This week saw a few cloudy and rainy days across various parts of Gran Canaria. The weather prediction for Sunday and start of the next week is still unclear with the left overs of the Hurricane “Leslie” lurking there in the mid-atlantic, with a promise of some wind, rain and stormy seas out to the west of us. The next few days however will give us a little more certainty for a weekend of sunshine and blue skies, with the odd cloud possible and becoming more probable as we head towards Sunday afternoon.
This weekend is more like a long weekend on Gran Canaria with many taking a “puente” (bridge), due to Friday being the Spain’s National Day always celebrated on 12 October, marking the anniversary of Spain having bridged the Atlantic for the first time.
It was also known as Hispanic Day (up until 1987), Fiesta Nacional de España or Día de la Hispanidad. Not only is 12th October a commemoration of Christopher Columbus having arrived in the Americas, though he had thought he was headed for Japan and swore till his dying day he had reached India, but it is also the Official Day of the Spanish Language, the Feast Day of the Virgin of Pilar and Spain’s Armed Forces Day.
So it really is a combination of all things Spanish!
Government buildings will be closed. Many major shopping centres however will be open for business as usual including the shopping centre La Mareta (IKEA, Leroy Merlín and Al Campo), Las Terrazas. The shopping centre Atlantico in Vecindario are also celebrating their 18th anniversary so some extra happenings there on Friday and Saturday.
12-14 OCTOBER, MASPALOMAS
FREE GAY FESTIVAL
A Free gay festival is happening in Maspalomas and there are free shows on the centre stage in the heart of this most colourful shopping centre, Yumbo. Every evening the music starts at 21:00 and at 22:00 a “gala” begins. Different themed shows from midnight (or 23:59 to be more precise).
On Friday 21:00 Welcome Music , Videojay Hector (Spain) and Freedom Drag Show.
At 22:00 The gala begins and is hosted by Fruela & Mr Fidel, Rainbow Gospel Choir (Spain), Abba Solutely (UK), Gio Box (Italy), Ruth Lorenzo (Spain) and at 23:59 “Superheroes” with Dj Dani Toro (Italia), Dj Lydia Sanz (Spain), Vocal Live Nalaya (Spain)
On Saturday at 23:59 “The Greatest Show”
On Sunday 23:59 FREEDOM Party “Oh My Gods!”
SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER, VECINDARIO
MERCADO AGRÍCOLA Y GANADERO
The Agricultural Market in La Karpa, offers an opportunity to purchase fresh produce directly from the primary sector (farmers) at an adjusted price. Vegetables, fruits, honey, cheeses, oil, bread and sweets are just some of the produce that can be found, constituted to support the primary sector of the region. The freshest products at your fingertips.
The Market is open from 08:30-13:30
SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER, MASPALOMAS
MASDANZA
The International Contemporary Dance Festival of the Canary Islands, MASDANZA, was born on Gran Canaria, in 1996. The festival has consolidated itself year after year, going from a small regional event, to gaining national attention by its second edition, and then on to an international festival of dance from its sixth edition until now, spreading beyond our national borders and open to the participation of international choreographers and dancers. The Festival runs from October 13 to November 03 and you can see the full program here.
On Saturday, the inaugural day, from the Maspalomas Dunes view point you will be able to watch some amazing free outdoor dance performances, starting from 19:00.
-SEE YOU, SEE YOURSELF (10’) from Gran Canaria, Spain. Created by Vanessa Medina & Ángeles Padilla and performed by Ádex Alonso & Daniela Arzarello.
-DEVUÉLVEME AL MAR (10’) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Created & Performed by Samuel Déniz Falcón
-SENSU(5’) Gran Canaria, Spain. Created by Carmen Cabrera and performed by Sandy Ruben, Agatha Tejero, Sara Pérez, Inés Mañaricua
-OLD SKIN (12’) from Gran Canaria, Spain. Created & Performed by Ádex Alonso & Sergio Pérez.
-COCKTAIL MOLOTOV (15’) from Gran Canaria, Spain. Created & Performed by> Daniel Fernández.
SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER, MOGÁN
MERCADILLO AGRÍCOLA Y ARTESANAL DE PUERTO RICO
Farmer’s market and handicrafts. Every fortnight, on a Sunday, in an ideal setting surrounded by palm trees and to the sound of typical Canarian music, early in the morning there is a farmers and crafts market.
Locally grown fruits and vegetables, cheese, sweets and so much more. This weekend also the new market season starts, so there are also tastings of typical Canarian delights.
The market is open from 08:30-14:30
SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER, TEROR
TEROR MARKET AND THE “FARMERS CORNER”
Teror is a must-visit market town any day, and it is home to the Virgen del Pino, the island’s revered patron. However, a Sunday visit to this lovely northern hill town is even better as you will find the Canary Islands’ oldest street market in full swing. There is also a “farmer’s corner”, that premiered last April, a sales space in Plaza de la Alameda Pío XII, in front of the Episcopal Palace, from 9:00 to 15:00, offering agri-food products (vegetables, fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, spices, cheeses or honeys).
A total of 13 sellers have joined the initiative of the Teror council Market Department, with the aim of expanding the offer of the traditional municipal market and, at the same time, bring a new attraction for the thousands of visitors who attend every week and energise the activity of the Casco de Teror on Sundays.
Currently, around a hundred street vendors are present at the “Mercadillo de Teror” every Sunday, with a wide variety of products. To this are added a dozen artisans, located in the Plaza del Pino, and the establishments of the Open Commercial Area of Teror that open every Sunday.
Credit: Sara Pista Image Maker
SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER, LAS PALMAS
MOJO WING FESTIVAL – END OF THE FESTIVAL DANCE
Canary is a place rich of culture, colors, languages, religions and different ethics of people. The place reminds us of natural inhabitants and much more. You will find many beautiful market and places and various festivals with good weather conditions as well.