Following the winter holidays and Reyes Magos, the Three Kings Epiphany festivities, the first major weekend events have started once again, and another year full of fiestas and festivities commences.
The almond trees are almost in full blossom across the island’s mountainous interior, from Valsequillo to Ayacata, Tunte to Tejeda and Carnival season is also fast approaching.
The first patron saint’s festivities of 2023 are taking place in Agüimes, Agaete, and Gáldar among others. Vintage cars are taking to the roads again as the Mogán classic rally takes place this Saturday. There is also a big Motor Show this weekend in Carrizal. All in all, as long as the weather stays clear, there is an awesome January weekend ahead and a lot to explore and enjoy. Worth keeping an eye on the weather though as there is rain forecast, coming in from the North East, the southern coasts are likely to see blue skies and sunshine over the days ahead.
Upcoming bank holidays:
Friday 20 January is a local bank holiday in Agüimes – Feast of San Sebastian, Festividad de San Sebastián
Thursday 2 February is a local bank holiday in Ingenio: Our Lady of Candelaria – Festividad de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
Tuesday 21 February is a local bank holiday in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Brígida, Valleseco, Teror, Tejeda, Santa María de Guía, Moya, Arucas, Firgas: Shrove Tuesday – Martes de Carnaval
Thursday 23 February is a local bank holiday in Agüimes: Carnival Thursday – Jueves de Carnaval.Upcoming events:
27-29 January: Almond Blossom Festival in Valsequillo (the main festive weekend)
29 January: Romería, pilgrimage offering of Fiestas Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria y San Blas in Ingenio
4-5 February: Almond Blossom Festival in Tejeda
4-5 February: Km.0 Fair Gran Canaria in Moya
10-25 February: Carnival Gáldar
10 Feb – 5 Mar: Carnival Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
4-5 March: European Cheese Fair in Tejeda
Fiestas - PATRON SAINTS' FESTIVITIES
20-22 JANUARY, AGÜIMES
FIESTAS DE SAN SEBASTÍAN 2023
Agüimes celebrates their patron saint’s festivities, in honour of San Sebastían, between 13-28 January. This Friday, 20 January is also a local bank holiday in the municipality.
The 12th edition of the popular Snail Gastronomy Days are taking place until this Sunday with six establishments in the old quarter offering a special recipe, at popular prices, based on this tasty mollusk. You’ll find this local delicacy being enjoyed at Bar San Antón, Bar La Esquina, Restaurant Atis Tirma, Gastrobar El Populacho, Restaurant El Guachinche and Comestibles Belén Gutiérrez Vélez, among the cobbled avenues of this beautiful old town.
On Friday 20 January: Livestock exhibition 10:00-13:00, behind the Teatro Auditorio Agüimes. Eucharist in the church at 11:30, followed by a religious procession.
On Saturday 21 January: Children’s play park at Plaza del Rosario between 11:00-14:00. In the evening Baile de Taifas, local traditional music groups are performing on Plaza del Rosario at 21:00.
“The Church of San Sebastián was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1981, built from stone, and resembling a certain cathedral style, it’s façades represent one of the finest examples of Canarian neoclassical architecture anywhere in the archipelago. Constructed to the plans laid out by architect Diego Nicolás Eduardo (1787), it was built over several phases and finally completed in 1940. In its interior, you can observe architectural elements pertaining to the gothic, neoclassical, and baroque styles.”
20-22 JANUARY, GÁLDAR
FIESTAS PRICIPALES DE SAN SEBASTÍAN 2023
The main festivities for San Sebastián de la Real Ciudad de Gáldar. The Royal City of Gáldar celebrates their festivities between 17-28 January 2023.
A festival full of cultural activities to mark the important cultural heritage of Gáldar, celebrated for more than five centuries in the municipality. A tradition that was born in Gáldar in the 16th century with the Hermitage of San Sebastián (BIC*) and its patron at the venue of one of the oldest festivals celebrated in the ancient pre-hispanic capital city.
(*BIC festivities declared of Cultural interest)
“Every year in January, the City of Gáldar celebrates festivities in honor of San Sebastián. Its historic hermitage and the entire neighborhood are decorated to host the main events of this celebration with great tradition in the municipality. The “usual” program will begin with the general ringing of bells and the raising of the flag. On the main day of the Festival of San Sebastian, on January 20, a procession begins in the Plaza de San Sebastian and ends in the Plaza de Santiago. Another of the acts is the return procession of San Sebastián and the Water Prayer.”
On Friday, San Sebastián’s Feast Day, at 18:00 in the Hermitage a Eucharist will be celebrated and then the religious procession of San Sebastián, San Amaro and San Buenaventura through the Plaza de San Sebastián, Franciscans, San Amaro, the Bajada de Las Guayarminas, Captain Quesada and the Plaza de Santiago.
On Sunday: a eucharist at 19:00 and then the return procession from Templo Arciprestal de Santiago. Water Prayers upon the arrival to Plaza de Los Heredamientos and then the return reception festivities at Plaza de San Sebastían.
13 Jan – 29 Jan Fun Fair is set up in front of the Juan Vega Mateos Municipal Sports Centre. it is open on Thursdays and Sundays between 17:00-22:00 and on Fridays and Saturdays 17:00-00:00.
20-22 JANUARY, AGAETE
FIESTAS DE SAN SEBASTÍAN 2023
The municipality of Agaete is celebrating festivities in honour of San Sebastián between 17-22 January 2023.
On Friday, the main feast day there is a eucharist at 11:30 in Plaza de San Sebastían, followed by a religious procession. Verbena del Solajero daytime fiesta with music at 14:00 at Plaza de San Sebastían. A lively little street procession with music at 16:00. Children’s games from 17:00. Scala Hi-Fi (rehearsed karaoke) at 21:00 and late night party enlivened by Paco Guedes.
On Saturday: Music performances at Plaza de San Sebastían starting at 19:00
On Sunday: A.M. Guayedra concert at 12:00 and daytime fiesta with D´Music group at 14:00 on Plaza de San Sebastían.
CAR EXHIBITION / FERIA DEL MOTOR CARRIZAL
21-22 JANUARY, INGENIO – FERIA DEL MOTOR 2023
The ‘Feria del Motor’ Car Show in Carrizal, in the municipality of Ingenio, is on this Saturday and Sunday.
The event takes place on Avenida de Carlos V, where you can enjoy a large exhibition of vehicles and stands, accompanied by chiringuitos (food and drink stalls), live music, outlet stalls, children’s activities (incl. bouncy castles, workshops, giant games, storytellers, Pepón the clown) and much more.
Opening Hours: On Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00 and on Sunday from 10:00 – 14:00
Concerts: On Saturday: El Cuarto Café 18:00-19:30 and Aseres 20:00-21:30 and on Sunday: Los 600 12:00-13:30
Children’s activities: On Saturday, there will be children’s activities from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, which will include four bouncy castles in the Los Aromeros Park area and children’s games. On the stage that will be set up for the occasion, a clown performance from 12:30-13:30, and a magic show from 16:30-17:30.
On Sunday children’s games in the park and a theatre show from 11:00-12:00
“With the big fair taking place, it also means some road closures and traffic restrictions in the area”
MOGÁN CLASSIC RALLY 2023
SATURDAY 21 JANUARY – XII CLÁSICA DE MOGÁN
The 13th edition of the Mogán classic rally is held this Saturday and will depart and finish at Paseo de Los Marrero in Puerto de Mogán.
This is a regularity event for historic vehicles (25 years old and more) and a scoring round for the Classic Cup Gran Canaria 2023.
This edition’s itinerary will travel to the peaks of the island where, after lunch in Los Llanos de la Pez, the route will return to Mogán after visiting Arguineguín and Maspalomas.
The 2023 edition, as usual, will present a totally linear route, taking place in two sections separated by a long stop for lunch. It will have a first section that will take place between 10:30 and 12:15, covering just over 62 km divided in 4 regular sections. The second part of the itinerary includes another seven sections with a total of 132,978 km, which will start at 13:15 to arrive at 16:30 and completing the total 195,228 km back to Puerto de Mogán; there to continue with a toast and the subsequent delivery of trophies at 17:15.
The Cordial Mogán Valle Apartments and Avenida Los Marrero in Playa de Mogán will be the official headquarters, point of departure and finish for the Classic, which will take place from 09:00, beginning with the verifications and ending at 17:15 with the delivery of trophies.
ARUCAS FARMERS' MARKET
SATURDAY 21 JANUARY, ARUCAS
MERCADO AGRÍCOLA DE ARUCAS
This market takes place every fortnight in the facilities of the Cabildo’s Experimental Agricultural Farm, located just off the exit to Arucas from the GC-2, on the north coast of Gran Canaria.
Click here to the map location.
The market comprises some 65 exhibitors (farmers and ranchers) who market their products directly to the consumer, with the aim of lowering the costs.
From 09:00-14:00.
This Saturday the first “Tenderete del Baifo, con quesos de Gran Canaria” will also take place between 12:00-18:00.
A culinary event participation from the four main public centres on the island where cooking and gastronomy studies are taught.
Each centre makes three savoury tapas and one sweet tapa that mainly use baifo (local goat) meat and cheese from the Asoquegran associates and other produce that is available at the market.
Baifo meat tapas and artisan cheese at popular prices while they last.
All this is accompanied by music performances and children’s activities as well as wine and beers from Gran Canaria, soft drinks, water, and non-alcoholic cocktails made by the students.
MARKET DAYS ON THE SOUTH OF GRAN CANARIA
• Friday is always market day in Playa de Mogán in the morning. This popular market is in one of the prettiest fishing harbour towns on Gran Canaria, very popular with tourists.
• On Saturday The Maspalomas market offers all kinds of textiles, Objet d‘art and other articles, located now in a new venue at Parque Europeo in Playa del Inglés, while the municipal market is being re-built. It is one of the markets most enjoyed among visitors along with Friday’s in Playa de Mogán;
El Mercadillo de Maspalomas is on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00.
• On Saturday in Arguineguín, a second-hand market on Plaza Negra (the marketplace) in the morning 09:00-14:00 with a wide range pre-loved treasures.
• On Sunday, the “rastro” second-hand market, ****The second-hand market now takes place in the Ciudad deportiva de Maspalomas, next to football field 2 and close to Pepe Chiringo and Parque Sur de Maspalomas.
•This Sunday, the very popular biweekly farmers’ Market, ‘Mercado Agrícola y ganadero de San Fernando‘ in the parking area next to the football Stadium and the municipal offices from 08:00 – 14:00. A chance to purchase fresh, locally-grown food and value-added produce directly from growers or producers — an authentic retail experience.
LIVE MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS
SATURDAY 21 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS DE G.C.
WORLD ROCK MUSIC CONCERT
Ticketed event
WORLD ROCK MUSIC is a tribute concert to some of the greatest bands in the history of music. A One-Day-Event, starting at 12:30 (doors open at 12:00) held at INFECAR in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this Saturday.
The space is equipped with various amenities, parking, lots of different areas, restaurants, a VIP-premium area, shops, vintage items for sale,… together with the official tribute bands in Spain for groups such as THE POLICE, DIRE STRAITS, U2, BRYAN ADAMS, GUNS ‘N ROSES AND AC/DC.
Tickets are still available and cost €23 and can be booked from HERE!
KELLY MARLOW
The astounding US Rock sensation, now a local star on Gran Canaria, playing out to an international audience and live across the airwaves.
On Saturday at ROCKABELLA in Playa del Inglés at 18:00-21:00 and later at THE SHAMROCK BAR at 22:30
On Sunday at THE SHAMROCK BAR in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria at 22:30
THE 19th HOLE MELONERAS
Bar & Grill in the shopping centre Varadero. Live Music every night from 22:00
BARBACOA SHOW BAR – EUROPA CENTRE IN PUERTO RICO DE GRAN CANARIA
Drinks, Food, Children’s play area, piano bar, sports, and much more
On Friday: Tom Jones Trubute
On Saturday: UB40 Tribute
On Sunday: The Champions Rock’n Roll Show
Barbacoa Piano Bar & Cocktail Lounge Alex Buta from 21:00, Friday to Sunday
