Each year, the grand carnival is held in Tenerife. It is the most striking event in the island’s cultural life. This beautiful national holiday has been celebrated since colonial times; three hundred and fifty years ago, the Carnival was a privilege of nobles, who held lavish celebrations with masquerade and rich feasts. Nobles and royals dressed in costumes of common people, their servants hid their faces behind masks and tried on the royal costumes. These days, the masquerade remains one of the main traditions of the holiday. During its long history the Carnival has undergone many changes; the colorful holiday was repeatedly banned. Currently Carnival in Tenerife is the universal event, which gives only to the legendary Carnival in Rio by its fame and popularity. It is held at the end of February; the main part of celebrations held in the city of Santa Cruz. According to tradition, a bright holiday begins with the selection of Carnival’s Queen. Preparation for this important event lasts all year long. Public and government organizations choose the island 's most promising contestants; after that experienced fashion designers are working for many months to create their grand costumes. Contestants have to be not only charming and talented, but also very hardy, because often the weight of festive costumes is more than ten kilos. After selecting the Queen, the street holiday procession is held; it blends in with mass festivities and ends only in the morning of
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