Tag: main event

Latest Gran Canaria News, Views & Sunshine

Foundation Investigated for Alleged Mismanagement of Public Funds Meant for Care of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors

The 7th Investigative Court of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has opened a preliminary investigation into the Social Response Foundation Siglo XXI and four of its directors. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office in Las Palmas filed a complaint against them, alleging crimes that could include forgery of commercial documents, mismanagement, and embezzlement of public funds. The investigation aims to determine whether this nonprofit organisation, and its officials, could have misused public funds intended for the care of unaccompanied migrant minors, during the migration crisis of 2020 that was precipitated by the pandemic confinement on the islands, leading to a build up of arrivals having to be assessed and cared for by the Canary Islands Regional Government, using hotels left empty due to the lack of tourism. The estimated amount involved in the alleged misuse stands at around €12.5 million between 2020 and 2022 on Gran Canaria alone.

 

Canary Islands Expect Rain and Potential Storm Weather Next Week

The Canary Islands are preparing for a change in the weather next week, as a significant increase in cloud is expected bringing higher probability of rain. The effects of a powerful storm forming in the Atlantic Ocean are likely to extend to the Canary Islands as well as neighbouring Madeira and The Azores.

 

#WeCrossMountains

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 2-4 June 2023

June is here and that means that summer is just around the corner. The Patron Saints’ festivities in honour of San Juan de Bautista and San Antonio de Padua are just getting started on Gran Canaria, and in Pueblo de Mogán the main Romería pilgrimage for San Antonio El Chico is this first Saturday of June, as well as the start of the build up to those in Arucas, Santa Brígida and Moya. This weekend also brings the biggest outlet fair shopping experience back to INFECAR and a collectables fair in Gáldar.
OPERATION KILO is this weekend, at all participating supermarkets, asking you to add a few non-perishable food items to the Food Bank collection boxes to help families in need.

Vox Enters Canarian Politics, Stage Right: Anti-Migrant, Anti-Feminist, Anti-Green, Anti-Autonomy, Anti-LGBT, Anti-Multiculturalism, Pro-Franco politics find a foothold on The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands were unable to avoid the rise of the far right on Sunday, unlike in 2019, writes Natalia G. Vargas in Canarias Ahora. Vox, which previously had no representation on the islands, managed to make its presence felt in several municipalities and councils this May 28. They also secured seats in the Canary Islands’ regional parliament, securing four deputies. “Defending what is ours, our own, and fighting against insecurity” were the slogans that underpinned Vox’s campaign in The Canary Islands, along with “family, employment, and freedom.” This rhetoric, coupled with an electoral program that was repeated across all local elections in Spain, proved sufficient. Dozens of cities and towns on the islands welcomed their first far right candidates of the modern democratic era into Canarian politics, with urban areas serving as their main strongholds.

La Alcaldesa Bueno Secures Incredible Majority in Mogán

Mogán, May 29, 2023 – The often controversial incumbent, O Bueno, La Alcaldesa, has achieved an unprecedented and resounding victory once more in Mogán. The candidate who switched her party’s name, for these elections, to “Juntos por Mogán”, a local ally of the regionalist conservatives “Coalición Canaria” (CC), will once again assume the role of mayor. Her party has clinched a rather noteworthy 17 out of the 21 seats in the Municipal Council of this popular tourism destination located on the sunny southwest of Gran Canaria.

Loading

The Canary Guide “Reyes Magos” Weekend Tips 3-5 January 2020

A lovely long weekend ahead as the holiday season draws to a close here on Gran Canaria. Monday is officially a national bank holiday; Twelfth night is almost upon us, the Epiphany, preceded by the Noche del Reyes Magos, or night of the kings, the spectacular finale of the holiday season, when 3 wise men are expected to visit every home in the kingdom, in celebration of a newly born child.

REYES MAGOS– THE THREE WISE MEN / THE THREE KINGS
This is the most magical time of the year for kids in the Canary Islands and throughout all Spain.
The long observed traditions here supersede those of more northern European, christianised, pagan Yuletime legends, many of which tell of a benevolent, sometimes mischievous and goaty, old man secretly delivering gifts and toys to good little children on Christmas eve, or indeed the roman catholic stories of the originally Turkish-born Saint Nicholas, who nowadays morphs into a red robed and chuckling Santa Claus character flying from Lapland on his reindeer drawn sleigh.
By far the more prominently celebrated story of Los Reyes Magos, known in English as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, tells of strangers arriving from the east, following a star, who bring gifts for a newborn, and as luck would have it magically supply gifts to all good christians, and children too, on the Day of the Epiphany, which is of course the 12th night, or the eve of the 6th day of January.
This is when Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar bring their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They arrive to Street Parades in every major town as they are celebrated across Gran Canaria on the 5th, the Noche de Los Reyes Magos.

Most towns and cities throughout Spain, and across the island, will be hosting extravagant events and parades on Sunday, aimed mainly at the littlest in the family, to welcome these strangers from far off lands, who will arrive from the east via every imaginable mode of transport, whether on traditional camel, speed boat, parachute, helicopter, horseback or jet ski, they will be presented with a magical key by the local mayor so that they can let themselves into each of the townspeople’s homes to leave them something special.
Two of the biggest and most magical parades on Gran Canaria occur in the capital and up in the beautiful eastern town of Agüimes. Traditional seasonal and artisanal markets can be found in many major towns across the island in the run up to the main seasonal gift-giving day,  between 2-5 January 2020.

2-5 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS  25ª FERIA DE ARTISANÍA
The 25th Artisans’ Market in Parque de San Telmo in the capital, Las Palmas by the traditional Canarian crafts federation FEDAC.
Opening hours are every day between 10:00-21:00.

2-5 JANUARY, TELDE  FERIA DE REYES 
“Feria de Reyes”, The Kings’ Fair in the heart of Telde.  
The Fair is held in the open commercial area ZCA SAN GREGORIO, surrounding the plaza de San Gregorio and Avenida de la Constitución.
An event full of music, acrobatics, jugglers and children’s workshops at which 21 artisans will have stands exhibiting their work for sale from January 2 to 5.
On Thursday 16:00 – 21:30, on Friday and Saturday 10:00-21:30 and on Sunday 10:00-13:00.

3-5 JANUARY, Vecindario (SANTA LUCÍA) FERIA DE NAVIDAD 
The Vecindario Christmas fair has its final weekend at Plaza de San Rafael, in the municipality Santa Lucia. Traditional crafts, cosmetics, jewellery, textiles, accessories and recycled products are all on offer on the main shopping street of this buzzing south-eastern town.
From 10:00 to 21:00 (excluding holidays).
The fair is open on January 5, from 10:00 until the closing of the shops.

3-5 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS  SAND NATIVITY / BELEN DE ARENA – LAS CANTERAS
This weekend is the last chance to visit one of the main seasonal attractions that has positioned the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as one of the world’s most charming cities to visit at Christmas time: the Belen de Arena de Las Canteras has become an entire event in its own right, with unique sand sculptures visited every year by thousands of locals … and an growing number of travellers who visit the capital of Gran Canaria at this time of year.
The sand sculptures will be open until January 5 (09:00-20:00) other days from 09:00-22:00 and are free to visit, though charitable donations are encouraged.

3-5 JANUARY, MOGÁN NAVIDAD EN MOGÁN
As part of the Town hall’s seasonal program there is a lovely weekend of activities happening in the neighbourhoods of the municipality. 
On Friday in Playa de Mogán, a street parade for children at 17:30 leaving from Avenida Los Marreros (shopping centre). At 18:30 at Plaza Pedro Betancor León children’s animation activities where visiting children can hand over their letters and lists to a Royal page, for delivery to the kings. 
On Saturday in Mogán Casco, the old town, children’s animation activities and a visit of the Royal Page to Parque Nicolás Quesada at 18:00.  
On Sunday in Arguineguín, “Fair of Kings” at Plaza Pérez Galdós between 17:00-21:00 with crafts, gastronomy and a market.
At 18:30 a boat carrying their Majesties, The Magi from the East, will arrive at Arguineguín port. They will then tour via Avenida de las Marañuelas to Plaza Pérez Galdós, with a parade and live music and animation.
Upon arrival, the municipality’s magic key will be presented to Their Majesties, and the last of the letters will be collected.

4 – 5 JANUARY, MASPALOMAS NAVIDAD EN MASPALOMAS
The holiday season program continues in various enclaves of the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana
On Saturday, a night to be enjoyed  in the little coastal neighborhood of El Pajar. From 17:00 there is a market and workshops for children at Plaza Pública de El Pajar and at 22:00 Gran Verbena, evening street party with Paco Guedes.
On Sunday, Maspalomas celebrates the arrival of the Kings with a parade at 18:00. Parade route : Departure from the Centro Socio-Cultural del Mayor via Avenida de Mogán to the roundabout of the municipal pool. Avda de Tunte to the roundabout of Avenida de Gáldar to calle Camellero Hernández García (in front of the Eurospar) and then via Avenida de Tejeda until reaching Parque de San Fernando.

 
SUNDAY 5 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS  REYES MAGOS LAS PALMAS 
The welcome party begins at 11:00 on the esplanade walkway next to the Poema del Mar Aquarium with the arrival of the three wise men to the Sanapú pier scheduled for 12:00 midday.  The three kings and their entourage will disembark and meet all the children and families who gather to welcome them, as well as the mayor, Augusto Hidalgo, who will deliver the “Magic Key to the City” and there will be entertainment and activities. 
The Three Kings Parade.   starts at 17:00  from Castillo de la Luz heading through the city to Parque de San Telmo. Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar will climb on to moving platforms decorated with striking star-shaped light boxes, which premiered in 2019, to illuminate the route that will take them from the port fortress to San Telmo park and to share messages of solidarity for the conservation of the planet.
Accompanied by a legion of Romans, the royal pages, their entourage and favorites, Melchor will ride on a golden star, Gaspar on one of silver and Baltasar on the star of bronze, all illuminated. The three kings will be followed by their camels, who for the second time, will travel the city without being ridden by people or carrying cargo, as once was the way.  Public opinion has dissuaded any inclusion of animals that could be deemed harmful, so instead they will simply partake in the parade unburdened. 
At 22:30 there will be a concert by “Non  Trubada” at Parque de San Telmo. And a Night of The Kings event all along the main shopping street of Triana.

SUNDAY 5 JANUARY, AGÜIMES AGÜIMES 2020: 65TH LIVE REYES DE MAGOS PERFORMANCE: COLEGIO NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL ROSARIO
Since 1956, the “Magna Cabalgata de Reyes”, an outdoor theatrical performance, has been held in Agüimes. The script for this staging emerged from the inkwell of Orlando Hernández Martín, a “whole and serious” figure of Canarian literature, born in this town in 1936.
After almost sixty years, that “Magna Cabalgata”, was renamed Auto de Los Reyes Magos on June 6, 2009, and is performed every year through the streets of this beautiful old, historic town.
The royal procession departs from the gardens of the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Rosario to tour various stages arranged in different parts of the old town.
At 20:00 the Royal Entourage departs from the gardens of the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Rosario, beginning a traditional tour of five stages scattered throughout the town, until they reach the Plaza Nuestra Señora del Rosario by the main church in the old quarter. The act ends around 23:00 following the adoration of the “Child” in the manger. Then the kings, preceded by the entourage, retire to rest for a while, leaving behind a huge trail of goodies to the delight of the children who follow them intently throughout.

The first scene, the annunciation is performed at the Parque los Moros.
The second scene, is a meeting with the sheppards on Calle Juan Alvarado y Saz.
This is followed by a visit to Herod’s Palace, just down the road, at El Ejido
The fourth scene depicts the appearance of the Angel on Carretera Esquina
And the fifth and final scene, is the nativity scene at the Plaza Nuestra Señora del Rosario.

OTHER THREE KINGS PARADES 
SANTA LUCIA; Kings parade at 18:30 from Cruce de Sardina to theatro Victor Java. Concert at 21:30 by music group ‘Karma’ at 21:30 at Plaza de Los Algodoneros. Animation for children from 17:30-19:30 on the pedestrian area of avenida de Canarias.
TELDE; Activities for children 10:00-12:30 at the municipal stadium Pablo Hérnandez Morales. Arrival of the majesties at 13:00 At 17:30 the parade starts at Casa de la Juventud to Parque Franchy
SANTA BRIGIDA; the arrival of Their Majesties The Magi from the East into Santa Brígida. a parade with Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar starting at 18:00 and through the streets of the town centre to bring the spectacle of the most special day of the year for the little ones. 
GÁLDAR: The Kings parade 17:00-18:30 from Cañada Honda neighborhood and streets of the historic center. The traditional Auto de los Reyes Magos from 19:00 – 20:00 at Plaza de Santiago. 
You can be sure there will be plenty of others going on all around the island

FollowFollowFollowFollow

The Canary Guide

Advertise your business to English Speakers on Gran Canaria We have a range of exciting advertising opportunities starting from as little as 2€ a day online, having been in print for ten years we are now moving towards English language video and television, and with a regular audience reach of more than 50,000 people every week, 15-20,000 individuals come to our website every month 2-3 times a month.
Contact us by email on Publicidad@TheCanary.TV for more information
Contact Us

The Canary Guide

The Canary Guide to New Year’s Eve on Gran Canaria 2020

Well it’s New Year’s Eve and perhaps you are still wondering what there is to do tonight on this balmy sub-tropical island with daytime temperatures of 25ºC+ in the shade? There will be celebrations for the start of 2020 across Gran Canaria all across the island in most bars and restaurants, with several fireworks displays, the biggest and most popular of which include the main beach in the capital, Las Canteras, Anfi Beach, The Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse (where many of the hotels have lavish parties and compete for the biggest displays) and Playa del Inglés. What ever you do, don’t forget to bring some traditional Spanish flavor to your party, by eating your 12 grapes at midnight!  Each one at the toll of the midnight bells for luck in the new decade. 
There are likely to be extended transport services provided across the island throughout the night to get everyone to and from the main celebrations.
Here are just some of the events planned by the town halls of some of the island’s larger municipalities
Happy new year to all! See you in 2020!
MOGAN; ARGUINEGUÍN, PLAYA MOGÁN AND PUEBLO MOGÁN
In Arguineguín at Plaza Pérez Galdós celebrations start at 23:30 and include a TV broadcast of the 12 bells countdown on the big screen, there will be music with DJ’s Aitor Cruz, Promaster and Cholo as well as animation activities and jugglers Alehop. At 01:00 the late night New Year party with Paco Guedes begins. 
In Mogán Casco (Pueblo de Mogán) a New Year party at midnight with the church bells ringing in the new year and a concert from local group Plan B, then DJs Aitor Cruz and Promaster. 
In Playa de Mogán a New Year’s party at midnight in the Plaza Dr. Pedro Betancor León. 

MASPALOMAS
San Fernando de Maspalomas, Castillo del Romeral and El Mirador de Las Dunas will host the most important municipal activities of 31st of December and first of January.  Fun have been guaranteed with the closing of the music and commercial activities to 05:30 and 06:00. 
Plaza pública de San Fernando de Maspalomas will see the concerts of Los Salvapantallas, Djs Jonay and Marrero. Fun starts at 00:15. 
Star Music and AdrianPro Dj, will be the animations planned for this December 31 at the plaza ( front of the school ) in Castillo del Romeral. 
For the first day of January, 1.1.2020 at 18:30, once more, a New Year’s concert by Olga Cerpa and Mestisay, with Luis Morera as a guest artist, at the natural stage setting of the Mirador de las Dunas de Maspalomas (behind the Hotel Riu Maspalomas ).
LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
Las Canteras Beach From 23:00 to 04:00. The biggest New Year Party of all on Gran Canaria is as ever at the La Puntilla end of the capital’s main beach, Las Canteras. The End of Year bells broadcast by the main Spanish television channel RTVE will be shown on the big screen. There will be a huge fireworks display at midnight (by the Plaza Saulo Torón) as well as live concerts on the main stage built on the beach. And of course not forgetting the Las Palmas tradition of a midnight dip in the ocean.  

Earlier during the day Vegueta, the old quarter, celebrates New Year 2020 earlier than anybody else between 15:00-19:00. Visitors will enjoy live music entertainment on the terraces of the various establishments, more precisely on the streets Mendizabal, Pelota, Obispo Codina and Diego de León. Jazz, Pop, Chill Out, Rumba, Latin Rhythms and finally a parade. For those wanting to avoid a late night get down there to enjoy the Vegueta celebrations!                      
There is an annual solidarity running race called the San Silvestre, one of the biggest on the island, which happens between 16:00-19:00 in the capital. The children’s race is first at 16:00 and the adult’s race starts at 17:00. See the routes here. They are expecting over 12000 runners so you can expect a lot of traffic. 

ARTISANAL AND KINGS DAY MARKETS GRAN CANARIA 2020
 The traditional markets in the run up to the main seasonal gift-giving day once again run between 2-5 January 2020. 
– The 25th Artisans’ Market Parque de San Telmo in the capital, Las Palmas by FEDAC.
Opening hours are every day between 10:00-21:00.
– “Feria de Reyes”, The Kings’ Fair in the municipality of Telde and in the open commercial area ZSA SAN GREGORIO ( plaza de San Gregorio and Avenida de la Constitución ). Crafts, activities and music.
On Thursday 16:00 – 21:30, on Friday and Sunday 10:00-21:30 and on Sunday 10:00-23:00
– And of course there is the ongoing Christmas fair until 5.1. at Plaza de San Rafael, Vecindario in the municipality Santa Lucia. Traditional Crafts, Cosmetics, jewelry, Textiles and Accessories, Recycled Products
From 10:00 to 21:00 (excluding holidays). The fair is open on January 5, from 10:00 until the closing of the shops.

Gran Canaria Me Gusta – Las Palmas Food Fair at INFECAR 9-11 March

The ‘Gran Canaria Me Gusta’ fair returns this weekend in the capital, with the aim of enhancing flavors of the island, “a festival of old-time, avant-garde sensations that returns full of new features” such as the presence of national and international chefs and the installation of a Canarian wrestling ring and planned exhibitions of traditional games.
Promoted by the Cabildo and organized at Infecar, the fair is to be held from Friday 9 to Sunday March 11 and brings together a world of exhibitions, tastings and the sale of agricultural produce, livestock and fisheries, including traditional crafts, culture, folklore, sports and of course tourism.
This latest edition increases in size by almost 20% to reach 9,000 square meters and will host an intense program (available at http://bit.ly/2oK9ylU ) with more than 100 exhibitors, among which are the municipalities of Agaete, Agüimes, Arucas, Firgas, Gáldar, Ingenio, La Aldea, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Mogán, Moya, Santa Brígida, Santa Lucía, Tejeda, Telde, Valleseco and Valsequillo.
Interesting activities are also planned for the outdoor areas where exhibitions of Canarian wrestling will take place and on Saturday at 17.30  an official fight corresponding to the Liga Gobierno de Canarias de Primera Categoría between the Star and the Union Gáldar.

The Fair is an important meeting point, which will be attended by more than 200 top professionals from the food and beverage departments of hotel establishments, catering, restaurants, distributors, supermarkets and supermarkets, introducing Gran Canaria products to include in their purchase decisions.
The primary sector (agriculture) will play an essential role in the initiative, with exhibition areas, tastings and commented tastings of produce from the island. Aiming to promote the benefits offered by produce of the land, gastronomic demonstrations with local chefs, cooking competition for students of schools and hospitality centres, will include demonstrations of various products as well as workshops for children.
“Gran Canaria I like” will have more than 14 gastronomic demonstrations from local chefs in the kitchen area of ​​Hall 7 and more than 30 commented tastings of local produce such as oil, cheese, wine, honey, mojo, beer and coffee. On Friday there will be children’s workshops for fruit art and pastries sponsored by Spar Gran Canaria.
Opening hours : Friday and Saturday 11.00-20.00 and on Sunday 11.00-17.00

Entrance fee : €2,50

Loading