Canary Islands to Ring in 2026 for All of Spain
This Monday in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, RTVE, Spain’s public broadcaster, unveiled its special plans for the live broadcast of the 2026 Canary Islands New Year’s Eve celebration. The event will be hosted by Canarian singers NIA and st. Pedro, placing music at the heart of the festivities. They will be joined by Benidorm Fest participants Almácor and Mel Ömana, with a special nod to the festival’s upcoming fifth edition.
A Celebration Led by Homegrown Talent
RTVE is betting on a local Canarian duo to lead the nationwide farewell to 2025. Both artists have built their professional careers through the public broadcaster’s talent shows. NIA, the winner of ‘Operación Triunfo 2020’ and the 2025 Viña del Mar Festival, will be hosting the countdown for the fourth time. For st. Pedro, this will be his debut in the role, following his success with a second-place finish in the 2024 Benidorm Fest. He is also the voice behind the theme song for the La 1 series ‘Valle salvaje’.
Official Presentation and Statements
The media announcement was attended by the hosts NIA and st. Pedro, alongside Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez; the City Council’s Festival Councillor, Javier Caraballero; RTVE’s Director of Communication and Participation, María Eizaguirre; and the Director of RTVE in the Canary Islands, Francisca González.
María Eizaguirre highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “Today we are presenting one of the most important events of the year here in the Canary Islands: the New Year’s Eve bells. La 1 is on a roll, and this year we also want to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Benidorm Fest from Tenerife. We want to make a splash, which is why there will be a stage with live performances by Mel Ömana and Almácor. It’s a wonderful way to say goodbye to 2025.”
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez expressed his gratitude, saying, “Having a broadcast for the entire country of the New Year’s Eve bells from Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an honor.”
The Hosts Share Their Excitement
For NIA, this marks her fourth year at the helm of the broadcast. “I am so happy that TVE continues to count on me, and being able to ring in the New Year with my fellow Canarians each year is very special,” she shared.
For st. Pedro, it will be a first. “I never imagined that music would lead me to host the countdown bells here. I hope this serves as an inspiration for many boys and girls because if you put yourself out there, things start happening around you,” the singer explained during the presentation.
A Night of Music and Surprises
The spectacle on La 1 will continue even after the traditional Twelve Grapes have been eaten. The public broadcaster has prepared a major surprise for the Canarian public, both for those celebrating in the Plaza de la Candelaria and for those watching the broadcast from home. Following the welcome to 2026, viewers can enjoy several musical performances, including sets from Almácor and Mel Ömana.
Francisca González promised, “It will be a very fresh and daring countdown,” highlighting the novelty of the post-bells musical party. Javier Caraballero added that the event would feature “very well-known artists thanks to the agreement with TVE.”
Benidorm Fest Anniversary Takes Center Stage
The celebration will also honor the Benidorm Fest on its fifth anniversary. After welcoming 2026, the live performances of Mel Ömana and Almácor, both past participants in the song contest, will be a key part of the festivities.
“The Benidorm Fest was very important for me, and being with you all on the 31st will be incredible,” said Almácor during the press conference. Mel Ömana added a personal touch, commenting, “I wanted to pursue music because of the musical moments that used to air after the countdown. To be there now, making it a reality, is incredible.”
When to Watch
In keeping with tradition, the Canary Islands celebrate New Year’s Eve one hour later than mainland Spain. Therefore, RTVE will broadcast the live countdown from Santa Cruz de Tenerife one hour after the broadcast from Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.
