When is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival 2024?
The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is back for 2024! The 2024 Las Palmas Carnival will take place from Saturday 27 January 2024 until Sunday 25, February 2024.
Where is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival held?
The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean about 1300 kilometres from the mainland of Spain and about 210 kilometres off the north western coast of Africa. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival takes place in the Gran Canarian Capita, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Most carnival events and celebrations take place in Santa Catalina Park (Parque de Santa Catalina) which is located between Las Canteras Beach and the Cruise Ship Pier. It is a spectacular outdoor setting. A huge stage is built there in Santa Catalina Park and that is where the murgas, comparsas, concerts, Queen and Drag Queen Competitions, children’s groups, body paint events and the dog carnival is held.
What is Carnival in Las Palmas?
The Las Palmas Carnival is known as one of the best free parties in Europe! For three weeks every year, they celebrate one of the biggest, best and hottest carnivals in the world! This is a carnival that easily rivals Rio Carnival. During Carnival, every corner of this island transforms into a non-stop party, filled with music, colour, humour, dancing, feasting and fun!
What really makes this Canarialn Carnival special is the amazing temperatures of these gorgeous islands. While mainland Spain and the rest of Europe suffer through the freezing cold winter, this Island is sunny and warm all year round. And while you’ll enjoy the weather, you’ll adore the carnival!
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is filled with some of the best entertainment that you could ever possibly see, and humour takes centre-stage at this carnival! You have parades, parties, dance troupes, drag contests, floats, and fireworks. You can enjoy the incredible processions and the originality of the flashy costumes.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a city that is accustomed to being incredibly welcoming to outsiders. So welcoming that it makes friendly merriment contagious! So much so that visitors soon get caught up in the carnival celebrations! Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is a vibrant, lively and open party that everyone is welcome to join!
Carnival is one of Spain’s favourite celebrations and the unique traditions seen at Las Palmas de Gran Canarias Carnival are so incredibly captivating that we at Carnivaland, guarantee that you will have an unforgettable time!
Highlights of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival
There is always something happening in Las Palmas during Carnival! The list of events worth seeing is long. With almost a month of festivities, it can be hard to decide what to do and see. Here’s Carnivaland’s bucket list of events to see at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival
- Pregon
- Election of the Carnival Queen (La Gala de la Reina)
- Children’s Carnival Queen (La Gala de la Reina infantil)
- Comparsas Contests
- Murgas Contests
- Election of the Drag Queen (Gala de la Drag Queen)
- Vegueta Carnival (Carnaval de Día en Vegueta)
- Traditional White Carnival
- Great Carnival Parade (Gran Cabalgata)
- Children’s Carnival Parade (Cabalgata Infantil)
- Bodypainting Contest
- The Sunny Carnival
- Carnival for dogs (Carnaval Canino)
- Burial of the Sardine (Entierro Sardina)
- Carnival Nights
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2023 Carnival Programme
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival packs a full schedule with almost a whole month of celebrations! Visitors will quickly get caught up in the party spirit that invades Las Palmas de Gran Canaria during carnival. Throughout the city, the streets are filled with colour, music and joy. Here are the 2023 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival dates and events.
Saturday 27 January, 2024
- Presentation of Candidates and Candidates
Friday 2 February, 2024
- Announcer Parade (Isleta – Santa Catalina Park)
- Carnival proclamation
- Concert
Saturday 3 February, 2024
- Children’s Troupes Contest
- Adult Costume Contest
Sunday 4 February, 2024
- Children’s Murgas Meeting
- Children’s Costumes
- Grand Dame Gala
Monday 5 February, 2024
- 1st Phase of the Murgas Contest
Tuesday 6 February, 2024
- 2nd Phase of the Murgas Contest
Wednesday 7 February, 2024
- 3rd Phase of the Murgas Contest
Friday 9 February, 2024
- Adult Troupes Contest
Saturday 10 February, 2024
- Final of the Murgas Contest
Sunday 11 February, 2024
- Children’s Gala
Monday 12 February, 2024
- Drag Queen Gala Preselection
Shrove Tuesday 13 February, 2024
- BatuCarnival
- Day Carnival
- International Body Makeup Contest
Friday 16 February, 2024
- Carnival Queen Gala
Saturday 17 February, 2024
- Great Parade of the Carnival Groups
- Chiri Murgas Night
Sunday 18 February, 2024
- Canine Carnival
- Day Carnival
- Children’s ride
Tuesday 20 February, 2024
- Integration Gala
Friday 23 February, 2024
- Drag Queen Gala
Saturday 24 February, 2024
- Great Horseback Riding (Isleta – Triana)
Sunday 25 February, 2024
- Day Carnival
- Burial of the Sardine
2024 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival Theme
The theme of the Carnival of Las Palmas Gran Canaria 2023 was studio 54!
This year the theme of the Carnival will be “Carnivals of the World” so, as you can imagine, it will be even more special if possible. Do not miss it!
The Grand Carnival Parade (Gran Cabalgata)
Just when you think that carnival is beginning to wind down, wrong you have the main parade! The Grand Parade takes over the city! Running over a 7km stretch, this parade is attended by over 200,000 people! The parade kicks off at 5:00pm and goes on forever, so expect a long night! Today is all about community participation, freedom, wild abandonment and fun!
This is your chance to witness what carnival in Las Palmas is all about! The parade features the murgas, comparsas, musicians, performers, dancing troupes, amazing costumes, elaborate floats and of course the carnival Queen’s. All carnivals groups and floats are judged by a jury, with prizes handed out.
Expect big crowds, loud music, people of all ages dancing in the streets and huge crowds livin’ La Vida Loca! The streets surrounding the parade turn into a huge party and the fun doesn’t end when the parade finishes, the party continues on until the early hours of the morning.
What to Wear to the Grand Carnival Parade? Costumes are an absolute must for the parade and not to mention that this will be your last chance to wear them so why not go over the top! Enjoy rocking that sparkly tutu or green wig or whatever your heart desires. Many people also bring their own snacks and alcohol but there are plenty of street vendors to purchase food from.
Street Parties – The Mogollones
Carnival is a street celebration and the biggest parties are the mogollones. It’s where people hit the streets with their friends or family, dressed in costumes and drink, dance, party and socialise till the early morning.
The main parties are held on the two Saturdays prior till Shrove Tuesday and take place in the historic neighbourhoods of Triana and Vegueta. Around 15,000 people turn out for the parties! Everyone is welcome to attend, just dress up and get ready to have a good time!
A Carnival for Everyone!
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is an open and tolerant city where all are welcome! This can be reflected in its carnival celebrations whose identifying features are all about embracing and defending diversity, to ensure freedom and respect for all!
The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival goes to every effort to ensure that everyone, no matter their background or age, without exclusion, feels part of the fiesta. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is home to one of the largest LGTB-friendly communities in Europe, so carnival celebrations are very gay friendly with loads of LGBT activities and events.
Which Gran Canaria Carnival? Las Palmas or Tenerife?
Carnival in the Canary Islands occurs all over the archipelago. The islands are an explosion of music, colour, fun, parades, costumes, dance troupes and outdoor parties during carnival! The Islands are home to not one but two of the best carnivals in the world; Tenerife and Las Palmas! We love both carnivals and can highly recommend both carnivals, so choosing between them is going to be a personal choice.
To help you make your decision read our Ultimate Guide on Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival.
Vegueta Carnival (Carnaval de Día en Vegueta)
One of the most popular events at carnival, thousands of locals and tourists alike dress up in costumes and head to the historic centre of town for one of the most exciting events of carnival! Some say this is one of the best days of Carnaval in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This carnival also starts a week before the Tenerife Carnival so you can actually experience carnival in both cities carnival’s!
From 12 noon, the Daytime Carnival in Vegueta kicks off carnival season in Las Palmas, so the whole barrio is in party mode! From all angles there are DJ’s pumping out the top 40 hits, reggaeton and other loud Latin tempos. Everywhere you look are huge crowds with thousands of costumed partygoers dancing and singing their hearts out, from one stage to the next.
The celebrations are all over Vegueta, you literally can’t miss them! But for the most part they are centred around Calle Mendizábal. If Calle Mendizábal is too crowded for your liking, then explore some of the side streets for some fresh air and dancing space. All the bars are closed so drink vendors are outside on the streets.
This is the day to go all out with your costume! Seriously, people dress up in insanely intricate costumes. If you don’t dress up, you will look like the odd one out. So, get creative and get ready to flaunt the best costume you have! The event attracts people from all age groups from families with kids to grandparents.
When the families head home and the crowds begin to thin out, those who want to keep the party going after the sun goes down will usually head down towards Triana where cafes and restaurants host Carnaval de Día After Parties.
Where to stay for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival?
Las Palmas has a population of 400,000 so it is not exactly a small city. Therefore, you have numerous options for accommodation that suit every level of comfort and budget. But book your accommodation quickly because hoteliers report an occupancy rate of 95% and 100% in some areas.
If you want to be close to carnival, many tourists opt to stay around the Parque de Santa Catalina area, so you can walk everywhere and be as close as possible to the action.
The best hotels close to the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival include:
- Miami Santa Catalina (€70+ per night)
- Hotel Boutique Bed and Chic (€70+)
- Cielo Azul (€70+), Loft Santa Catalina Park, (€70+)
- Tamarán (€70+)
- AC Hotel Gran Canaria (€120+)
- Hostal Kasa(€30+).
Las Canteras Beach is the heart of the city and has a long beachfront promenade that runs the entire length of the beach. It is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy beautiful walks along the beach, soak up some sun, go for a swim or hang out in a trendy bar or restaurant. There are lots of amazing hotel accommodation options all along the beach.
Anywhere in Las Palmas or nearby the capital is generally quite a convenient place to stay. Of course, you can stay on other parts of the island, but it’s important to note that during major carnival events there will be many roads closed off for parades and such. So due to the nature of the island’s layout and roads you may end up on a big detour trying to get back to your accommodation.
It’s also very important that you book your accommodation as early as possible because it gets booked up very quickly! Check out Booking.com for some great Las Palmas de Gran Canaria accommodation deals here.
Book your Hotel and Flight for the Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival
What to Wear to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival?
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is like what Halloween is in the United States, but times that by a thousand! For most of carnival you will see thousands of people dressed up in costumes. You will see people dressed as superheroes, cartoon characters, animals, avatars, celebrities! People spend months of the year planning and pre-paring costumes and you will often see groups of friends in matching outfits.
Each year people usually dress in accordance with the carnival theme. So this year. If you are going to the Traditional Carnival then wear white. If you are going to the Burial of the Sardine, then wear black. If you are just going to watch one of the events at the park like the Drag Queen or Carnival Queen Gala’s, then you can wear normal clothes.
Everyone dresses up at the street parties so absolutely wear a costume. At the Daytime Carnivals and Grand Parade, it is essential to wear a costume, and these are the days where people go all out!
Traditional Carnival
As far as wonderfully absurd carnival traditions go, this one is a lot of fun! The Traditional Carnival is where crowds of people dressed to the nines in white, throw lots of talcum powder at each other! The tradition dates back to when the Canarians who made their fortune in Cuba and the Americas, returned to the Canaries. The celebration originates from the island of La Palma.
This celebration is absolute chaos, once the signal sounds there is talcum powder mayhem occurring wherever you look. Powder is thrown over everything and everyone, no one is safe! Everyone gets involved kids, adults, strangers and friends.
Where does the Traditional Carnival take place? The festivities are centred on Avenida Guiniguada in front of Plaza de las Ranas, which is the meeting point between the neighbourhoods of Triana and historic Vegueta.
What to Wear to Traditional Carnival? You absolutely must wear white! Many people dress up in clothing from an earlier colonial period. Some like to dress as the wealthy, whereas others choose to dress as their servants. If you don’t wear white prepare to be a target!
Women generally wear vintage white lace dresses, a broad brimmed hat and for the dedicated ones a white lace parasol. For the men, the traditional attire is to wear a white suit with a panama hat. But of course, there is no need to go all out, you can just wear white jeans and a white t-shirt if you want.
What to Bring to the Traditional carnival? Well bring talcum powder and lots of it! Also, we recommend you purchase it earlier because it tends to be sold out quick prior to the event. Also, the air becomes thick with a white dust and sometimes you won’t be able to see in front of you.
So, don’t forget a facemask because the powder is quite literally everywhere and breathing that in isn’t the best idea being that it is quite toxic. Some people even wear swimming goggles to avoid the dust getting in their eyes. if you have asthma or respiratory issues you should probably avoid this event.
Election of the Carnival Queen (Gala de la Reina)
One of the highlights of carnival is the gala night when the carnival queen is crowned! The Carnival Queen is the star of carnival in Gran Canaria. She is chosen at a gala from various female candidates.
Each contestant wears an extremely large and stunning costume made of colourful feathers, sparking stones, and glittering sequins. These costumes can weigh up to 100 kilograms and have a diameter of up to 3 meters. The costumes are the result of a years’ worth of hard work and dedication.
It takes a lot to wear these heavy dresses with grace and style. Being elected the Carnival Queen is not an easily achieved job! The most elegant lady with the most dazzling and spectacular dress is crowned the Carnival Queen.
Drag Queen Preselection & Drag Queen Gala
While Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival may be known for its larger bouts of carnival debauchery, Las Palmas’ claim to fame is the Drag Queen Competition, and it is a do not miss event! A tradition which began in 1998 has continued to grow larger and more glamorous every year. The goal is to find the best male artist or singer in full drag attire!
Being home to one of the largest LGTB-friendly communities in Europe, the local Canarios go loco over this event! And for good reason the contestants go above and beyond on their costumes and perfecting their choreography!
There is total freedom of expression here and contestants have been known to push the limits to, so if you are easily offended, you may want to sit this one out. Politics, other cultures, superheroes are some of the chosen themes by the drag queens.
The final features about a total of 16 Drag Queens who have survived the first round. The Grand Finale is even broadcast internationally by the Nova Channel. And last year for over two hours the Drag Queen Gala was a trending topic on Twitter (#DragQueenLPGC) worldwide! Tickets always sell out shortly after going on sale!
After the competition why not attend the Drag Gala After Party in the Santa Catalina area. There is lots of dancing, costumes, DJ’s, drinking and celebrating. It does attend to attract a younger crowd (uni age).
Comparsas
The first week of carnival is devoted to the group competitions – murgas and comparsas. These are hotly disputed competitions that attract many passionate fans!
What is a comparsas? A comparsa is essentially a band of musicians, singers and dancers that participate in carnivals and other celebrations in Spain and Latin America. Essentially, they are all about singing on topics, while wearing fabulous costumes.
The local comparsas spend an entire year planning and preparing to be declared the winner. The stage brims with colorful carnival costumes made from sequins and feathers. The groups pump out amazing tunes mixing Salsa, Samba, Merengue and loads of other musical styles together.
The Murgas
What is a Murgas? The Murgas are Spanish carnival groups which feature satire artist that perform songs about current social and political world events. They add a touch of humour to the celebrations performing funny and entertaining songs that reflect the famous local sense of humour.
Essentially, they are the comical version of comparsas. They are unique you could describe their performances as being a cross between choir, dance, musical comedy and poetry. They also dress up in colourful costumes while performing.
The Dog Carnival – (Carnaval Canino)
The Dog Carnival is actually one of the most popular events to occur during La Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival and it’s hard not to be in a good mood, watching all the cute dogs wearing costumes that their owners mad for them. If you are an animal lover, then don’t miss this event!
The Body Paint Competition (Concurso de Maquillaje Corporal)
Another highlight of carnival is the Body Art Competition where professional artists create authentic works of art using naked human bodies as canvases. The naked skin is transformed into a masterpiece using either an airbrush or simple brush into a display of art.
The Body Art Competition showcases impossibly intricate artworks on these naked bodies. But it is more than that, the art works aka the models, also perform extraordinary choregraphed dance and song routines, complete with back up dances, in nothing but their bare skin and paint.
It is much more low-key than other carnival events, but definitely one of the most unique events at carnival and is definitely a great night out. It takes place at the main stage in Parque de Santa Catalina.
The Pregón
On the first night of Carnival is one the main events, the Pregón (Proclamation). It is a proclamation speech that declares the carnival open. Held at the Plaza de Santa Ana, a historic area of original old quarter, which suddenly comes to life, with music groups parading through the streets, creating an amazing ambience. All the bars and restaurants in the area are packed with celebrations.
Burial of the Sardine (Entierro de la Sardina)
If you are a sucker for weird traditions, then the Burial of the Sardine is right up there! This colourful carnival celebration fades to black for the official end of the carnival. A huge parade occurs from the old town Triana to Las Caneras Beach where a giant sardine puppet is burnt on the beach to symbolise the end of carnival.
The crowd dresses in black. Essentially dressed as widower’s “morning” the giant sardine puppet. And people go all out mourning! They pretend to cry and get on the ground in ‘agony’, which is quite amusing to watch. Jugglers and musicians accompany the sardine on its last voyage.
After the procession, the mourners all gather on Las Canteras Beach, where the sardine is set afloat on the Atlanic. As the Sardine bobs away into the horizon suddenly BOOM! The Sardine has been set alight, followed by spectacular fireworks display that symbolises the end of carnival.
What to Wear to the Entierro de la Sardina? Anything you want, so long as it is black. But it’s way more fun to join the theatrics and get creative. Carnival is ending, and everyone is in morning, so have a look in your closet for anything that looks like something a widow would wear like a black veil. It is another event where there is a lot of dressing in drag! You will see plenty of men dressed up in grandmas black dress.
Tickets for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival
One of the best things about celebrating carnival in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is that essentially 99% of the celebrations are completely free to attend! It is actually one of the cheapest carnivals in the world to attend with little to no cost being required to attend.
The only events that require tickets are the Carnival Queen Final, Murgas Contest Final, Drag Queen Final and Drag Queen pre-selection. And even then, the tickets are quite cheap! Everyone can purchase a maximum of four tickets.
- Murgas Contest, Final Round
- Single price: €5.
- Carnival Queen Gala
- Single price: €10.
- Drag Queen Pre-selection
- Single price: €10.
- Drag Queen Gala
- Single price: €12 (standing area) and €15 (terraces).
Tickets can be purchased from laprovincia.es. It is also possible to purchase tickets from the box office in Santa Catalina Park (Monday – Friday, 10.00–13.00 & 16.00–20.00, and Weekends, 10.00–13.00).
If you want to be in the parade instead of watching it from the side, then you can buy a ticket to ride one of the buses that are in the parade.
What to do and see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
Situated just off the north-western coast of Africa means that the Canary Islands have the perfect climate year-round dubbed by many as dubbed “the world’s best climate,” making it the most spectacular travel destination. And while you will enjoy the weather, it is the sights and tranquillity that you will adore!
The island has so much to do, see and experience that carnival is just the icing on the cake! Las Palmas has picturesque beaches, and an amazing array of restaurants, architecture, cafes, shops, night clubs and bars.
One of the most popular destinations is Las Canteras Beach which is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands. Famous for its 4km stretch of golden sand and incredible snorkelling, due to La Barra reef’s protection from the surf during the low tide.
Explore the old city of Vegueta, filled with rich history. Founded in 1478 it has cobblestone streets and many traditional buildings from that time. Make sure you visit Catedral de Santa Ana a stunning church. Visit the House of Columbus, the first governor’s residence. Climb up the Atlantic Gothic building tower so you will see the most stunning views of Las Palmas and volcanic craters.
The botanical garden Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is another very popular destination to visit. It is quite large and a great place to really appreciate the natural beauty of the island with over 500 native plant species on display for many visitors to view.
If you love hiking, then the Bandama Caldera volcanic crater features several hiking trails and is a popular place to cycle or trek.
Outside of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria has an amazing array of restaurants, bars and shops to explore. So, if you want to head out of the city there are also lots of great sights and attractions to visit around the island.
Visit Maspalomas, one of the largest beaches on the island and famous for its vast sand dunes. And if you go to Playa de Ingles, you can go on walking routes and explore the dunes. Or if you like to party, then Playa del Ingles is known as being the islands party epicentre.
Visit Roque Nublo an 80-metre-high volcanic rock that is situated in Tejada. It is a UNESCO protected natural sight that erupted over four and a half million years ago. It is a great place if you’re interested in hiking. Visit Sioux City Theme Park, this is a western style theme park where absolutely everything is a replica of the Wild Wild West.
- Gran Canaria Peaks Full-Day Tour from Las Palmas
- Exclusive Private Charter in Gran Canaria
- EXCURSION IN UTV BUGGYS ON and OFFROAD FUN FOR EVERYONE!
- Beginners Scuba Diving Experience in Gran Canaria
- Morning cruise
- 2-Hour Dolphin and Whale Watching in Gran Canaria
Top Tours in Gran Canaria on Viator
What is the history of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival?
What are the origins of Las Palmas Carnival? Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is a pre-Lenten carnival that marks a period of celebration before the onset of Lent. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is not only one of the oldest carnivals in the world, but also one of the most deeply rooted.
Carnival started back in the 15th century, shortly after the Spaniards colonised the area. And soon people from all over the world began moving to the islands. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was one of the first cities on the island, back in 1478, to participate in carnival. And this carnival became known for its ability to bring together settlers from all backgrounds and cultures!
During the mid-16th century, following the Spanish Conquest, many islanders were forced to leave their homes and seek fortune in the Americas. However, after the conquest, many returned home and brought their newly found carnival influences with them. A unique sense of colour and flamboyancy was introduced to the proceedings.
Due to the presence of Italians on the island, many private parties and masquerade balls were held. The Italians were very fond of the element of disguise. Carnival continued to grow larger and larger over the centuries and became an officially organised event in the 19th century.
However, in the 20th century, state repression of the Francoist dictatorship resulted in carnival being banned. But for the Canarians, carnival is a tradition that is fundamental to them and the locals across the island strived to keep the traditions alive, celebrating in secrecy under the disguised name of ‘Winter Fiestas’.
All the celebrations took place in hiding in social clubs. Costumes were worn under bed sheets until they arrived at the venue. Disguise has always been synonymous with the carnival. In fact, carnival in the Canary Islands was the only place in Spain that managed to continue during the dictatorship. Carnival was born again following the death of the Spanish dictator after 40 years, in 1976!
How to get to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
- By Plane: Gran Canaria has an international airport – Gran Canaria International Airport. The airport receives flights from Madrid (2.5hrs), Barcelona (3hrs) and Bilbao (3hrs). Flights from the UK take around 4 hours. It also has flights to a few other destinations in Europe. From the airport you can catch bus number 60 to the city.
- By Boat: The Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria receives boats from all over the world and other Canary Island destinations including Africa, Europe and America, due to its strategic position. Acciona Transmediterránea operates a boat to and from Cádiz on the Spanish mainland, which takes 2 days. Naviera Armas operates to and from Madeira, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Portugal and several other islands.
How to get around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
Getting around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is super easy and quick thanks to their reliable and frequent public transport services. There are only two bus companies on Gran Canaria, both companies running 24/7 to just about every corner of the island. The Blue Buses (Global) transports visitors around the island, while the Yellow Bus (Guaguas Municipales) operates in the city centre.
You can always take a taxi, as official licensed taxis are readily available.
