Carnaval of Las Palmas

When is the 2026 Carnaval of Las Palmas?

The Carnaval of Las Palmas will occur from January 23, 2026 to March 1, 2026.

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 2026 carnival theme: “Las Vegas”, celebrates the dazzling, high-energy spirit of the world’s entertainment capital.

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.

2026 Las Palmas Carnaval Schedule

Carnival Opening Parade

Date: Jan 23, 2026

Location: Parque de Santa Catalina

Time: 20:00

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: Feb 14, 2026

Location: Parque de Santa Catalina

Time: 21:00

The Night Carnival (Noche de Carnaval) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria transforms the streets around Parque Santa Catalina into a massive open-air party filled with live music, DJs, and costumed revelers dancing late into the night. It’s one of the most energetic and spontaneous parts of the festival, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate under the city lights in true Canarian carnival style.

Children's Parade

Date: Feb 17, 2026

Location: Senda del Carnaval

Time: 11:00

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.

Gala Drag Queen

Date: Feb 20, 2026

Location: Parque Santa Catalina

Time: 21:00

The Gala Drag Queen is one of the most iconic and anticipated events of the Las Palmas Carnival, blending dazzling performances, humor, and high fashion. Competing drag artists take the stage in elaborate costumes and platform heels, delivering theatrical shows filled with music, dance, and creativity before a live audience and national television broadcast.

Grand Parade

Date: Feb 28, 2026

Location: Castillo de La Luz -> Parque San Telmo

Time: 15:00

The Grand Parade (Gran Cabalgata) is the highlight of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival, drawing tens of thousands of participants and spectators. Colorful floats, comparsas, dance troupes, and costumed revelers move through the city in a lively procession filled with music, confetti, and celebration, transforming the streets into a sea of rhythm and color that embodies the spirit of Canary Islands Carnival.

The Burial of the Sardine

Date: Mar 1, 2026

Location: Parque Santa Catalina

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.

Note: carnival organizers can switch-up routes, times, etc. at the last minute so tap the “ViewAllEvents” button to check for updates.

How to Get to Gran Canaria for Las Palmas Carnival?

The best way to reach Las Palmas Carnival is by flying into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), which has frequent flights from Spain, major European cities, and connections from international hubs. From the airport, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Las Palmas.

To score the best Carnival fares, compare prices across top travel sites like:

KAYAK – Perfect for comparing flight prices at a glance.

Expedia – Ideal if you want to bundle your flight + hotel.

Trip.com – Great for flexible travel dates and multilingual support.

Pro tip: Book early! Flights fill up fast once Carnival season kicks in!

Where Should You Stay During Las Palmas Carnival?

The best place to stay is in Las Palmas itself, close to the main stages and parade routes. The neighborhoods around Parque Santa Catalina and Las Canteras Beach are especially convenient for Carnival events and nightlife. For those seeking quieter accommodations, areas outside the city like Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés offer resort-style stays, though you’ll need transport back to the city.

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 and convenient:

Public Buses: Guaguas buses connect most parts of the city and run frequently.

Taxis: Easy to find and reliable for short trips around Las Palmas.

Rental Cars: The best option if you want to explore beyond the city or other parts of Gran Canaria.

What Else Can You Do in Gran Canaria During Carnival?

Beyond Carnival, Gran Canaria offers beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites. Visit Las Canteras Beach for relaxation, explore the old town of Vegueta, or take a day trip to Maspalomas Dunes. For those who want a seamless experience, browse tours and excursions below to round out your Carnival trip.