Maspalomas Carnival, fun and fancy dress in the South
Partying, colour and glitter come together at one of the Canary Islands’ most well-known celebrations worldwide: Maspalomas Carnival. It’s one of the south of Gran Canaria’s top annual fixtures. With annual temperatures of 22º, Maspalomas International Carnival is a sun-drenched celebration, with some events happening right on the beach.
Read on and find out everything you need to know about this fabulous fiesta that’s all about the colourful costumes, music and a whole lot of fun.
When is Maspalomas Carnival happening in 2024?
Maspalomas International Carnival is held every March. This year – 2024 – it’s happening from 7-17 March, and the theme will be ‘TV Memories’.
Dust off your old costumes, unleash your creativity, and prepare to transform into your favorite TV icon. Whether it’s the mischievous charm of Scooby-Doo, the intergalactic adventures of Star Trek, or the heartwarming tales of Sesame Street, the possibilities are endless.
How is it celebrated? – Events and locations of the Maspalomas Carnival 2024
Most of the shows will be happening in and around the Yumbo Shopping Centre, the annual stage for the carnival. This is where events like the Gala de la Reina (Carnival Queen Gala), Reina Infantil (Children’s Queen) and Gala Gran Dama (Grande Dame Queen) happen. Some of the dresses are up to three metres tall, and weigh up to 400 kilos!
But there’s no doubt about it, the top gala event is for the Drag Queen. This is the most decadent of all, with participants wowing the crowds in their stacked platform heels, next-level make-up and fabulous choreography.
One unique feature of Maspalomas Carnival is Día del Turista (Tourist Day). This lively event features a beach polonaise, starting from the Charca de Maspalomas lagoon and ending at the Anexo II shopping centre in Playa del Inglés. In this colorful procession, people dressed up as doctors, nurses, and anesthetists participate in the amusing rescue mission of the Carnival Sardine.
Expect a delightful scene with surreal resuscitations, simulated fainting spells, and joyous splashing in the sea. This symbolic rescue ensures the celebration extends from Friday to Sunday each year, concluding with the ceremonial burial of the cherished fish in the ‘Entierro de la Sardina‘ (funeral of the sardine).
As night falls, the festivities of the “Tourist Day” persist with a gala on the carnival stage at the Yumbo shopping centre. Here, you can revel in outstanding musical performances and witness the triumphant winners of the carnival parade!
Last but not least, you don’t want to miss the Gran Cabalgata parade: an annual event bringing together some 300,000 people on the main streets of the holiday resort. The parade includes 100 floats, a massive parade and a myriad of party-goers showing off their outfits, dancing and enjoying the rhythm of the carnival.
Note! Key dates of the Maspalomas Carnival here:
A whopping 10 days of celebrations await. Costumes at the ready! Here are the key carnival dates you need to know:
- Thursday, 7 March: Opening gala of the Maspalomas Carnival
- Friday, 8 March: Gala for the Carnival Children’s Queen
- Saturday, 9 March: Carnival Queen Gala
- Thursday, 14 March: Drag Queen Gala
- Saturday, 16 March: Great Carnival Parade
- Sunday, 17 March: Burial of the Sardine
History of Maspalomas International Carnival
The Canary Islands have some of the world’s best carnivals. The most well-known carnivals are the ones in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Puerto de la Cruz and Los Indianos, on the island of La Palma… And of course Maspalomas!
When it started out, Maspalomas International Carnival was a small, local event. Neighbours would get together to celebrate Shrovetide (the days leading up to Lent) with fun costumes, music, meals and meeting up with family and friends – both at home and on the streets. And little by little, the festivities gained prominence, eventually becoming one of the largest carnivals in Europe.
The first official event was held in 1974, when San Bartolomé de Tirajana Council put on an event to promote the municipal area, with a particular focus on attracting both local and international tourists.
However, the roots of the carnival tradition in the Canary Islands trace back to the eighteenth century. The festive spirit faced a setback during the Franco dictatorship (1939-1975), leading to the prohibition of traditional celebrations and stunting their growth. Nevertheless, on the islands, these festivities persevered, adopting the disguise of ‘Fiestas de Invierno’ (Winter Festivals). With the dictator’s demise, the original name ‘Carnavales’ was reclaimed, marking the resurgence of this lively tradition.
The fiesta ambience and a lust for celebrations are deeply rooted in Canarian culture. The sheer joie de vivre is one of the attractions for international tourism.
Where to stay during the Maspalomas Carnival?
If you like the sound of this fun, super colourful fiesta, we have the perfect hotels for you at Princess Hotels & Resorts to rest after your action-packed carnival days:
If you want to stay right in the epicentre of the fiesta action, this is the ideal hotel for you! Its location, close to the Yumbo shopping and leisure district – one of the most famous Maspalomas International Carnival hotspots – makes this an incredibly convenient location if you want the ultimate carnival experience. It’s less than a 15-minute walk away, or 4 minutes by car/taxi.
The Gran Canaria Princess hotel serves up a four-star, adults-only experience, giving you all you need to unwind to the max.
Facilities include various areas designed to enjoy at leisure, including a wellness area with Bali beds and outdoor whirlpools.
Staying for a minimum of 5 nights opens the door to additional perks through the Premium Package. It includes extras like a bathrobe and slippers, additional bathroom amenities, aromatherapy experience in your room, a massage and late check-out at 6 pm.
Anyone who wants to enjoy the celebrations as well as the more tranquil side of Maspalomas, should check out the Tabaiba Princess**** and Maspalomas Princess**** hotels in Campo Internacional.
Secure your carnival stay today and sign up with MyPrincess to reap exclusive benefits. Receive an additional 5% discount on your booking and enjoy a welcome gift upon your arrival at the hotel.
Categories: Canaries, Gran Canaria, Be inspired
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