In 2000, Santa Cruz de Tenerife became headquarters of the FECC with what world carnival title?

In 2000, Santa Cruz de Tenerife became the Carnival Capital of the World.

The designation was linked to the 20th Convention of the Federation of European Carnival Cities, or FECC, which was held in the Canary Islands city in May 2000. The title reflects the festival’s international profile rather than a formal political status.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s carnival is one of Spain’s best-known celebrations and is often compared with Rio de Janeiro’s carnival. Its programme combines official events—such as the Queen’s Gala, group competitions and major parades—with a huge street carnival attended by residents and visitors.

A common mix-up is confusing the 2000 title with the festival’s tourism designation. Santa Cruz de Tenerife was declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest in 1980, while the “Carnival Capital of the World” title belongs specifically to the FECC-related events of 2000. That year’s carnival theme was pirates.