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Thursday, 20. August 2026
Carnival on Tenerife

High heels and obstacles at Puerto de la Cruz carnival race

The "Mascarita ponte tacon" sees men in heels and elaborate costumes tackle an obstacle course through the town, watched by tens of thousands. Our pictures show the run on the day before the main parade.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 January Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
In Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife, the 'Mascarita ponte tacón' race is held every year on the day before the big carnival parade.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 February Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
To outsiders, the event seems bizarre, to say the least: men dressed as women, wearing high heels, take part in a highly exaggerated obstacle course.
Queer Parade, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 May Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
And there are plenty of them.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 June Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
This participant dressed up as a washerwoman and even brought a washing machine with her.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 July Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
Canarian television is also on the scene and reporting live.
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Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 August Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
For some participants, the ladies on the side of the road simply can't keep their hands to themselves.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 September Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
The costumes are varied.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 October Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
An aeroplane crew is on hand.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 November Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
But there are also fantasy costumes.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 December Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
Hier zu sehen: Schmumpfine.
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Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz 25 13 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
Or a tinsel fluffball.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 14 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
One participant turned up dressed as a patio heater.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 16 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
Here, someone has dressed up as a Mexican - and brought the wall with the US along with them. A picture of US President Donald Trump is stuck on the back.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 17 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
This is what it looks like when the participants have to overcome the obstacles.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 18 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
More colourful costumes.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 19 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
Eine Herde war auch dabei.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25th, 20th Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
These "Americans" crash the live TV interview.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 21 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
Super Mario with a mischievous look.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 22 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
This participant is the perfect fit for a carnival year: he's brought his own rain cloud with him.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 23 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
And then things will get colourful again.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25 24 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
And, of course, popcorn is a must.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz 25 25 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
Someone's really put their foot in it here.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25th and 26th Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
The look says it all: the event is exhausting.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25-27 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
"The Crazy Goats" were there too.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25-28 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
And a Barbie has made it to Tenerife in its original packaging.
Queer Run, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25-29 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
As the audience make their way over to the stage at the end of the event...
Queer Parade, Tenerife Carnival, Puerto de la Cruz, 25-30 Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
...many participants round off the evening in the pubs.
Rain on Tenerife dampens the spirits of carnival revellers from Düsseldorf Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
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