inicio

Carnaval Header.svg

Carnaval Header_Mobile.svg

From March 18th to 30th

Amor a la Mejicana

The Carnival Opening Parade is a festive event that marks the beginning of the Maspalomas International Carnival celebrations.
A festival with deep-rooted popular tradition, it revolves around lively street celebrations and iconic events that have become true crowd favorites — such as the Grand Parade, Carnival Nights, and spectacular galas like the Queen Gala and the Drag Queen Gala, among many others. These events are an essential part of the festivities and reflect the rich and fascinating history of this vibrant carnival.

thumbnail_image 4.png

event18m19m.png

Opening Parade – Candidate Presentation

18 - 19 Marzo

Our elders also have a special place in the Carnival, where they choose their queen from among several candidates who each year represent various organizations, companies, or senior centers.
The Grand Dame election is a cherished tradition where a senior woman is selected to represent the elegance and spirit of the older generation during the festivities. This event celebrates the beauty, grace, and wisdom of the participants, offering women of all ages the chance to enjoy and take part in the Carnival.

The Grand Dame joins the Carnival royalty in parades and events, adding her unique style and experience to the celebration.

The Grand Dame Gala brings together hosts and performers that cater to the tastes and preferences of this audience, making it one of the most heartwarming and beloved events of the Carnival — a true testament that the spirit of Carnival never fades.

thumbnail_event20m.png

event20m.png

Grand Dame Gala

20 Marzo

The Children’s Carnival Queen Gala is a vibrant spectacle where the youngest stars take center stage.
Each year, a group of young contestants—both girls and boys—compete for the title of Carnival Sovereign in a colorful and joyful gala. The event brings together children’s music groups, dance troupes, and performance ensembles, along with artists and singers who liven up the afternoon.

The stage of the Maspalomas International Carnival transforms into a true parade of creativity, where top designers showcase stunning fantasy costumes worn by the young contestants. The gala draws a large crowd eager to enjoy the performances and the festive atmosphere that defines the Children’s Carnival.

Beyond the gala, the Children’s Carnival offers a variety of activities, including a costume festival and family gatherings, all of which are key to nurturing the future of the Carnival and ensuring that new generations are immersed in this rich cultural tradition.

thumbnail_event21m.png

event21m.png

Children’s Carnival Queen

21 Marzo

The Carnival Queen Gala is one of the most iconic and eagerly awaited events of the Maspalomas International Carnival.
This spectacular show, celebrated over many editions through the years, focuses on the selection of the woman who will hold the title of Carnival Queen, representing the festivities until the following year.

During the gala, the candidates dazzle the audience with their stunning, elaborate costumes—true works of art. Adorned with sequins, feathers, and an explosion of colors and textures, these creations deliver a visually captivating spectacle. The event also features performances by murgas and comparsas, traditional Carnival music and dance groups. The presence of renowned hosts and artists adds extra glamour, drawing hundreds of journalists from around the world.

The gala is a feast for the senses, with dazzling lights, vibrant music, and the infectious energy of the contestants. The crowning of the Carnival Queen is not only the highlight of the evening but also appoints the winner as the ambassador of Maspalomas and its Carnival for an entire year. Behind each magnificent costume lies the dedication and hard work of designers and creators who make this celebration truly unforgettable.

thumbnail_event22m.png

event22m.png

Queen Gala

22 Marzo

The Children’s Parade of the Maspalomas International Carnival is a joyful event filled with color, music, laughter, and costumes that transforms the streets of the city into a true spectacle for thousands of families.
During the parade, attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere where creativity and costumes take center stage. The vibrant sounds of drum groups, dance troupes, and performers accompany the colorful floats, as children and adults alike join in the dancing and fun.

The Children’s Parade is one of the most anticipated events in the Carnival program, featuring around twenty floats led by the Children’s Carnival Queen and her court. Children’s murgas and comparsas also take part in this cheerful procession, creating an unforgettable experience for the little ones.

This event not only fills the streets of Maspalomas with color but also creates a special moment where thousands of families come together to celebrate the magic of Carnival.

thumbnail_event23m.png

event23m.png

Children’s Parade

23 Marzo

The All-Inclusive Carnival Gala of Maspalomas is a special event dedicated to people with disabilities of all kinds, held within the vibrant celebrations of the Carnival and highlighting its inclusive and welcoming spirit.
This gala is not only a celebration of diversity but also stands out as one of the most emotional and uplifting events in the Carnival program. It brings together a large audience who support and cheer on the performers. The participants, filled with enthusiasm and joy, create an unforgettable experience that touches the hearts of everyone present.

The All-Inclusive Carnival Gala perfectly demonstrates how art and culture can unite people, fostering inclusion, respect, and appreciation for diversity. Without a doubt, it’s a must-see event if you want to enjoy a celebration full of emotion, solidarity, and the true spirit of community.

thumbnail_event24m.png

event24m.png

All-Inclusive Carnival Gala

24 Marzo

The Choreography Showcase of the Maspalomas International Carnival is an exciting event that brings together various dance academies and schools from across Gran Canaria.
Held at the Yumbo Shopping Center, it features the participation of over 300 young performers, ranging from 3-year-old children to teenagers up to 18 years old.

These talented dancers and skaters fill the stage with rhythm, creativity, and passion. The audience can enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of the performers, proving that there is a vibrant new generation of young artists ready to shine and carry the spirit of Carnival into the future.

thumbnail_event25m.png

event25m.png

Choreography Showcase

25 Marzo

The Dog Carnival has become a highly anticipated and beloved event for pet owners and their furry friends, where creativity and joy come together to celebrate the special bond we share with our pets.
This festive event features a parade where dogs, dressed in colorful and original costumes, showcase their charm and personality.

The main idea behind the Dog Carnival is to promote fun and interaction between pet owners and the community. During the event, attendees can admire dogs wearing imaginative outfits—from movie characters and superheroes to completely unique creations that reflect each pet’s individuality. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable day with our loyal companions.

thumbnail_event26m.png

event26m.png

Dog Carnival

26 Marzo

The Drag Queen is one of the most iconic and spectacular figures of the Maspalomas International Carnival.
Since its inception, the Drag competition has become a defining feature of Maspalomas Carnival’s global identity. It is considered one of the most deeply rooted events, showcasing the open, bold, and diverse spirit of the festivities.

Back in 1986, the first Miss Traveskarnatival contest took place—a title blending the words “travesti” and “carnival.” This bold and inclusive act received significant support from the European press and laid the foundation for today’s Drag Queen Gala, now one of the most anticipated and celebrated events of the entire Carnival, even surpassing the Queen Gala in popularity.

Drag Queens not only undergo dramatic physical transformations but also embody unique personas and styles. Drag is a powerful form of artistic expression, allowing for exploration of identity, creativity, and performance. Shows range from live singing to elaborate choreography, often blending humor, satire, and social commentary, enriching the overall experience.

The costumes are a highlight of the competition—vibrant, extravagant, and wildly creative. Expect dazzling dresses, intricate makeup, oversized wigs, sparkling accessories, and, of course, those legendary towering platforms.

This event aims not only to entertain but also to promote diversity and acceptance. It fosters an environment of respect and openness, helping to shine a light on vital issues related to gender identity and sexual diversity.

thumbnail_event27m.png

event27m.png

Drag Queen Gala

27 Marzo

In 1985, a unique and original event was introduced to the Maspalomas Carnival to engage tourists in a fun and unforgettable way — the Sardine Rescue. This quirky celebration takes place on the stunning sands of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, where a nearly lifeless and pregnant sardine is discovered.

The Carnival team rushes to revive her at La Charca de Maspalomas, where her baby is “born” and remains on the beach until the following year’s Carnival. The rescue mission begins at Maspalomas Beach and continues to Playa del Inglés, passing through the Anexo I Shopping Center. Along the way, a medical emergency is staged, with Carnival-goers dressed as doctors and medics, accompanied by drum groups and dance troupes that fill the air with rhythm and joy.

Thousands of tourists join the fun — often from their sun loungers — enjoying not only the classic sun-and-sand experience but also the most hilarious, surreal, and playful scenes the Carnival has to offer.

Upon reaching Anexo II Shopping Center, a final attempt to revive the sardine is made. Sadly, it fails, and her death is officially declared.

This event is not just a tribute to the sardine, but a showcase of the creativity, humor, and festive spirit of the Maspalomas Carnival — a beloved tradition for all who experience it.

thumbnail_event28m.png

event28m.png

Sardine Rescue - Sun-Kissed Carnival

28 Marzo

The Maspalomas Carnival Grand Parade is one of the most popular and colorful events of the Carnival in Gran Canaria, Spain. Typically held in March, this spectacular parade draws thousands of locals and tourists alike.

Spectacularly decorated floats roll through the streets, accompanied by vibrant dance groups and costumed revelers who fill the atmosphere with joy, color, and music. The rhythm of salsa, pop, and other lively beats creates a festive and energetic vibe that keeps everyone dancing and celebrating.

The event usually kicks off in the afternoon and continues into the night, offering a magical Carnival experience for all ages. It’s the perfect occasion for families and friends to come together and enjoy the cultural diversity that defines this celebration.

Maspalomas truly comes alive, with thousands of people in costume and over a hundred floats accompanying the Carnival Queen, the Drag Queen, and the Grand Dame, all moving to the rhythm of the music. This is the moment when Carnival merges with tradition and the public — spontaneous, massive, and unforgettable.

If you have the chance to attend, don’t miss it! It’s an experience full of joy, color, and lasting memories.



thumbnail_event29m.png

event29m.png

Grand Parade

29 Marzo

The Sardine Burial is a symbolic and iconic celebration that marks the end of the Carnival festivities in Maspalomas. This event represents the close of the season of excess and revelry, ushering in Lent, a time of reflection and restraint in the Catholic tradition.

During this colorful and theatrical ceremony, a giant sardine is paraded through the streets of Maspalomas in a lively procession to its final “burial” site. This symbolic act serves as a farewell to the pleasures of Carnival. The event concludes with the burning of the sardine, delivering a dramatic and unforgettable finale to the festivities.

The celebration is known for its flamboyant “widows” and wailing mourners, who, together with the Carnival court and local authorities, theatrically grieve the sardine’s passing. One of the highlights is the reading of the Sardine’s Will, a humorous and ironic performance filled with playful commentary and satirical jabs—a chance to “get things off your chest” after a lively year.

To close the evening, the sky lights up with a stunning fireworks display, adding a magical touch to this beloved tradition. The Sardine Burial is an unforgettable event, blending humor, tradition, and spectacle — a fitting farewell to Carnival and a step into a new cycle of celebration and reflection.

Calendar 2025

What's happening?

Carnaval de Maspalomas 2025

Calendar 2025

What's happening?