Visiting the Canary Islands during the times of carnivals means to merge with a type of energy that is beyond words. Everyone appears to be utterly unique and different at these moments, but they all move in unison to the rhythm of music and positive vibes. Such an experience is incomparable. Today we give you a little hint of what you can expect if you decide to visit one of these events.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival
One of the best carnivals in the world is that held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In fact, it is regarded as the second most well-known carnival in the world, following Rio. It dates back hundreds of years. More than 250,000 people travel to Tenerife each year to celebrate the carnival in the lovely capital city of Santa Cruz. To decide what to see and do among the street parties, parades, costumes, and drag queen competitions might be a little overwhelming. Due to this, we will provide you with some information and starting points related to this amazing event.
First of all, let us give you some details regarding the location and exact dates. As already mentioned above the carnival takes place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Tenerife is a part of the Spanish archipelago known as the Canary Islands, which is situated in the Atlantic Ocean around 1300 km from the Spanish peninsula and 210 km off the northwestern coast of Africa. As for the dates, we will point our some of the main celebrations down below:
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – The Queens Gala
Friday, February 17, 2023 – The Opening Parade and Street Carnival
Sunday, February 19, 2023 – The First Daytime Carnival
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – Grand Carnival Parade
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 – The Burial of the Sardine Parade
Saturday, February 25, 2023 – The Second Daytime Carnival
Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
One of Spain’s most stunning carnivals is on the island of Gran Canaria. From Las Canteras Beach, where you can witness one of the most captivating parades in bright sunlight, to the lovely neighborhood of Vegueta, the capital city is transformed into a vast, free, cheerful party. Not to mention that crowds of costumed folks still occupy the city’s center and do not want the party to finish. Since the 16th century—and specifically since 1574, when a masquerade ball was held—it has been observed in the islands. This occasion, which signified a before and after in the history of this island, has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest. During these festive days, there are competitions to select the best carnival group, which are called ‘murgas’ and ‘comparsas’. Moreover, the Carnival Queen Gala is held to choose the festival’s principal representation from among the hundreds of guests wearing eye-catching outfits embellished with feathers and rhinestones. The Drag Queen Gala is another of the Gran Canaria Carnival’s most well-known and well-attended worldwide events. It is when the carnival’s drag queen is chosen, a title that candidates compete for on hazardous platforms while putting on provocative and unthinkable choreographies. This year the carnival will be held during the 10th of February and the 5th of March.
On the Canary Islands, there are many more carnivals
Even though it is less well-known than the others, Lanzarote Carnival is one of the oldest in the Canary Islands. Arrecife, the capital of the island, hosts the most noteworthy celebration. There you may hear several kinds of music, carnival bands, and especially the colorful, rhythmic batucada music that fills the streets. On the rest of the island, there is just as much partying, particularly in Teguise where it is still traditional to dress up as devils for the “diabletes” of Teguise. The Lanzarote carnival will also be held during February/March 2023.
The Fuerteventura carnival season runs from February to March, and is marked with carnivals that are organized in the main municipalities and typically include a new theme every year. Visitors from all over the world travel to Fuerteventura for the carnival to take in the island’s joyous atmosphere. It includes a wide range of events, such as the selection of the Carnival Queen, a costume contest for both humans and animals, a murga contest, live music, dances, and, of course, the legendary “cosos carnavaleros.” Every municipality holds its own carnival, which typically lasts a little over a week.
The La Gomera carnival is a low-key event with few attendees. The majority of the activities take place in San Sebastián, the island’s capital city, and one of the most well-known and long awaited celebrations is the “Da de los Polvos de Talco y Ail,” which is on Carnival Monday. In the midst of partying, having fun, and orchestral music, carnival attendees are all covered in a talcum powder blanket.
The carnival on the island of El Hierro is no less bizarre. The “Fiesta de los Carneros,” also known as “Los Carneros de Tidagay,” is an unique event that gathers hundreds of young people in sheepskins in Frontera. This is done in order to carry on a custom that, despite being on the verge of extinction, was luckily not forgotten and is currently active to the delight of everyone who have the opportunity to join it.
You have probably been intrigued by at least one of the events described above. Then why not have a look at the initial planning steps for a trip to the Canary Islands? Everything starts out as an idea before becoming a reality! And if you do decide to leave for these magical islands, you might just want to make sure you have somewhere to stay. For this, we encourage you to check out some lovely accommodation options our page below:
The way to your best stay! 