mayor Fátima Lemes and the Department of Festivities, led by David Gómez, have proposed an unprecedented solution: moving their 2027 Carnival to take place after Easter. This change is designed to avoid a conflict between major events—such as the Grand Parade and various music competitions—and the religious processions scheduled for March 21–28, 2027. Keeping the original dates would have created significant logistical and social clashes between the celebrations and the period of religious observance.

If the proposal is approved, Arona’s festivities will run from April 1 to April 12, 2027. The tentative schedule begins on Thursday, April 1, with the presentation of candidates, followed by a series of galas and competitions. The final, high-attendance weekend would feature the Drag Queen Gala, the Daytime Carnival, and the Grand Parade on Sunday, April 11. The festivities would officially conclude on Monday, April 12, with the Burial of the Sardine and the Widow’s Dance.

This shift marks a major change for Arona, which traditionally held its Carnival weeks after the capital’s. By moving to a post-Easter schedule, the local government aims to protect its programming and ensure that both performers and the public can participate without conflict. While the plan still requires final approval, Arona is set to become the first municipality to fully adapt its festive cycle to this new timeline to preserve the integrity of its traditions.