The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife holds, together with the Carnival of Cadiz and the Carnival of Eagles (Murcia) the maximum consideration for parties granted by the ministry with tourism competences in Spain. It is considered the second most popular and internationally known carnival, after those held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).123 In fact the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is twinned with the city of Rio de Janeiro for this reason.

Thousands of people take to the streets every year for more than a week. Tourism increases as it does in summer. On January 18, 1980, it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest by the Secretary of State for Tourism, being the only Canarian festival to hold such a distinction. It is also one of the most important carnivals in the world and the most important carnival in the country. Currently the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife aspires to become a World Heritage Site.8 This declaration by UNESCO will, if it were, the largest international promotion that Santa Cruz de Tenerife has had, being the first Carnival in Spain to obtain this recognition, for its permanent character over time and because it would reach the five continents through UNESCO.