Category: Carnival
Latest Gran Canaria News, Views & Sunshine
The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 31 March – 2 April 2023
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.
Gran Canaria Weather: Yellow Warnings – Up to 36ºC, in the shade, expected on the south, high temperatures with strong winds and calima expected to affect all The Canary Islands this week
The Spanish State Meterological Agency, AEMET, has issued yellow warnings for heat, calima haze and strong winds this week on the Canary Islands forecasting high temperatures of up to 34ºC expected on several islands. An alert has been issued due to a risk of forest fires on Gran Canaria as the mix of dry weather, strong winds and high temperatures has led to concerns over coming days.
Wild fires Alert on Gran Canaria this Wednesday, with temperatures set to exceed 34ºC in the shade
Springtime has only just begun and already the temperatures, in the shade, on Gran Canaria have been repeatedly hitting the low to mid-thirties, which brings with it also a rising risk of Forest Fires and Wildfires. Here in the Canary Islands forest fire crews are well versed in tackling an occasional mountain blaze, with alert levels often following the basic informal rule of thumb, the so-called 30/30/30 rule, putting the authorities on alert whenever the temperature is set to rise above 30ºC in the shade, the humidity levels drop below 30% and sustained winds are forecast at faster than 30kmph. Common sense and preparation help the general population to avoid injury in the event of a fire taking hold.
The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 24-26 March 2023
Plum tree blossoming in Tenteniguada March 2023
It’s the last weekend of March already and Spring is here; winter is behind us and the summer weather is already hotting up on Gran Canaria. The hillsides are in full bloom, particularly up in the mountain summits; it’s Carnival Weekend in Arguineguín and the last of the carnival festivities for this year are happening around the island. With summer just around the corner, clocks Spring forward this Saturday and Sunday night when 1am becomes 2am 🕐. On the north of the island, one of the biggest seasonal trade fairs is happening, gathering produce and people from 11 municipalities, ENORTE will be celebrated in the historic Rum capital of the island, Arucas, this weekend.
Gran Canaria Weather: Temperatures of 31ºC in the shade and slight calima as we head towards a warm spring weekend
Its a perfect Gran Canaria springtime weekend ahead with light calima sands blowing in from the Sahara, temperatures in the shade of 31ºC, light breezes and blue skies. Remember too the clocks spring forward by an hour this weekend.
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Judge re-orders final closure of unauthorised carnival chiringuitos at Yumbo in time for main weekend
The Contentious Administrative Court number 4 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has ordered the unauthorised Maspalomas Carnival chiringuitos to be closed once again, ahead of the main weekend of festivities. The court dismissed the very precautionary measures requested by the company Poppy Garden Terraza SL, one of the companies that installed chiringuito beach bars in two parking areas on the outer perimeter of the Yumbo Shopping Centre, which had reversed the decision to close them made by the Town Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana last Thursday, June 9, as these premises did not have the necessary authorisation from the Department of Public Works for the sale of beverages. The chiringuitos will now not be allowed to reopen during the main weekend of the carnival. San Bartolomé de Tirajana Policia Local are to proceed to close and seal these facilities at once, confirmed sources within the town hall.
In an order issued this Friday, Judge María del Carmen Monte Blanco has agreed to lift the interim suspension of the closures, obtained in another temporary order of June 10, the day after the town hall closed them down, on the basis that administrative silence invoked by the companies who installed the 25 chiringuitos without proper authorisation does not correspond to a well ordered approach to municipal management of such major events. “The knowledge of a de facto situation by the municipal administration, and even the tolerance that a passive attitude of it may imply in the case in question, is not equivalent to the granting of the corresponding municipal authorisations legalising the activity,” the order states. The magistrate also recalls that the municipal resolution challenged by the appellant companies includes an unfavourable technical report regarding their originally requested authorisation.
The town council’s urban planning department closed these businesses due to their lacking authorisations, and for not having the required safety and security plans, extremes that the owners of these beach bars have denied from the beginning by claiming that they do in fact have “all the documentation in order”. The town hall accused them of trying to organise “a parallel carnival”, since the only chiringuitos that were authorised were the ones owned by the municipality, 13 kiosks selling drinks, five food-trucks and three others which, as they should be, this year were put out to public tender in a sealed bidding process.
One complaint that has been levied by members of this local council, in regard to the previous administration, is that public tenders and contracts for large events, as well as various other types of work paid for from the public purse, had fallen into widespread disorder, without proper oversight or public tendering to allow open competition for the appointments of contracted work at municipal events and other services, as well as opportunities to participate in generating the revenues required to pay for the necessary infrastructure. There appeared to many to be a culture of appointment “by finger”. Throughout the last three years the current administration has been working to return administrative order to how companies participate and bid for opportunities to work with the town council, whether that be for large events or the provision of beach services, or a range of other areas.
After that first order to close, issued by the council, the businessmen affected requested urgent precautionary measures that were provisionally accepted, in principle, but have now been rejected on further consideration. In their objections and allegations, the promoters had put forward an appearance of good law, having obtained enabling title for administrative silence, as well as claiming the likelihood of serious economic damage that the municipal ordinance would cause them, claiming that the placement of these chiringuito bars would cause no harm to the general interest or to public order.
However, in her order, issued this Friday, the judge enters into no debate on whether or not the administrative silence is valid having obtained the authorisation, since there is already an unfavourable municipal technical report, preceding the claims of these businessmen. She also maintains that the economic damage argument does not apply. “Even when economic damages are derived from the execution of the contested resolution, for the suspension to be appropriate, it is necessary that such damages be impossible or difficult to repair, which does not happen in the present case, given that they, insofar as is financially assessable, would always be subject to compensation in the event that a resolution approving the claims of the party is issued,” the order states.
The head of the court also explains that the general interest must prevail, in this case the need to guarantee citizen security in a multi-person mass event such as the Maspalomas Carnival, as opposed to the particular interest of the appellants. “It must be taken into account, in this regard, that the chiringuitos are located outside the area expressly authorised by the Municipal Security Plan and that they hinder the exit of emergency vehicles, as stated in the Policia Local report provided by the Town Council”, she points out.
Upon hearing the confirmation of the closures of these unauthorised chiringuitos, the businesses who were awarded the official municipal kiosks have celebrated the judicial decision, undoing a situation which had produced “unfair and illegal competition” throughout this week, but they have also said that “it is late because this is the last weekend that we have to earn when they have done so for a week without authorisation”, explained a spokeswoman, who has also advanced that they will no longer pursue legal action against the Town Council to reclaim their money from the concessions, as they had announced earlier this week, because the Corporation “acted well “, but their lawyers will now study what responsibilities do exist and from whom they might seek damages, taking into account that the initial municipal precinct was lifted by a judicial decision.
An appeal can be lodged against this latest court order within a period of 15 days. Nonetheless, the illegal party bars will not profit from the most important events of this years carnival, with at least 30,000 people expected to join the main day of parades this Saturday, followed by the ceremonial Funeral of the Sardine on Sunday, on Playa del Ingles, where fireworks and the symbolic cremation of carnival sins will restore the town to its quiet summer normality.
The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 17-19 June 2022
Maspalomas town hall closes two large sections of illegal carnival bars at Yumbo
Judgement controversy as illegal carnival bars allowed to reopen taking bread from the mouths of legitimate businesses
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The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 17-19 June 2022
It is the weekend before the midsummer San Juan Festivities, one of the biggest celebrations on Gran Canaria, and with summer solstice one of the oldest with spring officially becoming summer. This year San Juan lands on a Friday, and together with the eve of San Juan, both days will put ancient traditions on show, and there will be a lot of festivities and events to see and experience. The next Canary Guide #WeekendTips will be out in time to highlight some of these cultural traditions celebrated en masse on Gran Canaria.
This weekend is pretty full of worthy must-see seasonal events. For the first time ever (to our knowledge) Maspalomas Carnival is being held in June, with this main weekend of celebration including “The Day of the tourist”, and the rescue of the Sardine on Friday, from Maspalomas Lighthouse to Playa del Inglés beach, then later an “international” show at the Yumbo, you can expect thousands of people for the parade on Saturday and then the “Sardine’s funeral and cremation” with the “last will and testament” with fireworks on Sunday will mark the end of this hotter than usual Carnival affair in the south.
There will be another edition of the Km.0 Fair Gran Canaria, also happening this weekend, in Arucas along with their Patronal Saint festivities, San Juan is big on this island and no mistake; making it the perfect time to visit this beautiful town and not forgetting their traditional Corpus Christi religious ceremony, with handmade street carpets of coloured salt on Sunday. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria continues with their Foundational Festivities, culminating in one of the biggest celebrations in the city, next week, on the eve of San Juan at Las Canteras beach.
Upcoming bank holidays on Gran Canaria:Monday, 20 June is a local Bank holiday in Moya – Festivities of San Antonio de Padua ( St. Anthony).Friday, 24 June is a local Bank holiday in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Telde, Arucas, La Aldea de San Nicolás, TerorFoundational festivities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, festivities in honour of San Juan Bautista in Telde, Arucas and La Aldea and Festividad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in Teror
** photo: The Church of San Juan Bautista or Arucas Church / photo by Love Gran Canaria
Weather Outlook
Spanish State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, forecast a weekend starting with light breezes as well as sunshine throughout the coming days in the southern tourism heartlands of Mogán and Maspalomas. Average daytime temperatures will be a rather gorgeous 30ºC, in the shade, on the south, with the possibility of some calima haze, and perhaps some choppy seas with a yellow advisory waning in place for coastal phenomena. In direct sunlight, it is going to feel much hotter.
The weekend looks good around the island, so a great weekend for any adventure or event, whether it’s Carnival, Patron Saint festivities, or just having a walk in the mountains or a beach day. All in all average daytime temperature is looking around 25º-30ºC in the shade. A perfect weekend across Gran Canaria!
*** Check the regular markets and a range of other events on our main calendar at The Canary Guide website***
17-19 June, MaspalomasCarnaval Internacional de Maspalomas 2022
It’s the big weekend and the last days of the Maspalomas Carnival celebrations this year on the south of Gran Canaria. For the first time held in the summer… We can expect next year the Carnaval to return to February or March, though there are many who want to see more of these events for the summer tourists…
On Friday, “Day of the Tourist” at 12:00 rescue of the sardine at the beach. (Maspalomas Beach – Playa del Inglés) – a mad procession along the beach front of Maspalomas Costa CanariaIn the evening in the shopping centre Yumbo and at the plaza: at 21:00 what is know as the Tourist Gala and at 23:00 Mogollón party
On Saturdayat 17:00 The Grand Parade. Parade floats and thousands upon thousands of attendees depart from in front of the Hotel Parque Tropical, and continue along the Avenida de Italia, Avenida de Gran Canaria and end at the Avenida del Turoperador Tui.at 22:00 Mogollón party
On Sunday 20:00 Reading of the last testament20:30 Burial of the Sardine and fireworks
Route for the parade: Departure from the entrance to Playa del Inglés through El Veril, towards Avda. de Italia untilthe intersection with Avda. de Gran Canaria, direction Avda. de Gran Canaria until the intersection with the Avda. de Tirajana heading south, continue along Avda. de Gran Canaria, Rotonda Plaza Hierro (Crossroads with Avda. 8 de Marzo, former Avda. Alféreces Provisionales), to Avenida Touroperador Tui, where the parade route and circuit ends.“Remember, there will be major road closures in Playa del Ingles”
18-19 June, ArucasFeria Km.0 Gran Canaria
A new edition of the Km.0 Fair Gran Canaria takes place this time in the beautiful city of Arucas between 18- 19 June. The fair in Parque de Las Flores is open on both days between 10:00-15:00 featuring 40 local producers on the island.This regular fair, ‘Feria Km.0 Gran Canaria’ is about local produce, everything from Gran Canaria that requires no transport to get here (hence the name).
17-19 June, GáldarDibujando las Islas
A gorgeous art exhibition to enjoy by the sublimely talented English man, Edward Bowness, ‘Drawing the Islands’ until 27 June 2022 in the Museo Agáldar, located in the ancient pre Hispanic Royal Capital of Gran Canaria, Gáldar.
This is a solo exhibition and display of drawings from the artist’s experience of living and travelling around the beautiful Canary Islands. There will be 27 pieces, a mixture of watercolour, oil and linoleum.The artist himself is said to be present in the museum this Sunday from 11:30 and there will also be a performance by duo Paulina Niemczycka (Flute) and Abraham Ramos (Guitar).
Opening hours:Monday to Friday: 09:30-18:30Saturday and Sunday: 10:30-18:30
“Edward Bowness (‘Edward Arte’) from Nottingham, is a freelance illustrator based on Gran Canaria. His artwork is inspired by old travel posters, graphic novels and comics, and focused on capturing natural settings to city scenes bustling with energy and bursting with bold colours. He has worked for various clients that include the BBC, Waterstones, Tango, Guardian and Leftlion.”
The Venue:
“The Agáldar Museum tells the history of the city, from its beginnings more than 1,500 years ago with a settlement of the island by populations arriving from North Africa and its establishment as the headquarters of the Guanartemes for a thousand years to follow. A chronology of the evolution of the municipality through 13 rooms. The museum is located in a must-see building: the House of Captain Quesada, home of the former militia captain and promoter of the construction of the current Matriz Temple of Santiago in 1778 -one of the greatest exponents of enlightened classicism on the Canary Islands who replaced the primitive church of Santiago built after the conquest of the Guanartemato de Agáldar. The house is one of the best examples of 18th-century domestic architecture on Gran Canaria, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1990. In 2009 it was acquired and rehabilitated by the Gáldar City Council.”
PATRON SAINT FESTIVITIES
17-19 June, ArucasFiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista 2022
Arucas is celebrating the Patron Saint festivities of John the Baptist in the municipality between 3-26 June 2022.
Saturday, 18 June,• KM.0 Fair in Parque de las Flores between 09:00-15:00 both Saturday and Sunday. • XIV Clásica Automovilistica de Aruca. Old cars cruising in a rally. Program: at 10:00- Verifications of the participating vehicles. at 11:30 start of the first section from the Fairground, recinto ferial• Festival folklórico “Albores” at 12:00 on Plaza de la Constitución, Canarian music and dance festival.• Verbena, a party with HARMONÍA SHOW at 22:00 at Plaza de San Juan
Sunday, 19 June, Solemnidad del Corpus ChristiOne of the most famous displays of Corpus Christi will be in Arucas this Sunday. From 07:00 to 16:00 the streets of Arucas surrounding the church will be decorated with handmade “carpets” of salt, flowers and leaf, as well as the decoration of balconies, windows and altars.
At 18:30 eucharist at the church, Parroquia de San Juan Bautista and at 19:30 the main religious procession.
18-19 June, Villa de MoyaFiestas de San Antonio Padua 2022
Villa de Moya, on the north of the island, is celebrating their patron saint’s festivities in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua between 3-20 June 2022. Monday, 20 June is also a local bank Holiday in the municipality. The extensive program is made up of numerous cultural and religious events, concerts, children’s activities, Craft and Commercial Fair and the Livestock Fair, Romeria; the pilgrimage and the traditional sancocho.#SaturdayRomería, pilgrimage offering at 19:00 and afterward, traditional Taifa dancing in front of the church.#Sunday The 31st Cheese tasting and local product fair and the 20th edition of Local product tasting of Villa de Moya, from 09:00 on Plaza Tomás Morales
Corpus Christi carpets
Corpus Christi is a special religious event celebrated in major towns and villages around the island, many of which will decorate their streets using colourful “carpets” of salt and dyed sawdust, flowers, and by building small altars. Communities have their own traditions when it comes to Corpus Christi.
Arucas on Sunday 19 June
One of the most famous displays of Corpus Christi will be in Arucas this Sunday. From 07:00 to 16:00 the streets of Arucas surrounding the church will be decorated with handmade “carpets” of salt, flowers and leaf, as well as the decoration of balconies, windows and altars.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Saturday 18 June 2022
The Brotherhood of #NazarenosdeVegueta will make two handmade carpet. The Cabildo carpet, on which the work will begin at 09:00 on the Plaza de Santa Ana ( opposite the old Las Palmas de Gran Canaria town hall ) and the Brotherhood’s own, of which the preparations will start at 18:00 on Calle Doctor Chil, the corner with Reyes Católicos.
Later in the evening eucharist at 19:30 followed by a religious procession.
Teror on Sunday 19 JuneHandmade Corpus Christi carpets ( making them start early in the morning) on the streets of Casco de Teror and the neighbourghoods of Arbejales ( surroundings of church Sagrado Corazón de Jesús) and El Palmar ( surroundings of Ntra. Sra. de las Nieves), through which the religious processions will pass later in the evening.
– The Corpus Christi procession in the town of Teror will depart from the Basílica del Pino on Sunday after the 19:00 and will go through the streets Herrería, Párroco Obispo Pozuelo, Camino del Castaño, Párroco Juan González, Riego and Real de la Plaza, where the carpets made with natural materials, flowers, salts and pigments will be located.– In the neighbourhood of El Palmar, the celebration of Corpus will be held with the procession after the Eucharist at 18:00, which will go through the carpets made during the morning around the church– In Arbejales, the celebration of Corpus, with the making of carpets and altars in the morning and the procession after the Eucharist at 18:00.
Romeria, pilgrimage offering on Saturday 18 June 2022
Tenteniguada, Valsequillo de Gran CanariaThe picturesque mountain neighbourhood of Tenteniguada in the municipality of Valsequillo is celebrating patron St. John’s festivities, ‘Fiestas patronales en honor a San Juan Bautista’ between 11 June – 3 July 2022. Romería, pilgrimage offering starting at 18:30 in honour of Patron Saint San Juan Bautista.
Villa de MoyaRomería, pilgrimage offering in honour of San Antonio de Padua at 19:00, and afterward the traditional Taifa dancing in front of the church.
17-19 June, TeldeSan Juan 2022
The municipality of Telde is celebrating Patron Saint festivities of San Juan between 17-26 June. This weekend, plenty of concerts and events to see.On Friday, Pregón, the proclamation is read by the Telde journalist Nicolás Castellano in Rincón Plácido Fleitas at 20:00 with the singer Mariví Cabo performing and, later, at 21:00, the first day of the Fibra Sonora music festival will be held, on Plaza de San Juan starting at 21:00. Devitha and Nymura, Soud of Aqua and Belize will perform on stage.
On Saturday, at 10:00, Melenara beach will host the seventh Insular Meeting of Canarian Wrestling Schools, with the participation of some 300 boys and girls. In the afternoon, at 19:00 p.m., the San Francisco Church will host the lyrical concert L’alba Separa Dalla Luce L’ombra and at 21:00, in Plaza San Juan, the second day of Fibra Sonora with The Blue Pillar, Fajardo and Nimañana.
The festive program continues on Sunday in Plaza de San Juan at 10:00 with the Presa Canario ( Canarian dog breed ) Exhibition. Meanwhile, the urban park of San Juan, throughout the morning, will host an Agroecological Day with children’s workshops, starting from 10:00.
SPORTING EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Saturday 18 June, ArtenaraArtenara Trail 2022
It’s going to be a busy morning in beautiful Artenara, at 1500m+ the highest altitude village on Gran Canaria. The 13th edition of the “Artenara Trail” sporting event is one of the most special trail races in the Canary Islands. Hundreds of athletes will traverse an unprecedented route that will pass through the most emblematic areas of the municipality of just over 1000 inhabitants.
The first modality (10,6 km) of the Trail run will start at 09:00 from Plaza de Artenara and the second (19,5 km) at 9:30. The awards ceremony at 14:00 takes place at the same plaza.
Saturday 18 June, Arucas XIV Clásica Automovilistica de Arucas
The 14th Clásica de Arucas, (vehicles over 25 years old), will be held this Saturday under the organisation of the Motor Fan Club and the collaboration of the Town Council of Arucas, Jardines de la Marquesa, and a wide list of collaborating companies from the municipality. The Arucas Classic gives continuity to the XVI Gran Canaria Classic Cup as well as the XIX Canary Islands Classic.
The Recinto Ferial will be, once again, the starting and finishing point. At 11:30 starts the first section. This part, a 96 km route, is divided into 7 sections, the first section will conclude at 14:25 in Artenara. After a stop, at 15:30, the second section will begin to travel the remaining 99 km divided into 6 more sections to return again to the fairgrounds at around 18:30, where the trophies will be awarded.
REGULAR MARKETS 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.
#Saturday San Fernando de Maspalomas market offers all kinds of textiles, Objet d‘art and other articles, outside the Municipal Market, located on Avenida Alejandro del Castillo, with bargains for bargain hunters. It is one of the markets most enjoyed among visitors along with Friday’s in Playa de Mogán; El Mercadillo de Maspalomas, the main ‘Maspalomas market’ is on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00.
#Saturday in Arguineguín, the lovely little second-hand market on Plaza Negra (the marketplace) in the morning 09:00-14:00.
#Sunday “Rastro”, the second-hand market with a wide range preloved treasures to be found and discovered from 08:00 to 14:00 in the main carpark of the Municipal Market, in San Fernando.
Saturday 18 June, VecindarioMercado Agrícola de Vecindario
The biweekly Saturday Agricultural Market in Vecindario still 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.”
LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEKEND!
18-19 June, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Traditional music and dance
This Saturday and Sunday, traditional Canarian music and dancing on Plaza de España and in Pueblo Canario. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria revives folk performances in the open air every weekend. These performances will continue to take place every weekend throughout the year (subject to bank holidays).
On Saturday on Plaza de España at 11:00, group ‘Folcklórica Aythamy-Atamarazit’
On Sunday in Pueblo Canario group ‘A.F. Roque Nublo’ at 11:00
17-19 June, Las Palmas de Gran CanariaFiestas Fundacionales Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2022
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is celebrating the 544th Anniversary of the city’s founding with a wide program of cultural activities and open-air shows between 3-26 June. The celebration culminates with “Noche de San Juan” next Thursday on Las Canteras Beach. Music starts at 21:00, fireworks at midnight, and a dip in the ocean, followed by more music. Friday, 24 June is a local bank holiday in the capital.
This weekend there are plenty of concerts to enjoy. Here are all the free concerts for this weekend in the capital, free entry until capacity full.
Friday 17 JuneThe 14th Night of Boleros at Plaza de Santo Domingo at 21:00City Dock Band + Suárez DC at Auditorio José Antonio Ramos in Parque Doramas at 21:00
Saturday 18 JuneSamantha Martin & Delta Sugar + Miguel Cedrés at Auditorio José Antonio Ramos in Parque Doramas at 21:00The 14th Night of Boleros at Plaza de Santo Domingo at 21:00Olga Cerpa y Mestisay. Concert for the city: El sueño de Cabo Verde. Invited: Nancy Viera and Bau & Stephan Almeida at Plaza de la Música at 22:00.
THE CHAMPIONS
The most stylish and, rockin’est song and guitar, husband and wife duo in the Atlantic Ocean. Based in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
On Saturday at Durty Nellys in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria → Simon Solo Show at 21:00
On Sunday at Barbacoa Gran Canaria in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria → The new show “Back to the decades” at 22:00
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.
Friday Nirvana Bar in Arguineguín, Ancora Centre at 21:00 Saturday Rockabella – Playa del Inglés 18:00-21:00 and later at the Shamrock at 22:30 Sunday The Shamrock in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria at 22:30
MULLIGAN’S PLAYA DEL INGLES
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We offer a range of simple effective ways for you to really get the word out and publicise your gigs and events with us.
Get in touch if you’d like to find out more: Listings@TheCanaryGuide.com or WhatsApp the team on 643276724
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The Canary Guide
Gran Canaria continues Level 3 Alert and special measures for Carnival period
The Canary Islands Governing Council session of Thursday February 11th have agreed and approved extraordinary measures to help maintain controls over infection rates during what would usually be the Carnival period, particularly as the main week leading up to lent is about to begin, with Carnival Monday, MardiGras/Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday just around the corner in what would be traditionally the final finale week of Carnival de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria .
Extraordinary measures for Carnival period
The measures will come into force as of midnight on Friday, February 12, and last until the Sunday night before midnight on Monday, February 22. All the islands, are to move to a curfew between 22:00 & 06:00. The rest of the measures will depend on the level of alert.
The measures approved today, which will be published in the Official Gazette of the Canary Islands, punctually, to temporarily harden those already established for the Islands at alert levels 1 and 2, but they are deemed necessary to stop the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the whole. The Archipelago is at a crucial moment in the evolution of the pandemic and in which it is necessary to preserve people’s health, the islands’ healthcare capacities and economic activity.
Arrivals to and Departures from the islands at Alert Levels 3 and 4
The agreement also contains an intensification of controls at ports and airports throughout the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands in order to avoid non-essential travel from or to any of the islands that are on Alert Levels 3 or 4.
As for regular public transport by land, both urban and metropolitan, passenger capacity is limited to 50% and surveillance of urban and metropolitan land transport will be reinforced at peak hours, in order to avoid crowds. At peak times, everyone is asked to avoid using public transport for non-essential or postponable journeys.
Parties, festivals and other popular events
Parties, festivals and other popular events are not allowed, which also implies the prohibition of convening acts, celebrations, contests or any other type of events that may encourage people to gather or that involve situations making compliance with general preventive measures difficult or impossible, such as crowds, or gatherings of more people than established for in each alert level, or anything that could prevent people from maintaining interpersonal safety distances or failure to comply with capacity.
All islands are to continue with their current alert level except for Tenerife, which has been lowered to a level 1 alert due to their infections rate having gone down significantly. The updated levels are to last at least until 18th of February, when the next evaluation is done.
You can find the latest COVID-19 data for The Canary Islands, updated daily, for mobile devices here, or a more feature rich version for desktop devices here
Here are the basic rules and regulations for Alert Level 3.
CURFEW 10pm – 6amYou are not permitted to move around in public at all between the hours of 22:00 and 06:00.– Exceptions include : “justified trips”, such as for work, or going to buy essential items or medicines, or visiting healthcare facilities, and emergencies, including veterinarian care.
MEETINGS AND GATHERINGS: MAXIMUM 4 PEOPLEGet togethers are limited, in both public and private spaces, to just 4 people.– You can meet your friends or other family members either in private and public places but not more than 4 people together at a time, and you should not be intermingling with other groups.
HOSPITALITY, CATERING, RESTAURANTS, TERRACES, BARS AND CAFÉSHospitality establishments must close before 10pm. Only outdoor service is permitted, and at no more than 50% capacity, with a maximum of 4 people per table. No indoor service is allowed, whatsoever, though you can still use the toilets, however you must wear a mask whenever leaving your table.–Exception: health centres, work cafeterias for staff and tourist accommodation for the exclusive use of guests staying at the accommodation.You can pick up food and drinks on the premises and home deliveries are allowed too.On terraces or in other outdoor spaces, dependent on the establishment, activities that fail to encourage the maintaining of interpersonal safety distances or not wearing masks, such as dancing, karaoke, etc. are prohibited.
SPORTS/ACTIVITIESOnly outdoor sports are permitted and up to a maximum of 4 people, including the monitor, if you cannot maintain a distance of 2 meters from everyone else. All indoor sports activities are suspended.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTPublic transport is limited to carrying 50% passenger capacity.Mandatory use of mask. Eating, drinking or smoking is not allowed.
HOSPITALS AND SOCIAL HEALTH CENTRESVisits to hospitals and social health centres are not permitted, except for the most necessary situations, at the sole discretion of the physician and the centre involved. Likewise, residents in centres for the elderly are required to remain on the premises, except in special cases.
TRAVELAll flights and sea journeys, departures and arrivals, are restricted. Except for justified cause that occurs for any of the reasons contemplated in article 6 of Royal Decree 926/2020, of October 25. Tourist arriving from outside The Canary Islands, staying in registered hospitality accommodation, are permitted, so long as they observe all the relevant guidelines.
GAMBLING AND GAMING VENUESAll casinos, bingo halls and gambling games venues, as well as other similar recreational facilities for gambling and betting must close.
?️ #CGobCan El portavoz del Gobierno anuncia que #Tenerife baja a nivel de alerta 1 y detalla el acuerdo del Consejo de Gobierno sobre medidas extraordinarias para el periodo de #Carnaval de aplicación en todas las Islas, independientemente del nivel en el que se encuentren pic.twitter.com/SDnfrNox09
— Presidencia GobCan (@PresiCan) February 11, 2021
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The Canary Guide: mass events cancelled in Maspalomas including Reyes Magos and the 2021 Carnival
The deadlines needed, in the face of the ever-changing pandemic response measures, for the proper organisation of the usual seasonal mass events have made it impossible for the San Bartolomé de Tirajana town hall to guarantee the holding of these much anticipated cultural celebrations.
Given the uncertainty in the evolution of the pandemic and the impossibility of establishing a date to recover “normality”, the council say they have been forced to cancel the holding of mass events including the usual Kings Day Parade on January 5th and the International Maspalomas Carnival which would usually start around the end of February. The municipal government say there are still opportunities to celebrate on the dates of Kings and Magi and any Carnival activities that can fit into the new normal or within whatever sanitary restrictions that are in force at the time regarding mass events.
Every year, between the traditional months marking the start of “Lent”, during February and March, everyone in Maspalomas dresses up in the most outrageous costumes, in colour and light to celebrate more than a week of Carnival, live performances, batucada dancers, known as comparsas, and satirical street choirs, known as murgas, roam the streets of this well known sunshine destination.
The originally pagan celebration of Carnival is widely thought to have its origins in the final days of European winter, as the food stocks started to run out so livestock were more likely to be slaughtered for food, but in anticipation of the first new crops of springtime, feasting and revelry would herald a few lean weeks until the first fresh new food for the year could be harvested. The Catholic church incorporated this seasonal cycle into the run up to their celebration of Easter, connecting the season to 40 days and nights of abstinence, following the great banquets that marked the passing winter, and preceding the springtime ahead with stories of the “rebirth” that Easter represented.
For much of the 20th century these debaucherous festivals of feasting and flesh were prohibited. In some parts of the Canary Islands, the carnival celebrations were disguised as “winter festivals”, in order to go somewhat unnoticed by the authorities. Many towns on Gran Canaria conducted secret celebrations, where many of the attendees wore the old clothes of others, often of the opposite gender, not only as costume, but as disguises should their revelry be interrupted. This is one of the reasons that cross-dressing and later drag became so popular at Canary Islands carnivals, allowing for transgressions in anonymity to be indulged by the entire population ahead of of Mardis Gras (Shrove/Fat Tuesday) and the sombre lent period to follow.
A new spirit of openness began in the mid-70s with many traditional carnivals starting to be recovered. By 1974 Maspalomas carnival began to take off and be noticed on the island and international scene.
It is here when the famous mogollones (verbenas or street parties, with cave man styling) begin to appear, along with the parade and the galas to select the carnival queen and the children’s queen. In 1986 the Miss Travestikarnatival Gala was held for the first time, and is considered the first official “drag gala”, an event added to the Las Palmas Carnival in 1998 and has since become a major staple of carnivals everywhere across the islands.
By the 90s the Maspalomas carnival had begun to take its current form. The revival of the sardine in Maspalomas, follows its funeral endding the biggest carnival in the capital, then a traditional carnival in old San Fernando starts off the main season for the south, traditional nightly mogollones in the Yumbo Shopping Centre, the Drag Gala, Carnival Queen, Children’s Shows, Body Painting competitions and much more culminates in a grande parade and the eventual re-cremation of the Sardine, once again absolving everyone of the supposed fleshy sins, debaucheries and transgressions of this popular end of winter celebration.
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The Canary Guide: The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria suspends the celebration of the official festival program until 2022
The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have suspended the official celebration of the festival program until 2022. This was communicated by the councillor Inmaculada Medina to the different representatives of the groups involved, after having spoken with each sector throughout the summer.
“The uncertainty generated by the evolution of the pandemic is incompatible with the forecast and previous work required for an event of the magnitude of Carnival,” explained Medina, who pointed out that it will not generate false expectations in the face of an uncertain reality. To the difficulties that groups and collectives are facing due to not being able to meet or find sponsorships are added various inconveniences derived from general concern and measures taken to stop the advance of the social health crisis, making it impossible to allow sufficient margins of time to gain the necessary permits that guarantee the holding of events.
Without losing sight of the fact that the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a fundamental part of the identity of the the island capital, a socio-cultural phenomenon, an outstanding tourist attraction and an economic engine in its own right, the councillor announced that although there is no Carnival, from now on the the work team will focus on the design of a series of events that, as long as the evolution of the pandemic allows, will keep the essence of the party alive throughout 2021, and will create opportunities for Carnival agents.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is one of the oldest, most deeply rooted and unique festivals in the Canary Islands. For over five centuries the city has celebrated with masquerading, tomfoolery… and flesh. Its origins go back practically to the dawn of the city’s history. The Gran Canaria capital, founded on June 24, 1478, soon became well known for its ability to bring together cultures, with the presence of settlers of various origins. In his Historia de Canarias (the ‘History of the Canary Islands’), José de Viera y Clavijo, recounting the arrival of Field Marshal Íñigo de Brizuela on the islands in February 1635, reveals: “a great dinner was served that night, and three banquets on the days of Shrovetide…” In addition, by the 16th century, various documents of the time allude to the presence of Italians in the city and their fondness for masked balls.
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Maspalomas Carnival Parade Events Cancelled Due To Contagion Risk
The touristed southern municipal town hall of San Bartolomé de Tirajana has announced this Wednesday afternoon that they will be cancelling all official events connected to the Maspalomas International Carnival grand parade, which had been planned for this Saturday 14th March, to prevent further contagion that risks increasing the number of cases of coronavirus on Gran Canaria, already confirmed to have affected at least seven people.
The Consistory has sought advice and taken on board the recommendations of the Canary Islands Executive Committee, an organization who gathered this Wednesday to determine what measures need to be taken to deal with the Covid-19 crisis. They specifically advised the local council to suspend the parade, a mass event at which up to 300,000 people were expected to attend this coming Saturday.
In a press conference held this Wednesday at the Riu Don Miguel hotel in Playa del Inglés, to present candidates for the Carnival Queen competition, the council announced that it will still hold the Drag Queen Gala, this Thursday, March 12, but that they will not do so in public, but instead behind closed doors, without an audience, so it will only be broadcast on TVE in the Canary Islands.
Mayor Conchi Narvaez originally presented the poster for this years carnival in 2019, never imagining the unprecedented measures she would have to take.
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Canary Islands Government suspend all events and activities of more than 1,000 people
Following the instructions from the Canary Islands Government Ministry of Health , the Municipal Town Hall of San Bartolomé de Tirajana have been told unequivocally that they need to suspend all remaining events for the Maspalomas International Carnival 2020.
The quadripartite coalition who form the governing group of San Bartolomé de Tirajana has accepted without objection that the prevention of the Corona Virus contagion must take precedence over any potential disappointment or damage caused by the postponement of this major annual event.. The mayor, Concepción Narváez, and the local council have called for calm and reminded everyone that the decision has not been taken lightly and is a preventative measure in the fight against the Covid-19 disease caused by the SARS-COV2 viral pandemic currently sweeping the globe. The Grand Parade event gathers anywhere between 100,000 & 300,000 people onto the streets of Playa del Inglés.
The local council say they will continue to report on any new information made available by the Ministry of Health and the Government of the Canary Islands.
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Los Verdes (The Greens) call for the suspension of Maspalomas Carnival
The Green party on the south of Gran Canaria have today said that they consider it inappropriate for Maspalomas to hold a massive party “when we are in a moment of a health emergency for the coronavirus” and asked for the events immediate suspension.
Ramón González, spokesman for Los Verdes, today requested the suspension or postponement of the upcoming International Carnival de Maspalomas parade as a precaution, “especially when this event is a massive confluence point for a potentially infected tourist population and tens of thousands of young Gran Canarians all heading to the event.”
González said “it is not acceptable that while football matches are being held behind closed doors this weekend, the confluence of tens of thousands of people is going to be allowed at the Maspalomas Carnival.”
He recalled that more than 100,000 Italian tourists visit the island of Gran Canaria every year, as well as those potentially from other origins also affected by the Corona Virus. The environmentalist party say that as far as they are concerned the general interests and recommendations of the health authorities should prevail. For this reason Los Verdes “call for the suspension of mass gatherings that run against very specific economic interests.”
González said he holds the Municipal Town Hall of San Bartolomé de Tirajana responsible for what may happen and, in turn, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria that subsidises and promotes this major event. “Our island government seems more concerned with selling smoke than solving and preventing the serious problems we face,” added the spokesman.
Source: Maspalomas Ahora
This urgent request to the town hall, comes on the same day local Spanish language daily La Provincia published an article denouncing the idea of suspending the parade as “Bulo” spread by a group on social media:
“Ever since Monday, an image with a false headline has been circulating through the WhatsApp groups and social networks: ‘The Carnival of Maspalomas is suspended by the outbreak of the coronavirus’. This is a hoax that someone has created using the design of the Gran Canaria section of laprovincia.es to give it greater authenticity.
However, from La Provincia we clarify that at no time has such information been published through this newspaper online.
Therefore, the Carnival of Maspalomas maintains its programming as planned and for the moment none of its events have been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.”
Stirring stuff. Be we ask, really, shouldn’t we consider it?
Now please wash your hands.
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