Santa Cruz Carnival Queen Entries Close, 32 Candidates Set
Entries have closed for the 2026 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival queen contests across adult, child, and senior categories, with 32 participants set to compete in shows directed by Daniel Pages and Paula Álvarez.
The Santa Cruz City Council's Festivals Department has now closed entries for the 2026 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival queen contests. These include categories for adults, children, and seniors. In total, 32 people will compete in the shows, which will be directed by Daniel Pages and Paula Álvarez.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez praised the number of entries. He noted that "this number stays consistent every year, showing how strong and important one of our Carnival's most iconic events is." Bermúdez also pointed out that "the ongoing interest from sponsors and designers proves how well this Gala creates exposure and benefits, not just for the participants but for the city too."
The mayor explained that "the queen contests are a high-level artistic and cultural display, blending tradition, creativity, design, and entertainment. They are a key part of Santa Cruz's identity." He added that "the Carnival is one of our main cultural and economic engines, and these Galas play a crucial role in boosting its reputation both locally and internationally."
Javier Caraballero, the Councillor for Festivals, stated, "We've been working for months with Daniel and Paula on shows that will once again make all the contestants shine. I'm sure all Carnival fans will enjoy them." He also thanked "the sponsors and designers for their hard work, which helps make every costume a highlight of our festival."
Ten girls will compete for the title of Child Queen on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Eleven contestants, one more than last year, will take part in the Senior Queen selection on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026.
The main event, the Adult Queen Gala for the 2026 Carnival, will be held on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, at the Exhibition Center. Eleven candidates will compete in this show, which will be directed by Daniel Pages, in his first time in this role.
All contestants will attend the Carnival's opening ceremony on Friday, January 16th, 2026. There, they will find out the order in which they will appear in their respective galas.