The Santa Cruz de La Palma Carnival 2026 takes place from 12 to 21 February and turns the city into a huge open-air stage.
Masks, batucadas, colour and joy fill the streets during several days of continuous celebration.
The capital’s carnival is designed for the whole family, with a carefully planned programme for children and activities spread across different areas of the city.
Each edition follows a different theme and, in 2026, the Carnival is inspired by television series, bringing creativity, fantasy and familiar references for all ages.
Among the most anticipated events are the School Carnival Parade (Coso Escolar), the popular Fiesta de la Peluca, the iconic Día de Los Indianos and Los Indianitos, the lively Piñata Carnival, and the traditional Burial of the Sardine, which brings the festivities to a close and marks the countdown to the next Carnival.
Santa Cruz de La Palma Carnival Programme 2026
Thursday, 12 February
- 5:30 pm
Location: Plaza de La Alameda, Anselmo Pérez de Brito Street, Avenida El Puente and Avenida Marítima.
Description: Grand School Carnival Parade, inspired by television series. Schools, play centres and nurseries from Santa Cruz de La Palma and nearby municipalities take part.
The parade ends at the Central Carnival Venue, where a children’s street party will be held, featuring a performance by Compañía KantyKomba.
Friday, 13 February
- 10:00 am
Location: Plaza de La Alameda.
Description: Loca Carrera Solidaria, a charity event in support of the association Hagamos Pueblo, organised by CIFP Virgen de las Nieves. - 1:30 pm
Location: Plaza de La Alameda.
Description: Live performance by the group Siempre Ellas, closing the Loca Carrera Solidaria and officially starting the festive Peluca celebrations. - 2:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Fiesta de la Peluca, one of the most popular Carnival events.
All you need is a wig and the desire to have fun.
Performances by Grupo Benmesabe, DJ Wes, Parranda La Palma, Yet Garbey, Pedro Afonso, Los Salvapantallas, Coyote Dax, Orquesta Tropicana’s and Grupo Libertad.
Saturday, 14 February
- 6:30 pm
Location: O’Daly Street and Plaza de La Alameda.
Description: 20th Reception and Parade of Ambassadors and Distinguished Guests, featuring a street parade accompanied by parrandas and musical groups.
At the end of the route, participating parrandas will perform in Plaza de La Alameda. - 8:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: LOS40 Carnival Party, hosted by Dani Moreno “El Gallo” and Ramsés López.
Live performances by ZZOILO, Beauty Pikete, Chema Rivas, Agua del Chorro, Bejo and Sofía Reyes.
The night continues with a street party featuring Orquesta Tropicana’s and DJ Equis. - 9:00 pm
Location: Plaza de La Alameda.
Description: Senior Carnival, with a performance by Notas de Mujer and their show Women Sing to Mexico.
The evening ends with a street party led by Dúo Hermanos.
Sunday, 15 February
- 11:00 am
Location: Plaza de La Alameda.
Description: Los Indianitos, a day dedicated to children.
The show Little Indianos: Rhythms that Cross the Atlantic will be presented, featuring live music, puppets, interactive games and children’s workshops.
The morning concludes with the Indianitos Parade, accompanied by the Cuban Conga and Negra Anita. - 7:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: 19th Orillas del Son Festival, a musical gathering held as a prelude to Los Indianos Day.
The group Orillas del Son celebrates its 20th anniversary, joined by DJ Juana la Cubana, Septeto Palmero and Orquesta Changó.
Monday, 16 February
- From 10:30 am
Los Indianos 2026
→ See the full programme of the event.
Wednesday, 18 February
- 4:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Children’s area with inflatable attractions and workshops. - 6:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Family show Clowns, Laughter and Jumps, presented by Darte Espectáculos.
Thursday, 19 February
- 4:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Children’s activities with inflatables and creative workshops. - 6:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Show The Magic of Carnival, featuring Oliver Van Damme.
Friday, 20 February
- 7:00 pm
Location: From Plaza de La Alameda to the Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Street parade announcing the Burial of the Sardine, accompanied by the Gayfa Cornet and Drum Band. - 8:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Burial of the Sardine, with a sardine tasting and live performances by Aseres, Los Stereos, DJ Borikó and Grupo ACuatro. - 10:30 pm
Location: Playa de Bolos.
Description: Burning of the Sardine, a symbolic act marking the official end of the Carnival.
Saturday, 21 February
- 11:00 am
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Children’s Piñata Carnival, featuring inflatables, workshops, entertainment and a costume contest.
Registration takes place one hour before the event at the venue. - 2:00 pm
Location: Central Carnival Venue.
Description: Piñata Carnival, with live performances by Grupo Libertad, Fulanito, Henry Méndez, Lorna, Orquesta Tropicana’s, Manavy Band and DJ Equis.