The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2024 has made history as the most participatory edition in recent years, with over a million attendees from January 18 to the final day of celebrations on February 18. The festivities drew in an unprecedented number of more than 400,000 people on Piñata Saturday.
The month-long celebration incurred an investment of over five million euros from the City Council, resulting in an economic impact of almost 39 million euros on the city, including direct expenses of residents and tourists. The media coverage, valued at over 15 million euros, contributed to this impact, as announced by Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez.
Tourist numbers reached an all-time high, with over 185,000 visitors during the two weeks of street celebrations. The average hotel occupancy rate was nearly 88%, almost 15 points higher than pre-party reservations.
Bermúdez made this assessment during a packed municipal plenary hall, emphasizing the carnival as one of the “safest and best in the world.” He was joined by first deputy mayor Carlos Tarife, Festival Councillor Javier Caraballero, Citizen Security Councillor Gladis de León, and Development Society CEO Carmen Pérez.
Notable statistics from the Carnival Hospital showed a total of 665 people treated during the street festival days, indicating a 12% reduction from 2023. The majority of cases were related to alcohol poisoning (241 in total, including 53 minors and 188 adults). There were 42 cases of injuries due to assaults and 29 cases related to drug use during the festivities, with 72% of the overall interventions occurring during the evening dances.
The Local Police conducted 368 interventions and made five arrests, including one for theft, one for sexual assault, one for assault, and two for gender violence. Additionally, 284 cases of possession or consumption of narcotic substances were recorded, with 200 detected by the Canine Guide Unit. Furthermore, 242 lost objects were recovered, with 28.1% already returned to their owners.
The Unit Attached to the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office of the Local Police, in collaboration with the Red Cross, assisted 85 young people, with 54% being girls. Punto Violeta intervened in eight cases, two of which were related to sexual assaults. The Attention Post, managed by Civil Protection, attended to 149 cases.
Despite the massive popular participation, the cleaning operation recorded a decrease in waste generated compared to 2023. Waste fraction collection decreased by almost 2,000 kilos, while packaging and cardboard waste saw a slight increase.
Transport
Titsa registered 424,621 more travelers than in 2023, and the tram was used by 429,753 people. Additionally, Binter transported 33,652 passengers bound for Carnival, and the shipping companies Fred Olsen Express and Armas transported over 40,000 passengers between Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Festival Councillor Javier Caraballero highlighted the various events held, including ten competitions, four galas, the Parade, and the Apoteosis and Children’s Arena, with 103 participating groups. Inclusive and Senior Carnivals, both with nearly 6,000 participants, and the Dragnaval were also introduced this year. Moreover, there were 213 hours of music on the streets with orchestras, guest artists, and DJs.
Citizen Security Councillor Gladis de León emphasized the importance of the citizens and resources provided to ensure the safety of the Chicharrero Carnival. CEO of the Development Society, Carmen Pérez, stressed the carnival’s role as an economic driver for the city.
Public Services Councillor Carlos Tarife expressed gratitude to the over 130 cleaning service employees for their swift work in restoring the city to its daily routine.
