Here comes the first weekend of Spring and the island weather looks just perfect … though there may be a little wind to the northern side of the Island. This is also the start of Easter week on Gran Canaria too, which means school holidays and for many, the start of holy week. As a predominantly catholic island, there are many events of a church bent taking place, especially in the capital, Las Palmas as well as all other parishes.
The Spring Artisan fair in Maspalomas is also celebrating its last weekend for this year. Here are a selection of our top picks.
REMEMBER On Sunday, Daylight Saving Time (Closer to Summer!) from 1am to 2am, SO 1 HOUR LESS SLEEP!
16-25 MARCH, MASPALOMAS
THE 8th SOUTHERN SPRINGTIME ARTISANS FAIR
This weekend offers your last chance to visit the 8th southern springtime artisans fair, by the FEDAC association, set once again in the idyllic surroundings of the lighthouse of Maspalomas.
The fair closes on 25 March.
Open every day from 10:00 to 19:00 and is the perfect opportunity to see works by some of the best artisan craftspeoples of the Canary Islands; ceramics, wood, metal, leather, textiles, glass and recycled materials among others in a magnificent combination of traditional materials and modern design.
23-25 MARCH, MOGÁN
VACATIONS AT THE BEACH
Mogán council’s holidays programming “vacaciones en la playa” for the little ones in the family at Playa de Mogán during the weekend at Plaza D. Pdo Betancor Léon.
On Friday, a concert at 21:00 by “Parchita Colorá”.
On Saturday between 11:00 to 14:00 children’s workshops and later in the afternoon starting at 17:00 its Game Party.
On Sunday 11:30-14:00 and 16:00-19:00 there is a kids play area with inflatables .
23-25 MARCH, PUERTO RICO, MOGAN
ANGRY BIRD ACTIVITY PARK
Looking for something fun and active to do with the children. There is a full program of activities on offer in Puerto Rico throughout the Easter holidays, starting this weekend .
On Saturday : Foam Party 15.00 Foam party – lots of bubbles and great sounds from the DJ (don´t forget your towel!) 17.00 Fun and Games on stage with the Angry Birds Team 18.00 Mini Disco
On Sunday : Celebrate Easter!
10.00 Meet for Easter Egg Hunt (activities open 10.30am).
10.30 Easter Egg Hunt – where have the birds hidden their eggs?
12.00 Easter Crafts Workshop – all materials are provided you just need to bring your imagination!
14.00 Face Painting
16.00 Rehearsals for our very own Angry Birds Catwalk Collection.
17.00 Fashion Show
18.00 Clown Show
FRIDAY 23 MARCH, EL TABLERO
VII ENCUENTRO DE AGRUPACIONES FOLKLÓRICAS de SBT
For anyone interested in seeing some lovely Island folk music groups, they are meeting up on Friday evening in El tablero Plaza Publico, starting at 20:00.
SATURDAY 24 MARCH, MOGÁN
A NIGHT IN ARGUINEGUIN
An evening of traditional dancing and music to be enjoyed at the ever popular ‘la noche en Arguineguin‘ event at plaza Pérez Galdos.
A craft and food fair opens at 17:00 and later in the evening traditional taifa dance and music performances at 21:00
SATURDAY 24 MARCH, TELDE
TELDE CAMBIO LA HORA
Telde likes making a fuss with the time change towards the Summer! This year a day of activities and concerts. Between 11:00-14:00 and 17:30-20:30 there are activities for kids which are divided into eight different areas in the main open commercial area of San Gregorio.
In the evening: at 21:00 Jabicombe (a humorist) at Plaza de San Gregorio, at 22:00 a U2.0 Tribute concert on Avenida de la Constitucion 9 and then at 23:30 Salvapantallas band at the intersection of c/ Poeta Fernando Gonzalez and c/ Alonso Quesada 
SATURDAY 24 MARCH, PLANET EARTH
EARTH HOUR AT 8:30 TO 9:30 IN GRAN CANARIA
The Cabildo of Gran Canaria joins the global blackout for another year to promote Earth Hour on March 24 turning off the lights of the Casa Palacio and the Casa de Colón, also the Gabinete Literario, the Cathedral of Santa Ana, the Basilica of Arucas and the Pérez Galdós Theater, all to raise awareness among the population of the need to fight climate change.
In San Bartolome de Tirajana, the light house of Maspalomas will be switched off
SATURDAY 24 MARCH, VALSEQUILLO
FERIA INSULAR DE VINOS DE VALSEQUILLO
The Insular Wine Fair of Valsequillo (11:00-20:00). Stands open at 11:00 at Plaza Nueva de Tenteniguada, at 11:00. There is also an exhibition of oenological products,
Oenology (enology; /iːˈnɒlədʒi/ ee-NOL-o-jee) is the science and study of wine and winemaking; distinct from viticulture
where Gran Canaria wines and tapas made with local products will be available to be tasted. A lovely day during which there will be no shortage of activities aimed at everyone in the family, even the little ones.
Wines and produce such as cheese and honey, also from Valsequillo, along with tasting of jams and also in the afternoon, tasting of the fruit wines.
An event that will gather the best of the island in Valsequillo where lovers of good wine can enjoy, just 1€ a glass.
SATURDAY 24 MARCH,
TEJEDA CARNIVAL, themed ANIMAL
One of the last spring Carnival celebrations is in the beautiful little village of Tejeda, up in the mountains. There will be celebrations and parades happening during the day.
At 12:00 concentracion at Plaza Mirador. Departure at 13:00 from Arbol Bonita with the Carnival float and children’s parade and 45 minutes later, prizes will be given to the best dressed individual and group.
In the evening its the adults turn with the parading and street revelry starting from 21:30 from Árbol Bonita
SATURDAY 24 MARCH, LAS PALMAS
MUSICANDO
Boleros, fado and traditional Canarian music come together from every weekend until June 2 in the third year of the Musicando program. This time performing will be Carla Vega & Jorge Granados .
All nine concerts are to be held in the Parque Doramas auditorium in Las Palmas, starting at 21:00 and are free entry until full.
SUNDAY 25 MARCH,
“LA BURRITA” PROCESSION
Palm Sunday, commemorates the triumphant entrance of the Christ figure to Jerusalem on a donkey. A morning procession from Parroquia de San Bernardo, Ermita de San Telmo starts at 11:00.
The procession include an image of the christian messiah on a donkey and is followed by children carrying palms and olive branches. After the procession the eucharist will be celebrated in the park.
This lovely traditional procession travels from Parque San Telmo to Mayor de Triana, Perdomo, Pérez Galdós, Buenos Aires, and then back to Parque San Telmo, so that is a great place to watch it from.
SUNDAY 25 MARCH,
“SALUD Y ESPERANZA” PROCESSION
“Health and Hope” procession (Cristo de la Salud y La Virgen de la Esperanza).
The penitential procession of the Brotherhood and Guild of Nazarenes from the Parish of Santo Domingo de Guzmán in the evening, at 19:00 and arriving back at 00:30 . This procession, Andalusian style carrying two revered images, will be joined by over a hundred members wearing tunics and hoods,
Route: Plaza de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, García Tello, San Marcos, Fernando Galván, Reyes Católicos, Dr. Chil, Reloj, Obispo Codina, Catedral (penance place ), Obispo Codina, Callejón de San Marcial, Plazoleta de los Álamos, Plaza del Pilar Nuevo, Felipe Massieu Falcón, Espíritu Santo, Reloj, Doctor Chil, Doctor Verneau, San Marcos, García Tello, Plaza de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
