Carnaval of Las Palmas

When is the 2027 Carnaval of Las Palmas?

The Carnaval of Las Palmas will take place from January 22, 2027 to February 28, 2027.

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 2027 carnival theme is ‘Music’, transforming the city into a vibrant, rhythm-filled spectacle inspired by global sounds, iconic musical eras, and the colorful energy that connects cultures through song and dance.

Key features of the Carnaval of Las Palmas include:

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.

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.

Las Palmas Carnival 2027 Schedule

Desfile Anunciador / Pregón

Date: Friday, January 22, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The official curtain-raiser of Las Palmas Carnival 2027 — the Desfile Anunciador parade and the Pregón opening proclamation kick off the season with music, colour, and a first taste of the festivities to come.

Festival Coreográfico / Murgas Infantiles

Date: Saturday, January 23, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The Choreographic Festival showcases dazzling group dance performances, while the Murgas Infantiles brings the next generation of performers to the stage with their witty, satirical musical acts.

Concurso Comparsas Infantiles

Date: Sunday, January 24, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

Young comparsa groups compete in costume and choreography in this children's edition of one of Carnival's most colourful competitions.

Murgas I Fase

Date: Monday, January 25, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The first round of the Murgas competition gets underway, with satirical singing groups delivering sharp social commentary and crowd-pleasing performances.

Murgas II Fase

Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The second phase of the Murgas competition continues as more groups take the stage to showcase their wit, musicality, and theatrical flair.

Murgas III Fase

Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The third phase of the Murgas contest raises the stakes as competing groups push for a place in the Final.

Murgas IV Fase

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The fourth and final qualifying phase of the Murgas competition determines who advances to the grand Final.

Concurso de Comparsas

Date: Friday, January 29, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

Adult comparsa groups compete in a spectacular display of elaborate costumes, synchronised choreography, and vibrant music in one of the most visually stunning nights of the Carnival programme.

Final de Murgas

Date: Saturday, January 30, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The Murgas Final brings the competition to a thrilling climax as the top groups from the qualifying phases go head to head for the coveted title in front of a packed audience.

Trono Infantil

Date: Sunday, January 31, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The children's queen pageant crowns the Trono Infantil — a magical evening celebrating the youngest stars of Las Palmas Carnival 2027.

Gala Gran Dama

Date: Friday, February 5, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

An elegant gala celebrating the Gran Dama of Las Palmas Carnival, honouring distinguished figures in the city's Carnival tradition.

Concurso Disfraces Adultos / Carnaval de Día

Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

Adults compete for the best costume of the season in the Concurso de Disfraces, while Carnaval de Día fills the streets with daytime festivities open to everyone.

Carnaval Canino / Carnaval de Día

Date: Sunday, February 7, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

One of the most charming events on the Carnival calendar — the Carnaval Canino invites costumed dogs and their owners to parade through the city, alongside another day of Carnaval de Día street celebrations.

Noche de Carnaval / Cabalgata Infantil / Carnaval de Día

Date: Monday, February 8, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

A triple celebration — the Cabalgata Infantil children's parade takes to the streets, Carnaval de Día keeps the daytime energy high, and Noche de Carnaval brings the night alive with music and festivities.

Gala de la Reina

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The crown jewel of the Las Palmas Carnival pageantry calendar — the Gala de la Reina crowns the Queen of Carnival 2027 in a breathtaking evening of elaborate costumes, performance, and island glamour.

Preselección Drag / Noche de Carnaval

Date: Friday, February 12, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The Drag Queen preliminary selection heats up as contestants compete for a place in the iconic Gala Drag Queen final, accompanied by another electrifying Noche de Carnaval.

Fiesta en la Calle / Carnaval Familiar

Date: Saturday, February 13, 2027
Location: Estadio Insular – C/ Galicia con Mesa y López, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

A vibrant street party and family Carnival celebration departing from the Estadio Insular along C/ Galicia with Mesa y López — one of the most inclusive and joyful events of the season, welcoming all ages to the party.

Carnaval Infantil / Carnaval de Día

Date: Sunday, February 14, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

Children take centre stage on Valentine's Day as the Carnaval Infantil parade fills the streets with colour and joy, complemented by another day of Carnaval de Día festivities for the whole family.

Maquillaje Corporal / Carnaval de Día

Date: Friday, February 19, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

Body painting takes the spotlight in this artistic showcase of Carnival creativity, with Carnaval de Día keeping the street celebrations going throughout the day.

Gran Cabalgata / Noche de Carnaval

Date: Saturday, February 20, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The Gran Cabalgata is the spectacular main parade of Las Palmas Carnival — a massive procession of floats, comparsa groups, and costumed revelers that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to the streets. The night continues with Noche de Carnaval celebrations into the early hours.

Carnaval Senior

Date: Sunday, February 21, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

A dedicated Carnival celebration honouring the island's senior community, bringing together older residents for a joyful day of music, dancing, and Carnival spirit.

Gala Transformistas

Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

A dazzling gala showcasing the art of transformation, with performers delivering spectacular costume and makeup looks in one of the most creative nights of the Carnival season.

Gala de la Integración

Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

A celebration of diversity and inclusion, the Gala de la Integración brings together communities from across Las Palmas in the true spirit of Carnival — open, joyful, and united.

Divas por la Corona

Date: Thursday, February 25, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

A fierce and fabulous night as Carnival divas compete for the crown in a glittering pageant of talent, style, and stage presence.

Noche de Carnaval

Date: Friday, February 26, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

Another unmissable Noche de Carnaval as the festival enters its final stretch — the streets of Las Palmas come alive with music, costumes, and non-stop celebration.

Gala Drag Queen / Noche de Carnaval

Date: Saturday, February 27, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The legendary Gala Drag Queen is one of the most iconic events in the entire Las Palmas Carnival calendar — an extraordinary night of larger-than-life performances, breathtaking costumes, and pure theatrical spectacle as contestants compete for the coveted Drag Queen title. The night continues with Noche de Carnaval celebrations.

Entierro de la Sardina / Viudas a la Carrera

Date: Sunday, February 28, 2027
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Time: TBA

The grand finale of Las Palmas Carnival 2027 — the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) is a beloved traditional ceremony marking the symbolic end of Carnival with a mock funeral procession, theatrical mourning, and a final burst of joyful revelry. Viudas a la Carrera sees costumed "widows" racing through the streets in one last comedic farewell to the season.

Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans. 

How to Get to Gran Canaria for Las Palmas Carnival?

Las Palmas is easy to reach whether you’re coming from mainland Spain, across Europe, or internationally.

Ready to lock in your flights? Use the search tool above to compare fares and find the best deal for your Carnival trip.

Where Should You Stay During Las Palmas Carnival?

The best areas to stay for Las Palmas Carnival are Parque Santa Catalina and Las Canteras Beach — the main Carnival stage, galas, and parade route along Calle Juan Rejón and León y Castillo all radiate from this zone, with the beach, restaurants, and nightlife right on your doorstep.

Recommended Hotels:

Use the above map to find and book stays close to the Carnival parade route!

How to Get Around Las Palmas During Carnival?

Getting around Las Palmas during Carnival is easy thanks to its coastal layout and well-connected transport options:

What Else Can You Do in Gran Canaria During Carnival?

Stroll through Vegueta, the historic heart of Las Palmas, to admire colonial architecture and lively plazas, then hit Las Canteras Beach for sunshine, surf, and seaside dining. Explore Casa de Colón to dive into island history or hike the dramatic trails of Bandama Caldera for sweeping volcanic views. As night falls, the Carnival rhythm heats up along Mesa y López and the beachfront, where music and color fill the air.

Here’s how to keep the island vibez alive in Gran Canaria:

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