The Economic Impact of Carnival Festivals: Beyond the Revelry
When you think of Carnival, what comes to mind first? The vibrant costumes, rhythmic steelpan, soca music, and streets filled with joyous revelers?
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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
Musical groups known as "murgas" and "comparsas" contribute to the lively atmosphere with their performances. Murgas are choirs that sing satirical and humorous songs, while comparsas are musical and dance groups that add rhythm and energy to the carnival.
Carnaval of Las Palmas Schedule
Carnival Opening Parade
Date: Feb 8, 2025
Location: Parque de Santa Catalina
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.
Adult Costume Contest
Date: Feb 9, 2025
Location: TBA
The Adult Costume Contest showcases stunning, imaginative outfits as participants compete for the title of the best costume. This popular event highlights creativity and craftsmanship, with contestants parading their intricate designs to the applause of an enthusiastic crowd.
Drag Preselection
Date: Feb 14, 2025
Location: TBA
The Drag Preselection event is a lively competition where drag performers showcase their extravagant costumes, bold makeup, and captivating performances to secure a spot in the prestigious Drag Queen Gala. This high-energy event celebrates inclusivity and creativity, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to see the most dazzling and daring acts.
Kid's Gala
Date: Feb 15, 2025
Location: TBA
Kid's Gala: an event tailored for children, featuring entertainment, games, a formal gathering or celebration including activities like costume contests, music, dance, and other kid-friendly performances.
Children's Comparsas and Murgas
Date: Feb 16, 2025
Location: TBA
The Children's Comparsas and Murgas feature vibrant performances by young dancers and singers, representing local schools and groups. These colorful and energetic acts showcase choreographed dances and playful, satirical songs, adding a joyful and family-friendly element to the carnival celebrations.
First Phase of the Murga Competition
Date: Feb 17, 2025
Location: TBA
The First Phase of the Murga Competition features lively performances by local singing groups, known as "murgas," who combine humor, satire, and music to critique social and political issues. These performances are marked by clever lyrics, colorful costumes, and energetic singing, setting the stage for the rest of the competition.
Second Phase of the Murga Competition
Date: Feb 18, 2025
Location: TBA
The Second Phase of the Murga Competition continues the spirited performances, with more groups presenting their satirical songs and critiques through humor and music. The murgas aim to impress both the audience and judges with their creativity, wit, and stage presence, building excitement as the competition progresses toward the finals.
Third Phase of the Murga Competition
Date: Feb 17, 2025
Location: TBA
The Third Phase of the Murga Competition brings the final groups to the stage, delivering their sharp humor, social commentary, and lively performances. This phase intensifies the competition, as the best murgas vie for a place in the grand finale, showcasing their talent, creativity, and energy to leave a lasting impression.
Troupe Competition
Date: Feb 21, 2024
Location: TBA
The Troupe Competition features dazzling performances by dance groups, or "comparsas," known for their vibrant costumes and high-energy choreography. These troupes compete by showcasing elaborate routines, combining rhythm, creativity, and passion to capture the spirit of carnival and impress both the audience and judges.
Final of Murgas
Date: Feb 22, 2024
Location: TBA
The Final of Murgas at the Carnaval de Las Palmas brings together the top-performing groups from previous rounds, who deliver their best satirical songs and energetic performances. In this highly anticipated event, the murgas compete for the ultimate title, combining humor, clever lyrics, and lively choreography to win over the judges and audience.
Dog Carnival & Gala for the selection of the Grand Lady
Date: Feb 23, 2024
Location: TBA
The Dog Carnival is a fun, family-friendly event where pets, dressed in creative and colorful costumes, parade before an enthusiastic crowd. Meanwhile, the Gala for the Selection of the Grand Lady honors older women, celebrating their grace and style as they compete in a glamorous pageant to be crowned the Grand Lady of the carnival.
Queen's Election Gala
Date: Feb 28, 2025
Location: TBA
A central figure in the festivities is the Queen of the Carnival, chosen through a beauty pageant. This event features a spectacular show with music, dance, and the presentation of the contestants.
Carnival Parade (Daytime)
Date: March 1, 2025
Location: TBA
The Daytime Carnival Parade is a lively street celebration filled with colorful floats, costumed performers, and rhythmic music. Families and visitors join the vibrant procession, dancing through the streets and soaking in the festive atmosphere under the bright sunshine.
Choreographic Festival and Body Painting Contest
Date: March 2, 2025
Location: TBA
The Choreographic Festival showcases dazzling dance performances by various troupes, who bring intricate choreography and vibrant energy to the stage. The Body Painting Contest adds an artistic flair to the carnival, with participants displaying creative, intricately painted designs on their bodies, blending art with performance in a stunning visual display.
Daytime Carnival
Date: March 2, 2025
Location: TBA
The Daytime Carnival is a lively street celebration, where participants and spectators enjoy music, dancing, and colorful costumes in a festive open-air environment.
Second Night of Carnival
Date: March 3, 2025
Location: TBA
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: TBA
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.
Drag Queen Gala
Date: Mar 7, 2024
Location: TBA
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.
Big Carnival Parade followed by Carnival Night
Date: Mar 8, 2024
Location: TBA
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.
Family Carnival and Gala
Date: Mar 9, 2024
Location: TBA
The Family Carnival and Gala for the selection of 2026 allegories is a festive event where families gather to enjoy performances and colorful presentations while the allegory, or theme, for the 2026 carnival is chosen. This gala highlights creativity and community involvement, as participants showcase ideas that will shape the carnival’s future celebrations.
The Social Integration Gala
Date: Mar 13, 2025
Location: TBA
The Social Integration Gala is a noteworthy component of the Carnaval that deserves attention. This inclusive event has been a tradition since 2009, focusing on honoring the diverse and inclusive essence of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnaval. The gala is a significant and heartening showcase, emphasizing the unity within the community.
Third Night of Carnival
Date: Mar 14, 2025
Location: TBA
The Third Night of Carnival is a vibrant evening filled with music, dancing, and elaborate costumes, as revelers continue to celebrate well into the night. This event showcases the lively atmosphere of the carnival, with street parties and performances that draw large crowds and keep the festive energy alive.
Daytime Carnival
Date: March 15, 2025
Location: TBA
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: TBA
"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.
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