The competition to select the poster and graphic image for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2026 closed last Friday, 19th September, with a record number of entries.
A total of 62 submissions were received, making this the most popular edition in recent years.
The Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, highlighted that “this figure represents a significant increase compared to previous editions, which received 16 proposals in 2024 and 40 in 2023, reaffirming the interest in being part of the history of the capital’s most emblematic festival.”
Bermúdez added that “the success of this edition not only reflects the Carnival’s deep-rooted significance in the cultural identity of Santa Cruz but also the enthusiasm of artists to contribute to the poster that will promote this celebration internationally, which has been declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.”
Meanwhile, the Councillor for Festivals, Javier Caraballero, appreciated that, under this new format, “the initiative has resonated with artists across various disciplines targeted by this competition, achieving record participation that demonstrates the effectiveness of the changes introduced by the Festival Committee to encourage our artists’ involvement.”
An Open and Participatory Process
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, through its Festivals Department, opened the submission period for the Carnival 2026 poster and graphic image competition on 22nd July, with this year’s theme focused on Latin Rhythms.
The period, which ended on 19th September, allowed participation from individuals connected to graphic design, illustration, photography, or any artistic discipline, provided they held a university degree, a higher diploma related to the arts, or at least one year of professional experience in the field.
The competition will first select five finalist proposals, chosen by an evaluation committee. Each finalist will receive a prize of €1,000 and will have 20 calendar days, until 18th October, to develop a complete graphic image for the Carnival based on their submitted poster.
Subsequently, between 20th and 30th October, a public vote will take place to determine the winning proposal, which will receive €12,000 and become the official image of the Carnival 2026.
Composition of the Jury
The jury tasked with evaluating the proposals is composed of esteemed professionals in the fields of art, design, and Carnival:
• Alejandro Tosco, plastic artist and contemporary art figure.
• Patricia Delgado, graphic artist specialising in engraving, illustration, and graphic arts.
• Patricia Hodgson, Bachelor of Fine Arts and educator.
• Alexis Santana, designer for the Queen of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2025.
• Leo Martínez, fashion and stage costume designer, a reference in Carnival and haute couture in Tenerife.
• Daniel Pages, graphic designer and artistic director of Carnaval 2026.
• Paula Álvarez, marketing and communication professional, also the artistic director of Carnaval 2026.
• Yeray Piñero, performing arts producer and artistic director of Carnaval 2026.
Javier Caraballero, councillor and president of Fiestas de Santa Cruz, will serve as the jury’s president, with voice but no vote. The jury secretary will be María José Gómez Padilla, a technical officer from the same entity, who will also have voice but no vote.
The jury’s decision and the official presentation of the winning poster will mark the beginning of the preparations for Carnaval 2026, which this year will pay tribute to Latin rhythms.
