Puerto de la Cruz hosted a new edition of its Summer Carnival this past weekend, showcasing the best of artistry, celebration, and carnival identity over three days, from 19 to 21 September, resulting in a highly positive outcome.
More than 40 artists and groups from various disciplines—comparsas, choreographic groups, batucadas, acrobats, orchestras, DJs, and numerous drag artists—participated in the event, blending traditional carnival elements with contemporary cultural expressions. This has further solidified the tourist city as a beacon of diversity, dynamism, and creativity.
The Transgressive Gala Opens the Carnival with Power and Diversity
On Friday 19, the Costa Martiánez Tourist Complex became the epicentre of the Summer Carnival opening with the well-established Transgressive Gala. Under the artistic direction of Wycho Torres, the event presented a top-notch show that combined creative freedom and the identity of the carnival.
Highlighted performers included Grimasira Maeva, Drag Chuchi, Exuberancia Carey, Vanesa Artiles, Aythami Legendary, and Drag Armek, winner of the Drag Gala of the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2025.
The night concluded with a performance by the acclaimed Lady Blue. Additionally, the comparsa Son Bahía and the choreographic group Essavan contributed to a festive and inclusive atmosphere in Puerto de la Cruz.
The Diversas Festival: Art, Inclusion, and Talent
On Saturday 20, the carnival continued with the Diversas Festival, transforming the Andrómeda hall of Costa Martiánez into a space celebrating art in all its forms. Directed by the multifaceted artist Marcela Kaufmann and presenter Ibán Padrón, the festival featured more than 20 artists and collectives in a show blending music, humour, acrobatics, dance, and visual artistry.
Prominent participants included singers Daniel Tejera and Sonia Gil; drag performer and comedian Judith; rhythmic gymnast Cristofer Benítez Hernández; actor and director Josel Angelino; the acrobatic skating duo Zobel and Amy; ballet Dibelo & CO; ballet Maravillas featuring Yaminet Rojas and Irene Carballo; pole dance and acrobatics artists Gaia Vanzo and Ada Bez; and the comparsa Los Cariocas, who got the audience dancing with their infectious energy and rhythm.
The highlight of the night was provided by Ni un Pelo de Tonto, The Boys Machine, and DJ Ubay Hernández, who kept attendees dancing deep into the night with La Pachanga del Carnaval.
One of the special moments of the evening was the unveiling of the official poster for the International Summer Carnival 2026, which will take place from 1 to 28 February. The design, inspired by Mexican culture, was created by local illustrator Jonás Emmanuel Hernández, who incorporated local symbols such as the fisherwoman sculpture from the dock, a nod to Mascarita Ponte Tacón, and the figure of Pepe, one of the most beloved characters of the Puerto carnival. This poster represents a commitment to local talent and the preservation of traditions with a contemporary perspective.
Playa Jardín Thrills with a Grand Finale
On Sunday 21, the Summer Carnival 2025 concluded with a lively day at Playa Jardín, which hosted the closing show. The spotlight was on choreographic and percussion groups: Danzarines Canarios, Essavan, the Barabere group, and comparsas Son Bahía, Bahía and Sabaiba, the last two coming from La Palma. The powerful rhythms of Guayota Drums added to the festive and family-friendly atmosphere.
The Mayor of Puerto de la Cruz, Leopoldo Afonso, highlighted the success of this edition and its cultural and tourist impact: “Over these three days, Puerto de la Cruz has been filled with life, colour, and creativity. This Summer Carnival has reaffirmed our city’s identity as open, diverse, and deeply connected to the carnival that is essential to us. The public’s response, the artistic quality, and the festive atmosphere show that this event is becoming one of the major fixtures on the Tenerife calendar.”
Meanwhile, the Councillor for Festivals, Municipal Market, and Technological Development, Luis Javier González, emphasised the event’s forward-looking vision: “The Summer Carnival 2025 has been a step towards our goal of establishing it as a cultural and tourist benchmark. We aim to continue promoting its growth in 2026, incorporating new formats, boosting Canarian talent, and always keeping the spirit of our carnival alive. Puerto de la Cruz has much to express, and we will continue to celebrate this through creativity and inclusion.”
A Celebration That is Gaining Ground
With a large turnout, quality artistic participation, and a clear message of inclusion and cultural celebration, the Puerto de la Cruz Summer Carnival 2025 bids farewell with a renewed commitment to continue growing and surprising in future editions.
