Santa Cruz de Tenerife Announces 'Eternal Rome' Theme for 2025 Carnival

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has announced that the next edition of its iconic Carnival will be themed "Eternal Rome: The Empire of Carnival." This year, the council chose the theme directly rather than holding a public vote. The decision marks the 40th anniversary of the city’s tradition of using monographic themes, which first began with a Roman theme in 1987.

The festival schedule has been adjusted for better organization. The opening ceremony is set for January 22, while the main street celebrations and parades will take place between February 19 and 28. Officials state these changes are necessary to improve the logistics and overall flow of the events.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez and Festivals Councilor Javier Caraballero noted that the theme is intended to celebrate the city’s cultural heritage and strengthen the bond with the local groups—such as murgas, comparsas, and rondallas—that drive the festival.

Sociologically, returning to the Roman theme represents the completion of a 40-year cycle during which the Carnival has become a highly professionalized event. Using a single theme has helped the city create a consistent, recognizable identity for its galas and competitions. By making this announcement, the City Council is reaffirming its commitment to the streets as the heart of the festival, relying on the tradition and identity of local performers to ensure the event's success.