The most exciting of annual celebrations on Gran Canaria is about the start. The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Gáldar kick off Carnival season 2023 this Friday, 10th of February, followed by Agüimes on Saturday.
The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival starting this week is the biggest of all on the island, lasting almost a month, until the 5th of March. Carnival festivities will be celebrated in almost every corner of the island so there will be plenty to go and see, and experience the unique magic, colour, fun and sheer spectacle of a truly magnificent start to spring here on Gran Canaria.
Along with carnival celebrations, this week, there are San Valentin festivities to be enjoyed in Vecindario, and the island’s highest altitude village, Artenara is holding their monthly regular market among others…
Upcoming events:
4-5 March • European Cheese Fair in Tejeda
9-19 March • Maspalomas Carnival 2023
10-12 March • XIX Southeast Fair 2023 in Carrizal
23-26 March• Carnival Costa Mogán 2023
31 March – 2 April • 10th Institutional Fair of the Canary Islands Products of the Land in Vega de San Mateo
Upcoming bank holidays:
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 – Mardis Gras – Martes de Carnaval
Thursday 23 February is a local bank holiday in Agüimes: Carnival Thursday – Jueves de Carnaval.
*** Check out the regular listings and markets and a range of other events, including carnivals on our main calendar at The Canary Guide website***
AEMET weather forecast for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The weekend weather prediction looks promising. Around the island, Friday looks a little unstable with cloud cover and the possibility of rain. But as Saturday prevails, so should the weather luckily.
Sunday is looking, at the moment, to have the best weather for the weekend so hopefully, the weather progresses towards warmer days and nights, as per the predictions, but of course this time of year rain and even some cold weather on Gran Canaria can occur, so forecasting is not a precise science.
Nonetheless you can usually expect blue skies and sunshine on the south coasts, even through the chilliest of winters
Carnival Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 10 February - 5 March
The glamorous era of the legendary New York nightclub «Studio 54» is the theme for the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival 2023. The program includes more than twenty acts including galas, contests, parades, as well as other carnival events, all free and open to everyone, except the Murgas Finals, the Carnival Queen and Drag Queen Galas which are ticketed due to their popularity.
You can expect a range of events and nightly parties over the next few weeks, all building towards the main events, parades and galas ahead of Martes de Carnaval (Shrove Tuesday) hearlding the comping spring, lent and easter, 40-days later.
Program this weekend:
SANTA CATALINA PARK
On Friday, 10 February:
The announcing parade departs at 20:00 from Luis Morote to Santa Catalina Park, where the Pregón, proclamation, will kick off the “Studio 54” festivities at 21:00 with performance by Los Salvapantallas. For the second consecutive year, the “temple” of festivities becomes the space that will officially open the carnival.
On Saturday, 11 February:
at 17:00, The children’s comparsas (dance troupes) and murgas (satirical street choirs), will premiere the “Studio 54” stage together with the adult costume contest that starts at 21:00
On Sunday 12 February:
at 12:00, The children’s costume festival, and at 20:00 the gala of the Great Lady will crown the first monarch of «Studio 54».
PLAZA DE MÚSICA
Carnival party nights will be celebrated in the surroundings of the Plaza de la Música. On Fridays and Saturdays from 21:00 to 03:00 with two different stages (Disco Salsa on Plaza de la Música and Urban Dance on Parque el Rincón ).
These stages will also host different Daytime Carnival sessions. All concerts are free
On Friday
Plaza de la Música: Armonía Show, Star Music and EventMusic DJ’s
Parque el Rincón: DJ Sammyto and DJ Airán Nuñez.
On Saturday
Plaza de la Música: Tonny Tun Tun concert and D’Music and Linea DJ
Parque el Rincón: DJ Nichel and DJ Aitor Cruz
Gáldar Carnival 10-25 February 2023
Gáldar kicks off their Carnival celebrations this Friday too and the festivities continue until 25 February to end with the traditional Burial of the Sardine parade. The allegory for the festivities is “Los Locos Años 60”, (Swinging Sixties aka Crazy Sixties)
All events are free entry
On Friday:
at 19:00, the departure of the Gáldar 2023 Carnival Announcer Parade from Calle Drago
at 20:00 Proclamation, the opening ceremony of the Gáldar Carnival 2023 in Recinto Cultural La Quinta
at 22:00 concert in the Recinto Cultural La Quinta
On Saturday:
at 21:00 The Drag Queen Gala in Recinto Cultural La Quinta
at 23:00 Concert by Loreen
at 00:00 Mogollón, fiesta del Drag Queen in Recinto Cultural La Quinta
The parade day is on next Saturday 18 February
Agüimes Carnival 2023
The municipality of Agüimes is celebrating Carnival between 11 February – 5 March 2023. The allegory for the festivities is ‘The Great Musical’, ‘El Gran Musical’, dedicated to the great musicals of cinema and theatre.
The Agüimes Carnival, one of the most famous in the Canary Islands for its unique combination of tradition and modernity, will open the curtain on the ‘Great Musical’ allegory chosen for this year, on Saturday. For three weeks, the night time streets of Agüimes will be filled with costumes, parades, dance, laughter and fun.
On Saturday 11 February,
The lively little street parade at 12:00 from Plaza de Rosario with the music group Banda Isleña, to announce the start of Carnival.
at 13:00 burning of the lizard.
at 18:00 hot chocolate, churros and ambient music to keep warm at Plaza Centro de Mayores de Agüimes.
at 21:00 the inauguration carnival parade starts at 21:00 from the parking lot of the municipal swimming pool.
at 21:30 Pregón, the opening ceremony takes place from the balcony of the town hall by the mayor Óscar Hernández, who will offer the town’s welcome to Don Carnal, thereby The festivities officially started with the burning of the lizard’s spirit.
Later at 23:00, the first party night will start with music from Star Music orchestra, DJ Promaster and music group Arena.
On Sunday 12 February,
Street parade with the children’s Queen 2023 and her court, leaving at 12:00 from Calle Sol accompanied by children’s Murgas groups.
at 13:00 children’s dance and performances by the murgas in local Murga Los Lagartos.
Lovers' fair in Vecindario 10-11 February
Lovers’ Fair, Feria de Los Enamorados in Vecindario between 10-14 February 2023.
A festive San Valentin program by the Department of Commerce of Santa Lucía with concerts, a photocall with a raffle, and activities for the little ones.
Friday 10 February:
-Children’s workshops, face-painting, and little street parades on the pedestrian area between 17:00-20:00.
-From 20:00 at Plaza de Los Algodoneros, a tribute concert to Los Panchos and a concert by Los Lola
Saturday 11 February:
-Children’s workshops, face-painting, and little street parades on the pedestrian area between 10:30-13:30 and 17:00-20:00.
-From 20:00 at Plaza de Los Algodoners – Concert by Cristina Ramos and Los Salvapantallas.
Artenara Market Saturday 11 February
The island’s highest altitude mountain village, Artenara, holds an agricultural and farmers’ market this Saturday from 11:00-15:00 in the picturesque Plaza de San Matias.
It really is a lovely car ride to go to see some of the most impossibly beautiful places on Gran Canaria with a trip up to the summits. This market, Mercado Agrícola y Ganadero is held on the second Saturday of every month.
“The municipal village of Artenara is located 1,270 metres above sea- level and has a most charming small community atmosphere. Here you can enjoy the epic mountain landscapes at the heart of Gran Canaria. Visit the viewpoint Unamuno and the interesting little Ethnographic Museum of “Cave Houses“”
In July 2019, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape to its List of World Heritage Sites in recognition of the ancient society of the Canary Islands, the roots of which stem from the ancient populations of North Africa and which managed to develop their own culture in complete isolation for more than 1,500 years before the Spanish arrived to invade.
The archaeological sites contained within the Risco Caído landscape reflect the culture of the ancient peoples of the island, a unique process of evolution undergone by the Amazigh people from North Africa who lived in isolation until they were conquered by the Crown of Castile in the 15th Century. The volcanic crater of Caldera de Tejeda overlooks this area, which exists within the municipalities of Artenara, Tejeda, Agaete and Galdar.
Vecindario Agricultural Market Saturday 11 February
The biweekly Saturday Agricultural Market, Mercado Agrícola in Vecindario takes place on the main street at the Plaza de Los Algodoneros (next to the Hotel Avenida de Canarias ) 🍉🌼🥔🥑🍌
Get the best seasonal fruit and vegetables, bread, flowers, and much more, straight from the local farmers and producers.
From 08:30 – 13:30 Plaza de Los Algodoneros
“It is also the perfect opportunity to explore the kilometres-long main street of this neighbourhood, Avenida de Canarias and enjoy the special San Valentin festivities taking place at the same time”
Markets in the south 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 biweekly little farmers’ and Artisan Market of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.
Live Music this weekend
“MUSICANDO” SERIES IN LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
The second concert of the new season of “Musicando” – the annual cycle of concerts in the José Antonio Ramos auditorium at Parque Doramas.
The capital venue will host scheduled appointments that, in addition to the group from Aruquán, will offer the performances of Caracolas, Ana Carla Maza, Una noche entre boleros (A night between boleros), Mujeres con alma, Pieles, Mayte Martín, Taburiente, Los Sabandeños, Germán López and La Trova. The “Musicando” series of free outdoor concerts (a total of ten) are open for all to enjoy in Parque Doramas (auditorium) in Las Palmas. Music starts at 21:00. Free entry until seats are full.
Saturday 11 February: Caracolas
Caracolas, with the lullaby of “El sonido de las caracolas” is an acoustic show that covers the past, present and future of the Islands through the collective memory of women. The group was created in 2020 as an act of dedication and sisterhood by six musicians united by stories of grandmothers’ childhoods that intertwine with contemporary songs. With a proposal between folk and pop, the formation is presented as an alternative to cultural conventions; a return to the roots that emphasizes the human urge to feel collective
CARNIVAL LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
The Carnival party nights will be celebrated in the surroundings of the Plaza de la Música. On Fridays and Saturdays from 21:00 to 03:00 with two different stages (Disco Salsa on Plaza de la Música and Urban Dance on Parque el Rincón ). These stages will also host different Daytime Carnival sessions. All concerts are free
Friday 11 February
Plaza de la Música: Armonía Show, Star Music and EventMusic DJ’s
Parque el Rincón: DJ Sammyto and DJ Airán Nuñez.
Saturday 12 February
Plaza de la Música: Tonny Tun Tun concert and D’Music and Linea DJ
Parque el Rincón: DJ Nichel and DJ Aitor Cruz
MULLIGAN’S GRAN CANARIA IN PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
The lively Gastro Bar in Playa del Inglés. Live music every night, great food and a wide selection of beers.
Open every day from 10:00-02:00
Friday: Misfits
Saturday Thrilogy
Sunday: Misfits, Hits4Life
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
Jaz Alice Music
Celine Dion Tribute
BARBACOA SHOW BAR – EUROPA CENTRE IN PUERTO RICO DE GRAN CANARIA
Drinks, Food, Children’s play area, piano bar, sports, and much more
Barbacoa Piano Bar & Cocktail Lounge Alex Buta from 21:00, Friday to Sunday
The Canary Guide
