A warm, beautiful, long December weekend ahead with two bank holidays in rapid succession making it favourable for many locals to enjoy a “puente”, long “bridge” weekend break in the run up to Yule time. Expect to see southern beaches with more people from the north than is usual.
Thursday is Spanish Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) and marks the 40th anniversary of a referendum held on December 6, 1978 to enshrine into law the document that finally converted Spain to a Social Democracy. Two days later Saturday, 8 December, is the feast day of the Immaculate conception. It is a religious day that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life, even in pregnancy. Both days are national holidays in Spain.
5-9 DECEMBER, LAS PALMAS
REGIONAL ARTISAN FAIR OF THE CANARY ISLANDS
The 34th regional artisan fair by FEDAC from Wednesday to Sunday is on at the back of Elder and Miller buildings in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in Parque Santa Catalina, not far from the El Muelle shopping centre.
Artisan market open every day between 10:00 and 21:00.
6-8 DECEMBER, PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
CHRISTMAS MARKET – HOTEL MARITIM PLAYA
The 10th traditional and popular Christmas market in the hotel Maritim Playa, in Playa del Inglés. The Christmas Market opens at 16:00. You can visit during the following weekends: 14.12.-16.12 & 21.12.-23.12
Christmas spirit and decorations, Canarian and German artisans, Glühwein, baked goods, music performances and much more.
7-8 DECEMBER, SANTA LUCIA DE TIRAJANA
LA FIESTAS EN HONOR A LA PATRONA SANTA LUCIA
The festivities in honour of the municipal capital’s patron, Saint Lucia, begins officially on Friday, the 7th, with the proclamation in the parish church, at 19:00. (The festivities continue until the 16th with the pilgrimage offering for the “Romería de Los Labradores” (a popular pilgrimage that this year turns 50, as a benchmark in the recovery of Canarian traditions) and includes Thursday 13 Dec as a local holiday in the municipality.
On Friday, the reading of the proclamation at 19:00 at the parish church, by Santaluceño and vice president of the Timple Canary Association, Miguel Ricarte Afonso. Wlection of Lucia Canaria, through a popular vote. The night continues at the park with musical performances starting at 21:00
Saturday is a Children’s Day, with leisure activities in the morning from 11:00 at the municipal park. The XLII Caldera de Tirajana Folkloric Encounter at 19:30. and the night continues with DJ’s, on the sports centre court, at 23:00, and a late party at the park at 23:00 with more traditional music.
On Sunday, The X Festival of the Olive, from 10.00, at the patio of the school CEIP Santa Lucia with food and craft fairs, children’s entertainment, music and popular food. and the night continues with DJ’s, on at the sports centre court, at 23:00, and a late party.
7-8 DECEMBER, LAS PALMAS
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM TOWN HALL
As Part of the Capital’s Christmas program, there are lovely events happening on Friday and Saturday. Illuminated palm trees, luminous decoration in the trees and lights throughout the city throughout the month with various acts in the program.
The Castle Mata, a historic fortress(which defended the city from pirates including the most famous assault of the Dutch Vice Admiral Van der Does in 1599) is today a museum that also is to host a jazz festival within its walls: on Friday, starting at 20:00, the Valencian group Peter Gun & The Paper Hats will flood the Castillo Mata venue with a double program that will be shared with the singer Alba Serrano and her show About Nina. Free entry. This will be the beginning of Jazz between walls- events.
On Friday there is also a musical spectacle “Vegueta en Navidad” at the parainfo at the university starting at 19:00 ( Calle Juan de Quesada 30)
On Saturday Chano Gil Jazz Trio and Celia Mur Quartet at Castillo de Mata starting at 20:00 with free entry and is part of the Jazz between walls- events.
8-9 DECEMBER, VILLA DE MOYA
CHRISTMAS MARKET – MOYA
Christmas this Saturday arrives in the Villa de Moya. From 17:00- 23:00 Christmas market at Calle Miguel Hernández. Around 50 stalls with decorative and gastronomic Christmas products, children’s activities, balloon twisting, face painting and Disney characters. At 17.30 Christmas show at Plaza Tomás Morales.
at 19:00 inauguration of the Municipal Bethlehem as well as a nativity of the world with the acts enlivened by performances from the students of the Municipal Artistic Schools of the Villa de Moya. They will remain open to the public at the house of Culture from the 8th to the 25th of December, from Monday to Thursday, 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00 on Saturday and Sunday 11:00-18:00. From December 26 to January 7, 2019: Monday through Friday, 08:00-14:00 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00-18:00.
At 19:00 Children’s workshops at Plaza Tomás Morales and at 20:00 Christmas lighting event at the porch of the church of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, with an unforgettable surprise and the performance of Yone Rodríguez, Néstor García and David Álamo, in addition to the soloists Manolo Estupiñán and José Santana. At 21:00 concert by La Trova at the porch of the church.
SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER, LAS PALMAS
TRIANA HAPPY MARKET
On Saturday, between 11:00 and 21:00, The commercial area of Triana in Las Palmas celebrates “Triana Happy Market” Christmas Edition. In “Triana Happy Market” the shops of the area ‘go out to the street’ (streets Cano, Torres, Travieso, Arena, Constantino, besides General Bravo and Plazoleta del Pasaje Lagunetas will become a market). In it you will be able to find the varied commercial offers that these streets host. In addition to invited brands, artisan, fashion designers, etc.) you can find them in Calles Cano and Torres.
Be surprised by the recycled Christmas decorations, enjoy activities, live music and magic shows. Do not forget to bring some of your own good will nougat ( turrón) as there will be a Christmas candy collection “For a piece of nougat” that will go to the Food Bank .
SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER, MASPALOMAS
OPEN WATER 2018
This seventh edition of this swimming competition, in addition, will have the special incentive of being the last test of the Open Water Canaries Cup, as well as the crossings of the Open Water Series circuit, crowning the winners of 2018.
Faro de Maspalomas is the nerve centre for the competition scheduled from 09:00-15:00.
With two distances; 1 km and 2 km, the event is included in the Open Water Series 2018 that consists of 2 swimming distances in open water on the spectacular beaches of Maspalomas.
Schedule for the Day includes among others: at 13:15 h. Music Dj Cadena 100.
at 13:15 departures for the different groups for the race begins .
at 14:45 Award and concert and Final Party “Cañas al Sol”· Open Water Fest
at 19:00 Open Water Series Gala // Open Water Canary Islands Gala (Maspalomas Lighthouse)
SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER, AGAETE
FIESTAS DE LA CONCEPCIÓN
The second most important major fiesta of the municipality, a parish fiesta, is held on the 8th of December: Fiestas de la Concepción. The Immaculate Conception (according to the teaching of the Catholic Church, this is the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary free from original sin by virtue of the foreseen merits of her son Jesus )
On Saturday, at 09:30 Solemn Eucharist in Parroquia de Ntra. Sra. de La Concepción, followed by the Procession through the streets of the Villa.
30 NOVEMBER – 8 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS
SAND NATIVITY SCENE – LAS CANTERAS BEACH
The Belen de Arena in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on Las Canteras Beach ( at the end of La Puntilla ), is one of the main Christmas references of the city and the island. The visit is free for the public, although donations are requested each year for charitable purposes.
The Bethlehem Arena can be visited until January 8.
Sunday to Friday, from 9:00-22:00.
Saturdays, from 9:00-23:00
Special days 24/12, 31/12 and 5/1 from 9:00-20:00
