A glorious first weekend of April ahead and the beginning of the christian Holy Week “Semana Santa”, diligently observed in Spain. There will be many religious acts and processions throughout the week around the island, especially in the capital.  Don’t forget it’s also April fools’ on Saturday even though it isn’t a tradition in Spain, there will be those who will take the whimsical opportunity for some hilarity. The Mercado Inglés is on at The British Club of Las Palmas and there is also an authentic Canarian rural fair to visit this weekend in the traditional mountain market town of San Mateo.

Next weekend is going to be a very long bridge weekend, “puente” with Thursday and Friday (6 & 7 April) both bank holidays in Spain. Government offices and buildings will be closed and many locals will travel to the southern tourist enclaves to enjoy the Easter holidays.

Semana Santa, Holy Week, on Gran Canaria includes a very important set or festivities, around which many events are planned and depend. All around the island, particularly in the larger towns and churches, there will be processions where icons and statues are carried through the streets. The biggest and most popular ones take place in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as well as other religious sites such as Teror and Agüimes.

Jump to #WeekendTips

Upcoming events:
13-23 April • Fiestas Santa Águeda 2023 – El Pajar
15 April • The 5th Tomato Fair – La Aldea
15-16 April • Km.0 Fair Gran Canaria – Telde
21-23 April • Gran Canaria Me Gusta -fair – INFECAR
4-6 May • Rally Islas Canarias 2023
12-14 May • FIMAR, the International Sea Fair 2023 – Las Palmas de GC

Upcoming bank holidays:
Thursday, 6 April Public Holiday in The Canary Islands –  Holy Thursday, Jueves Santo
Friday, 7 April Public Holiday in Spain – Good Friday, Viernes Santo

*** Check out the regular listings and markets and a range of other events, including carnivals on our main calendar at The Canary Guide website***

 


Jump to #WeekendTips

What a hot start of the weekend we have had on Gran Canaria, and the temperatures are set to continue through Friday and Saturday until returning to more normal “spring” weather as we head towards Sunday.

There is an Orange Advisory warning in place for temperatures of 37ºC, in the shade, and a Yellow advisory for winds gusting up to 70km/h in places, though on the touristed southern beaches, in the lee of the island, only light breezes are expected.

 

The Canary Guide


#WeekendTips 31 March – 2 April 2023


The Canary Islands Products of the Land Fair in San Mateo 31 March - 2 April

The 10th Institutional Fair of the Canary Islands Products of the Land, Feria Institucional de Productos de la Tierra throughout the weekend in the beautiful historic town centre, Plaza de la Solidaridad (the new square), and the marketplace of San Mateo. From Friday to Sunday authentic products and crafts made in the Canary islands, agriculture, tourism and much more.

The fair brings together various producers of, among others: cheeses, black pig products, honey, wine, mojo, sweet potato, baked goods, jams, organic vegetables, pastries, oils, derivatives of honey, dairy products derived from sheep’s milk, olives, gofio, nougat, sausages, water, cider and apple candy, beer and artisanal ice cream. nam nam… All things Canarian, 100%

Opening Hours:
On Friday, from 12:00-20:30,
On Saturday, from 09:00-20:30
On Sunday, from 09:00-16:00

Program: 
Friday: Music performance by a popular group Aseres at 18:30 at Plaza de la Solidaridad
Saturday: Traditional music group Los Gofiones at 12:30 at Plaza de la Solidaridad
Tasting of very popular and traditional Escandón de Gofio con chicharrones at 13:30
at 18:30 Bejeque,  traditional Canarian music at  Plaza de la Solidaridad
Sunday: Dancing with the bands Luz de Luna and Haché Tamarindos at 11:00 on Plaza del Mercado and at 12:30 Los Sabandeños performing at Plaza de la Solidaridad

The little ones will have the opportunity to enjoy children’s activities.

Spring of Sensations event in La Aldea - 1 April

“Spring of Sensations” event ‘Primavera de Sensaciones’ in the westernmost municipality on Gran Canaria, La Aldea de San Nicolás this Saturday, starting at 11:00. This yearly festive event is to celebrate the arrival of Spring in the municipality.

• Enjoy the ‘Primavera de Sensaciones’ market, where you can find magnificent local products in the different craft, food and accessories stalls distributed on Calle Real and the surroundings of Plaza Alameda.

•  Clownbaret ‘The Pestoff’, and workshops at 11:00 on Calle Matías Vega.

•  Salsa workshops at 12:00 on Plaza La Alameda.

• Performances by Grupo Guaguancó, Los 600, Orchestra La Mayork on Plaza La Alameda

• Leyenda Joven group at 21:00 on PLaza Proyecto de desarrollo comunitario.

• Concert by Edwin Rivera and his orchestra at 22:30

The English Market in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - 2 April

The English Market, ‘Mercadillo Inglés’ every first weekend of each month in the magic garden of plants and their shop of pots, trinkets, tools and fashions at the British club (C/ León y Castillo 278) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria “La casa de las Semillas”, on Sunday, 2 April 2023.

Between 11:00-19:00, there is a commercial area, garden market, gastronomy, children’s area, show, live music, art, and flowers, lots of flowers.

Remember that on the third weekend of each month, you can enjoy the Bio Market at the same place, where everything revolves around sustainability ♻️
Entrance to both market events is free and also pet friendly. 

Palm Sunday - religious processions in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Religious processions on Palm Sunday, 2 April in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

On Palm Sunday, the procession of the Burrita (little donkey) will take place, which runs through the streets of Triana and begins in the San Telmo Park, at the old church of seafarers and sailors where the original port of Las Palmas once stood, which guards some of the most outstanding artistic heritage of the city. On the same day, the procession of the Nazarenos of Vegueta will begin in the afternoon the route of the costaleros from the church of Santo Domingo, one of the most charming corners of the neighbourhood.

 

• “LA BURRITA” PROCESSION” Palm Sunday, commemorates the triumphant entrance of christianity’s central character to Jerusalem on his donkey. The morning procession from Parroquia de San Bernardo, Ermita de San Telmo includes an image of the fabled Jesus on a donkey followed by children carrying palms and olive branches.

Starting at 11:00 This procession travels some of the oldest streets in the capital:  San Telmo, Mayor de Triana, Perdomo, Pérez Galdós, Buenos Aires, Parque San Telmo.


 

• NAZARENOS DE VEGUETA “SALUD Y ESPERANZA” PROCESSION

That same evening at 19:00, a white, pointy-hooded “Health and Hope” procession ( Cristo de la Salud y La Virgen de la Esperanza de Vegueta ) follows with the penitential procession of the Brotherhood and Guild of Nazarenes from the Parish of Santo Domingo de Guzmán in the evening. This procession, Andalusian style carrying two images includes over a hundred members wearing tunics with hoods.

 

Easter/Holy week religious processions and events this weekend

Palm Sunday 2 April – Del Señor en la Burrita – procession

 


Teror

On Sunday. Religious eucharist during the morning, in the church of Our Lady of the Pine, at 08:00/10:00/11:00, followed by a blessing at 11:45 at the Plaza of the Church. The procession continues with the image of Jesus on the donkey and travels through the streets of the town.

Route: Plaza Nuestra Señora del Pino, Calle La Herrería, Calle Nueva, Calle Del Riego, Real de la Plaza, and returns to Plaza Nuestra Señora del Píno.

 



Agüimes 

On Friday at 20:00XXX Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección de Jesús de Nazaret. The 30th play of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ has been represented in the streets of Agüimes since 1993. This work by Agüimense, Orlando Hernández Martín, is interpreted by amateur dramatist residents of the municipality who put on display their talents, to keep this tradition alive every year. The play will travel through the streets of old Agüimes. [Hint, just follow the crowd…]

On Sunday, at 11:00 eucharist at the church, Parroquia de San Sebastián, followed by at 11:45,  a procession around the Plaza del Nuestra Señora Rosario, of the Jesus arriving to Jerusalem.

 

 

 

 

 



Telde 

On Sunday. Religious eucharist in the Basílica de San Juan Bautista, at 08:30/10:00/19:30
at 12:00 solemn eucharist, followed by a procession with the Lord on the donkey

 

Markets in 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 dart 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 small 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‘ will be held 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.

VI Enduro Arguineguín Mogan Mall on Saturday, 1 April

The Enduro Arguineguín Mogán Mall motorcycling event returns in what will be its sixth edition on April 1st under the organization of Costabiker’s Motoclub, with the support of the Mogán Council, the Insular Sports Institute and the Canarian Motorcycle Federation. It has the main sponsorship of the Mogán Mall shopping centre and is part of the Canary Islands Enduro Championship.

This edition comes with novelties since the test will be concentrated on a single day and will start at 09:00 from the Mogán Mall shopping centre. However, the competition will be held in the town of Arguineguín. Specifically, in the land located in the upper part of the Barranco de Pino Seco, the area of famous neighbourhood bar ‘El Timonel’.

The first round will begin at 11:30 and the second at 13:15, both lasting 40 minutes on a closed circuit. In addition, a Maxi Trail exhibition is incorporated, which will take place at 12:30. At the end, all the participants will go back to Mogán Mall, where they will cross the finish line.

The trophies will be delivered at 16:00 at the Mogan Mall

Also on Friday 31 March, verifications at Mogan Mall at 19:00

Lyrical concert in Ecumenical Temple El Salvador - Playa del Inglés

A lyrical concert to enjoy on Saturday 1 April in the Ecumenical Temple El Salvador in Playa del Inglés.

Judith Pezoa, soprano
Ignacio García-Vidal, director
String consort

The concert starts at 21:00 and is free entry until seats are full.


Aguaviva Festival in Firgas - 1 April

The Aguaviva Festival will return to the streets of Villa de Firgas with a wide program of activities this Saturday, 1 April 2023.

The 3rd edition will feature music performances from groups like Café Quijano, Los Salvapantallas, Los Lola, 5 Cobertura, and Mala Fama. There will also be activities for the little ones, for families, workshops, parades, batucadas, stalls to savour the local gastronomy, and the presence of local artisans. The festival is organised by the town hall of Villa de Firgas with the collaboration of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria.

The main stage, located in the municipal parking lot, will host the concerts from León and Los Lola and is joined by other spaces such as Avenida de la Constitución, where from 12:00 noon there will be performances by tunas, mariachis, parades and parrandas, along with gastronomy and craft stalls. Also in the Plaza de San Roque, there will be a second stage for children’s workshops, family games, performances for all audiences and concerts by Los Salvapantallas, 5 Cobertura and Mala Fama. There will also be various performances by local artists, such as Re-Play or Pau Mosa in the commercial area of ​​Avenida del Molino.

Enjoy a different day in Villa de Firgas, which will start its program at 11:00 and will provide for more than 12 hours of music, culture, and fun.

Opening concert of the Holy Week in Gáldar - Friday, 31 March

The ancient royal capital of Gran Canaria, Gáldar will celebrate  their opening concert of the Holy Week 2023 this Friday.

From 20:30 at the Front of the Sanctuary of Santiago Apóstol enjoy the performances of Carla Vega, Besay Pérez, Andrea Rodríguez, Chago Melián and Iván Quintana.

 
Sonora Festival - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 31 March - 2 April

The Festival Sonora Las Palmas de Gran Canaria bands and artists contest, known as La Caja Sonora and Capital Sonora in previous editions, returns to celebrate its tenth edition as a benchmark for music made in the Canary Islands and with the aim of promoting and disseminating the works submitted to the contest.

These are the finalist bands of the Sonora 2023 edition!

Alba Gil Aceytuno (Aguayro), Adora, Animal Roots, Antiplancton, Cheap Manifesto, Mafasca, Monkey Faces, Morirán todos!, Pat Llombet and Tabaiba have been selected from among the 119 magnificent musical proposals submitted.

The double final is on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 from 20:00 in the Miller Space of Santa Catalina Park!
Free entry and the doors open at 19:30 

On Sunday, 2 April Alessandro Ferrato with children’s workshops and concert at 12:00

 
Live music this weekend in the south

THE 19th HOLE MELONERAS

Bar & Grill in the shopping centre Varadero in Meloneras. Live Music every night from 22:00 

Friday: Hits 4 Life 
Saturday: Chris Mooney
Sunday: Gary Lithgow
 
 

 

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

 

 



MULLIGANS IN PLAYA DEL INGLES 

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: Kevin O´Sullivan and Mulligan’s Misfits 
Saturday Kevin O´Sullivan and 4Ward
Sunday: Hits 4 Life and Mulligan’s Misfits 

 

 

 


 

BARBACOA SHOW BAR – EUROPA CENTRE IN PUERTO RICO DE GRAN CANARIA

Drinks, Food, Children’s play area, piano bar, sports, and much more. and not forgetting the Sunday Roast Dinner from 1pm to 6pm.
Open every day from 08:00-02:00  

On Friday: ABBA Gold Tribute 
On Saturday: Tom Jone & UB40 Tribute 
On Sunday: The Champions Rock’n Roll Show

Barbacoa Piano Bar & Cocktail Lounge Alex Buta from 21:00,  Friday to Sunday