The return of colorful carnivals to the Canary Islands
The return of festivities in the Canary Islands
The carnivals of the Canary Islands are among the most spectacular in the world. You really should experience these at least once in your life, and why not every year!
The carnivals of the Canary Islands are characterized by colors, joy, floats, singing groups, spectacular parades to the rhythm of salsa and batucada. These unique carnivals not only turn the streets into a huge party, but also because the atmosphere is safe, fun, comfortable and warm. The mild temperatures of the Canary Islands make it possible to forget about the cold and enjoy these events outdoors, even if they take place in February and March. Each island carnival lives in its own way and each has its own characteristics.
Tenerife carnival
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which starts on January 20 and ends on February 26, is considered one of the best in the world. It has also been declared an “international tourist attraction”. This is a huge party that makes Santa Cruz special and turns its streets into a show full of joy, rhythm and dance. Dressing up and wearing makeup is always strongly recommended, whether it’s day or night.
The Carnival Queen Gala is one of the most anticipated events due to the spectacular costumes the contestants wear in the parade. Pure fantasy and creative costumes with thousands of feathers and sequins on dresses over three meters tall and weighing up to 400 kg! The two main days for carnival-goers are the day of the “coso apotheosis”, a rousing parade of floats and bands marching to the infectious rhythm of the “comparsas”, carnival bands, and the traditional “burial of the sardine”, which takes place. Ash Wednesday. A casual, irreverent and very funny show.
Gran Canaria Carnival
The Gran Canaria Carnival is one of the most spectacular carnivals in all of Spain. A huge, open and joyful party that takes over the streets of the capital, from Las Canteras beach to the beautiful Vegueta district, where you can see one of the most charismatic parades under the full sun. Let me also say that the center of the city welcomes a crowd of masked people who do not want to see the end of the party.
In addition to the Carnival Queen Gala and the selection competitions called “murgas” and “comparsas” for the best carnival group, one of the most popular and international events of the Gran Canaria Carnival is the Drag Queen Gala. carnival is chosen, a name for which the candidates fight for while sitting on dizzying platforms where they perform impossible choreographies full of creativity and subversion. For those who want to experience Carnival directly on the beach, the Maspalomas International Carnival is the ideal event to enjoy the festivities from March 9th to 19th.
La Palma Carnival
The carnival on the island of La Palma is different from other islands and anywhere in Spain. That distinction lies in the Fiesta de los Indianos, a holiday inspired by the islanders who immigrated to Cuba. During this event, the streets are covered in talcum powder thrown by thousands and thousands of people dressed all in white as they pass through Calle Real to reach the Plaza de España. In Santa Cruz, everyone is dressed in their best clothes to the rhythm of “guarachas” and “guajiras” that reverberate throughout the day – boys in “guayaberas” (light shirts) and girls in hats and old dresses. de La Palma, a pretty colonial town worth visiting. All this starts from February 20.
Lanzarote carnival
The Lanzarote Carnival, although not as well known as the others, is one of the oldest in the Canary Islands. The most significant event takes place from February 13 to 22 in Arrecife, the capital of the island, where “parrandas marineras de los buches” (music) and floats, “comparsas” as well as batucada music are played. streets with rhythm, joy and color. The party is just as intense in the rest of the island, especially in Teguise, where Teguise maintains a tradition known as “Diabletes” and has people dressed as devils.
Fuerteventura Carnival
If there’s one thing special about the Canary Islands, it’s the contrast. The stars of Carnival in Fuerteventura are the “arretrancos” and “achipencos”. The former are fun four-wheeled, handcrafted vehicles, while the latter are interesting, extravagant and fun floating devices. These events take place in the capital of the island, Puerto del Rosario. Laughter and good humor are guaranteed!
In addition to these two events, everyone who comes to Fuerteventura during the Carnival period will be able to enjoy the celebration and partying in the streets, the Carnival Queen gala held in many municipalities and the competition of the Carnival groups, the “murgas”. “comparison”. From La Gomera, many choose to go to El Hierro, La Palma or one of the other islands. With pleasant weather all year round, easy sailing in the Canary Islands offers endless possibilities.
Carnival of La Gomera
The carnival in La Gomera is a quiet carnival without huge crowds. It mainly takes place in the capital of the island, San Sebastian. One of the most popular and anticipated events is the “Día de los Polvos de Talco y Añil”, which takes place on Carnival Monday.
El Hierro Carnival
Equally unique, the carnival of El Hierro Island is a real party, bringing together hundreds of young people dressed in sheepskin to continue the tradition of “Fiesta de los Carneros” and “Los Carneros de Tidagay”. almost lost. It lives on today to the delight of all who had the chance to enjoy it.
