My 2025 Carnival Travel List
I’m on a quest to capture the essence of my vibrant culture through carnivals across Europe while embracing new traditions.
Carnaval of Las Palmas
When is the 2025 Carnaval of Las Palmas?
The Carnaval of Las Palmas will occur from February 8, 2025 to March 16, 2025.
Where is the Carnaval of Las Palmas celebrated?
The Carnaval of Las Palmas is celebrated in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city of the Gran Canaria island in Spain.
What is the Carnaval of Las Palmas?
The Carnaval of Las Palmas is a lively and colorful event and one of the most significant carnivals in Spain and is renowned for its elaborate costumes, vibrant parades, and festive atmosphere. This festival in the Canary Islands is among the oldest and most traditional, drawing both locals and tourists to partake in the festivities.
Dating back to the 16th century, specifically 1574, the Carnaval of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has deep historical roots, originating from a mask and costume ball. This event marked a significant turning point in the island’s history and has gained recognition as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. The celebration continues to captivate audiences, maintaining its status as a cherished and culturally rich tradition.
What to expect at the Carnaval of Las Palmas?
The Carnaval of Las Palmas typically takes place in February, lasting for several days and culminating in a grand finale. It attracts both locals and tourists, making it a major highlight on the cultural calendar of the Canary Islands. The carnival is a joyful celebration that combines tradition, creativity, and a lively party atmosphere.
The theme for the 2025 festivities will be Las Olimpiadas. English Translation is “The Olympics”.
Key features of the Carnaval of Las Palmas include:
Elaborate Costumes
Participants in the carnival don intricate and creative costumes, often with thematic designs. The costumes are a major highlight of the event, and participants invest considerable time and effort in their creation.
Carnival Queen Gala
In addition to the Drag Queen Gala, there is a separate gala to crown the Queen of the Carnival. This event features a spectacular show with music, dance, and the presentation of the contestants.
Community Engagement
A community-driven event, that fosters a sense of togetherness and pride. Locals actively participate in the celebrations, contributing to the overall festive spirit.
Colorful Parades
The carnival features lively and vibrant parades that wind through the streets of Las Palmas. These parades showcase a diverse array of performances, including traditional dances, music, and theatrical presentations.
Queen of the Carnival
The streets come alive with the sounds of traditional Paraguayan music and rhythmic dances. The "carnavalito" dance is often featured, adding an authentic touch to the festivities.
Drag Queen Gala
A highly anticipated event is the Drag Queen Gala, where contestants showcase elaborate and glamorous drag performances. This gala is known for its entertainment value and the creativity of the participants.
Street Parties & Events
Beyond the organized parades and galas, the streets of Las Palmas come alive with spontaneous parties, live music, and various cultural events.
Murgas and Comparsas
Murgas are choirs that sing satirical and humorous songs, while comparsas are musical and dance groups that add rhythm and energy to the carnival. Murgas and Comparsas contribute to the lively atmosphere with their performances.
Carnaval of Las Palmas Schedule
Carnival Opening Parade
Date: Feb 8, 2025
Location: Parque de Santa Catalina
Time: 12:00
The opening parade is a vibrant and energetic procession that kicks off the festivities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Featuring elaborate costumes, lively music, and dance performances, the parade sets the tone for the colorful celebrations that follow, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.
Night Carnival
Date: March 3, 2025
Location: Parque de Santa Catalina
Time: 20:00
The Second Night of Carnival at the Carnaval de Las Palmas is a lively and energetic evening filled with music, dancing, and colorful costumes, as both locals and visitors party into the night. This festive celebration brings the streets to life with parades, live performances, and a joyful atmosphere that captures the true spirit of carnival.
Children's Parade
Date: Mar 4, 2025
Location: Manuel Becerra towards Mesa y López Avenue
Time: 12:00
The Children's Parade is a joyful and family-friendly procession where children, often dressed in colorful and imaginative costumes, march through the streets of Las Palmas. Accompanied by parents, teachers, or guardians, the young participants showcase their creativity with costumes ranging from traditional characters to modern themes.
Grand Parade
Date: March 15, 2025
Location: Parque de Santa Catalina
Time: 16:00
The Daytime Carnival is a lively street celebration, where participants and spectators enjoy music, dancing, and colorful costumes in a festive open-air environment.
The Burial of the Sardine
Date: Mar 16, 2025
Location: Las Canteras Beach
Time: 19:30
"The Burial of the Sardine" is a symbolic and festive event. Despite its name, it does not involve an actual sardine burial. Instead, it is a metaphorical act marking the end of the Carnival season, with participants often dressed in mourning attire, carrying a mock sardine through the streets in a lively procession. The ritual symbolizes the farewell to the indulgent and carefree spirit of Carnival, transitioning into the solemn period of Lent.
Want to know more about Carnival?
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