The International Carnival of Los Cristianos in Arona 2024 will kick off on Thursday, 7th March and extend till 18th March: a 12-day extravaganza brimming with vibrant galas, shows, competitions, dances, and activities embracing the 80s vibe tailored to cater to the preferences of all spectators, whether locals or tourists.
Mayor of Arona, Fátima Lemes; Festival and Security Councillor, Alexis Gómez, and Tourism and Economic Promotion Councillor, Dácil León, unveiled exciting news during the presentation of this festival at the Hard Rock Café in Playa de Las Américas. They disclosed one of the most anticipated revelations: a new anthem for this Carnival composed by Gilberto Martín and performed by David González.
Mayor Fátima Lemes lauded the festival team and the entire municipal workforce involved in orchestrating “magnificent shows and events” like this International Carnival of Los Cristianos, engaging practically the whole community. She emphasised the distinctive dedication in this edition towards reviving lost galas and events, reinstating the “international” stature of this Carnival crucial for tourism and rekindling local residents’ enthusiasm for a festival “steeped in years of tradition,” evolving to become a flagship Carnival in the Canary Islands. She expressed gratitude to all individuals, businesses, artists, and designers adding value and luminosity to this Carnival.
Dácil León, deputy mayor and Councillor for Tourism and Economic Promotion, highlighted the significant tourism interest sparked by this Carnival, with accommodation in the municipality becoming scarce. He also highlighted the revival of the Wig Party, an Arona Tourist Board organised carnival event, along with the diverse array of local and international artists and shows, contributing collectively to elevate tourism around this celebration while retaining its allure to local spectators.
In this context, the Councillor emphasised that while the Los Cristianos International Carnival serves as a crucial promotional tool for the destination, its paramount contribution lies in enhancing the visitor experience, encouraging repeat visits to Arona, aiming to attract tourists who engage in street festivities, sample local offerings, and patronise local establishments.
Councillor Alexis Gómez, responsible for Festivals and Security, asserted, “We have meticulously curated a comprehensive event agenda for our residents and visitors from the Festival’s domain. A diverse range of events catering to all age groups promises a participatory Carnival immersed in vivid colours and nostalgic 80s vibes. Simultaneously, from a Security perspective, collaborative efforts are underway with State Security Forces to ensure the safest possible festivities, enabling our people and visitors to revel in the celebrations with complete peace of mind and utmost freedom.”
He further ensured steps are being taken to minimise traffic disruptions, with a tailored mobility plan for Los Cristianos to mitigate any inconvenience for residents and visitors, prioritising their safety and mobility.
Event Schedule
The Carnival’s official programme kicks off at 8:30 p.m. on 7th March at the Los Cristianos Auditorium, featuring the presentation of child, adult, and senior queen candidates. Continuing at 9:00 p.m. the following day, the Comparsas Contest unfolds at the designated Carnival site in the same nucleus (opposite the Valdés Center building).
The Carnival Exhibition opens at noon on Saturday at the Los Cristianos Cultural Center, followed by the WIG Party Day Carnival and a tribute to Tina Turner in the evening at 6:00 p.m. Simultaneously, Playa de Las Américas hosts the Announcement Parade from 7:00 p.m.
On Sunday, 10th March, the Murgas Meeting will take place at the Carnival venue, commencing at 6:00 p.m., while the Choreographic Groups Festival initiates the following day at 6:30 p.m. The the Elderly Queen Election Gala steals the limelight on Tuesday, 11th March, with the Children’s Queen Election following suit the next day at 8:00 p.m., leading to the main attraction – the Carnival Queen Election Gala on Thursday, 14th March.
Friday, 15th March afternoon is dedicated to the Senior Citizens’ Carnival Dance and the Drag Queen Show. Midnight festivities feature a dance festival featuring Edwin Rivera and the Sabrosa and Tropin orchestras, alongside the transformation of Plaza del Pescador into a DJ Zone. Saturday hosts the Day Carnival with dual stages: one for families showcasing children’s carnival performances and workshops, a second tailored for adults featuring national and international artists.
The Costume Contest runs throughout the day, climaxing with the presentation of Óscar Hernández Awards for the most original, horrifying, and eccentric costumes before the X Beach Route kicks off. The evening festivities include a DJ Zone with local musicians and a festival featuring Ochentera Salsa Classic Band, Corinto Band, and Wamampy orchestras. Sunday, 17th March, features a classic and antique car exhibition, culminating with the grand Gran Coso Apoteosis del Carnaval and nighttime dance with the Armonía Show and Los Ideales orchestras. The Carnival concludes on Monday, 18th March, with the traditional Burial of the Sardine accompanied by local DJ performances.
