It’s the last weekend of May ahead and the weather predictions by AEMET, Spain’s meteorological agency are showing partly cloudy for the weekend all around Gran Canaria. There are plenty of events for the weekend to go and experience; here is our weekly selection for the weekend to come.
The two capitals of the Canary Islands will be the scene of air parades this Saturday for the celebration of Armed Forces day. Plaza de las Islas Canarias and the Avenida Marítima are where the public can follow these huge military exhibitions, scheduled for the afternoon.
Remember that next Wednesday 30 May is Canarian Day and a bank holiday throughout the Archipelago
“Día de Canarias”
25 – 27 May, San Fernando
Fiestas patronales en honor a San Fernando
The Maspalomas neighbourhood of San Fernando, once a simple village of tomato growers, enjoy their patron saint celebrations from 24 May – 3 June. You can see the full program for each day (in Spanish) here . Saturday is the day for the main Romeria, the pilgrimage offering for the patron saint of San Fernando, where attendees will be likely dressed in traditional costume and processing through the streets around the church.
On Friday, Eucharist at 11:00 for all the sick at the church. In the evening at 21:00 “Masparranda Juerga Canario” a festive mood with carne frita and pata & papas arrugadas, a night of the chiringos, music till late in the area around the public swimming pool and Casa de Cultura
On Saturday, “Romeria ofrenda“, a pilgrimage offering and procession starting at 18:30 from the parking lot of Maspalomas stadium to San Fernando park. by the church. The street party “verbena” afterwards with music from 21:30 in Plaza de San Fernando and at 23:30 a night of the chiringos in front of the public swimming pool.
On Sunday, the second hand market at Plaza Timanfaya, in front of the Town Hall starting at 09:00. Mass in the church at 09:30 and 11:30. Children’s animation at 18:00 in Plaza de San Fernando. Gala at 21:00 with the election of child and youth Queen in Plaza de San Fernando.
25-26 May, Puerto de Mogan
Jazz Festival by Bar Marina
An exquisite annual event, still continuing this Friday and Saturday, in the most beautiful little harbour on Gran Canaria, Puerto de Mogán. The live music Jazz festival, as ever sponsored by Bar Marina and the Dennehy family. Music starts on both evenings at 19.30 just next to the Marina bar.
On Friday, a west end star is performing and a little bird told that he was featured on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun. The inimitable Johnny Amobi
On Saturday, the utterly awesome Richard Leach Marina Bar Jazzband
Friday 25 May, El Pajar, San Bartolomé de Tirajana
Celebración del Día de Canarias en El Pajar
26-27 May, Mogán
“Expo Mogán”
The streets of the historic centre of the town of Pueble de Mogán will host the fifth edition of ‘Expo Mogán’ this Saturday and Sunday. Concerts, exhibitions, a market, various performances, an appetising gastronomy route.
The event is aimed at all ages and audiences, with an exclusive space for the little ones in the family, the ‘ChiquiExpo’, with various activities, such as the children’s playroom, games and traditional toys, and workshops.
Calle San José and Calle Juan Martín will be pedestrianized and closed to traffic. As in previous years, parking in the upper area of the town of Mogán.
On Saturday 11:30-19:30 and on Sunday 12:00-19:00. See the full program (in Spanish) here.
26-27 May, Arucas
XXVI El Concurso y Exposición de Ganado Selecto
The 26th contest exposition of selected Gran Canaria cattle will gather more than 900 animals, 135 exhibitors, in addition to tastings of local produce, crafts, music, native sports and much more.
The event is organised to promote traditional and native breeds, and in particular indigenous stock descended from the prehispanic flocks herded here on the islands for thousands of years, and to transmit the values and traditions of Gran Canaria such as shearing, equine dressage, threshing and the shepherd’s leap, all seasoned with the performances of various folk groups.
Goats, sheep, cattle and the 6 Canarian breeds of pigs can be admired over the two days, offering a unique opportunity to see the various breeds of horse, as well as mules and donkeys, and 40 breeds of dogs on Sunday.
Tastings, children’s workshops, where 19 municipalities with exhibit their produce, supply and agricultural machinery, artisans and music galore.
On the north coast near Arucas, in the Cabildo de Gran Canaria’s experimental farm. On Saturday 10:00-19:00 and on Sunday 10:00-15:00
See our full article of the cattle fair here
26-27 May, Mogán
VIII Torneo Voley Playa 2×2 Anfi del Mar
The 8th Beach Volleyball competition on the beautiful beach aty Anfi del Mar. Games starts at 09:00. Two person teams, female and male categories.
Saturday 26 May, Las Palmas
Musicando
Boleros, fado and traditional Canarian music come together from every weekend until June 2 for the third year of the Musicando program.
This Saturday evening its Rogelio Botanz “Cuadernos de viajes” performing at the auditorium of Parque Doramas, starting at 21:00, with a free outdoor concert in Las Palmas.
Sounds of chacaras, drums, water, gánigos, whistles, stones … some of the traditional instruments of the Canarian culture that Rogelio Botanz merges with the most current styles in a journey towards the roots and traditions of the Canarian archipelago. In “Cuadernos de viajes”, this Canarian Basque performs some of the songs that have united him to Canarian culture since his arrival on the islands 25 years ago.
Entrance fee until seats full.
Sunday 27 May, Las Palmas
1st Festival Folclórico “Vegueta con Canarias”
A lovely Sunday morning to spend in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and see some traditional Canarian dancing and music during the first edition of “Vegueta with Canarias”, a folkloric festival taking place from 11:00 to 14:00 at Plaza el Pilar Nuevo , right in the heart of the old town of Vegueta, from where the city was founded 540 years ago.
…and one last thing… don’t forget that not only with many of the pubs and bars be showing the Champions League final this weekend, but more importantly … STATUS QUO arrive at the Gran Canaria Arena…! Whew!! What a weekend!!!!
