The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 22-24 February 2019

Looks like a glorious and warm weekend ahead with winds shifting from the north to blow from the south and the east bringing plenty of warm African air to the archipelago, temperatures topping 28ºC in the shade have been predicted, likely to be much warmer in direct sunlight; though we may encounter a little Saharan dust, in the form of Calima.

There is a whole caboodle of great events to go and see with a free classical quartet concert in Playa del Inglés, Carnival continuing in the capital including a daytime carnival in Vagueta, the old quarter of the city, comparsa dance troupes, the canine carnival competition and family carnival for all the family, especially the little ones, a beach tennis competition on Las Canteras, the start of the Aguïmes carnival, and the biweekly Agricultural and Livestock Market on the north coast, as well as a British Church springtime jumble sale in the style of a sunny village fete.

Friday 22 February, Playa del Inglés
Classical concert – free entry

The Gran Canaria Tourism Centre in Playa del Inglés is to host a classical concert performed by the “Ensemble Kegelstatt“, on Friday evening starting at 20:00. Performing a quartet formed by Alejandro Piñeiro (violin), Lara Cabrera (viola ), Juan Pablo Alemán (violoncello) and Moraya Sánchez (piano).

Admission will be free until full capacity is reached, so if you are interested be there early.

---

23 February, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The British Spring Second Hand Rastro Fair

You can bring anything you wish to sell, and buy whatever appeals to you. They shall have a bar, refreshments, a raffle and, to date, they still have a few table bookings available so, if you are interested in hiring one at 15€, please let contact Betty Burgess as soon as possible.

They tell us thy are not setting up anything quite like this (image right), but a lot of people are making plans for next Saturday!

---

22-24 February, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Carnival Las Palmas

The Carnival celebrations continue in the capital and there are many grand festivities happening throughout the weekend.

On Friday starting 21:00 the Contest for this years top adult dance troupe on the main stage at Parque Catalina. Feathers and sequins to the rhythm of the batucadas are key components of the Comparsas night. These groups perform on stage to bring the essence of the carnival alive, both with their astonishing high energy routines and their range risqué costumes

On Saturday, starting at 12:00 in the old part of the capital, Vegueta celebrates Daytime carnival so prepare your best costume and enjoy the Carnival for all, the Vegueta Day Carnival for the seventh consecutive year bringing all the atmosphere and warmth of Carnival to the oldest streets in the capital. All the bars and locals are open and there is live music happening all around Vegueta on the streets and in the bars  including : Calle Obispo Codina,  Calle Armas,  Calle Mendizábal and so many other places. Perfect Daytime celebration to be enjoyed.
In the evening at 20:30 Final round of Murgas Ticketed event.

On Sunday at 12:00 The Canine Carnival which is one of the most eagerly awaited events in recent years, the Canine Carnival is a parade of pet dogs in costume accompanied by their loving owners, at which imagination combined with a respect for animals and their wellbeing are the only limits. Free admission until full capacity. Parque Santa Catalina.
15:00 Day Carnival in Santa Catalina Family Carnival in Santa Catalina
19:00 Gala Reina Infantil The children’s queen’s gala, designed especially for the little ones, includes performances from “comparsas” (carnival dance stage shows), “murgas” (carnival street choir bands) and various groups selected to suit its main mini audience. The selection of the Junior Queen or King is one of the most charming events in the carnival festivities. Free admission until full capacity. Parque Santa Catalina.

23-24 February, Las Palmas
Campeonato De Gran Canaria Beach Tennis

Beach tennis to enjoy in Las Palmas on Saturday and Sunday on the beautiful urban beach of Las Canteras. On Saturday couples compete, early from the morning until 17:00. On Sunday young players and the veterans between 10:00-17:00.

23-24 February, Agüimes
Carnival Agüimes

The municipality of Agüimes starts their Carnival celebrations on Saturday. You can see the full program here (in Spanish).

On Saturday at 12:00 the Carnival proclamation parade, which starts from Plaza del Rosario and travels the streets of Agüimes old town. Then there is the burning of Esquile at 13:00 organized by : La Murga group “Ni Quioto ni pongo”.
At 18:00 there is hot chocolate, churros and ambient music on offer on Calle Dr Vicente Ruano to warm up the body before lighting up the Carnival wick.
In the evening at 21:00 the Carnival parade ( starts from the parking lot of the communal pool to Plaza del Rosario) and the burning of the spirit of the Lizard
Place: Balcony of the Town Hall of Agüimes and after party continues with music at Plaza del Rosario.

On Sunday it’s pretty much all about children. Between 11:30 -14:30 there is a children play park at Plaza del Rosario.
At 12:00 Children’s dance gala at ACDR local “Los Lagartos” with child Queen, children street parade and child murgas  LUDO PARK INFANTIL in charge

13:00 starts the filming of  “Novelores”, a television program for Television Canarias. The attendees have practise on Friday and will arrive dressed up and painted for the filming at Plaza del Rosario. A good chance to see some fun happening!