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The Spanish love of festivals is nowhere more manifest than during the carnival. The carnival penchant for transgressing social norms and the atmosphere of disorder has traditionally served as a release before the endeavors of Lent.

This free spirit is aided by the masks worn by the participants, which grants them anonymity. For this reason the carnival has always been viewed suspiciously by the authorities, and in the past it has been known for murders to have been committed with the perpetrators disguised behind masks. As far back as the reign of Charles I, masks were outlawed during the carnival.

Carnivals have enjoyed a revival since the end of the dictatorship After Franco's victory in the Civil War the carnival was considered too hedonistic for the new conservative catholic government, and was banned everywhere in Spain. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cadiz however, the carnival continued to be held clandestinely. During the carnival in Santa Cruz the masked celebrants would act out a cat and mouse game with the local police, many ending up in prison. The popular appeal of the carnival led finally to the government grudgingly tolerating the festival, although it wasn't formally recognised until 1961, when the authorities christened it the Winter Festival.

Outside of Latin America, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the most extravagant carnival in the world. The carnival is held over nine days, beginning the Friday before Lent with the inauguration parade. The main parade is held on Shrove Tuesday, with the town of Santa Cruz coming to a standstill. Cross-dressing is popular among the crowds that line the route. The first day of lent itself is celebrated with the symbolic burial of a sardine effigy.

The carnival at Cadiz was the first to be held in Spain, probably owing to the close trading links the Spanish port had with Venice. The main festival is held on the Sunday before lent, and the carnival also includes fancy dress balls and singing contests. Since the 1970's carnivals have sprung up in other cities in Spain, including the transvestite carnival at Sitges.

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Insight Guide Tenerife and Western Canary Islands
by Pam Barrett

Informative pocket guide giving history, culture and climate. Sums up 8 different areas of the island listing their highlights. Points of interest can easily be located on the maps provided. Has information on transportation, services and some accommodations. Color-coded tabs allow easy referencing of topics and routes. Great photos. A good source of information and a "must have" while travelling in Tenerife.

Reviewer: ventura_teacher_and_mom
from Ventura, CA
We took our first trip to Tenerife in December 2002 and took this book with us. We read the historical information and found that it really helped us to understand Canarian culture and traditions. The sections on cuisine were also quite helpful, as Canarians have a cuisine of their own. Conejo Salmorejo is a local dish that you must try (or Pollo for those who fear rabbit) as well as chilled red wine - Yummy! Read carefully and plan on following the advice in the book. It won't lead you astray!

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Note: from spanish-property.com