Rehearsals have already started amongst the city's dance and drumming troupes, and we're sure the costumes for the Queen and Drag Queen shows are already taking shape.

The famous Drag Queen Gala is on Friday 19, the main parade the next day, and the final burial of the sardine parade and fireworks on Sunday 21 Feb. 

The carnival's most attractive event for tourists (getting tickets to the drag gala is tricky) is the dancing and drumming Carnaval Al Sol Parade along Las Canteras beach on February 13. 

Other interesting events include the traditional carnival queen gala on Feb 12 and the big Monday carnival fiesta on Monday 8. The traditional (white) carnival is on Monday 1 Feb and the body painting contest on Feb 14. There are also seven official carnival nights when people hit the streets to drink rum and have fun. 

Family and kiddie events have been spread throughout the calendar so that there's always something to do. 

See the full program here.