The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ranks among Spain's biggest street parties, filling the capital for about three weeks each winter. While the festival runs for close to three weeks with non-stop events, most visitors center their trip around a few headline moments: the main parade, the Drag Queen Gala, and the closing burial ceremony.
The festival often begins with an official opening proclamation and free concert, then moves through galas, competitions, and street parties. Street events are generally free and open to everyone who wants to dress up and dance, while the major galas usually require tickets and sell out fast.
When Is Carnival Held?
Carnival dates shift every year because they follow the lunar calendar that sets Easter. In practice, the festivities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria take place between February and March, as noted by Barceló Experiences.
For example, the 2026 edition ran from late January to March 1, while the 2027 carnival is listed as running from late January to late February. Because exact dates change annually, check the organizer's official website or a current events calendar when planning. Booking accommodation early in the Parque Santa Catalina and Las Canteras area is wise, as hotels fill up quickly.
Main Venues: Parque Santa Catalina and the City Streets
Most major galas and competitions take place at Parque Santa Catalina, the festival's central hub between the cruise port and Las Canteras Beach. The park hosts the opening ceremony, the Drag Queen Gala, the Queen Gala, and the murgas contests, according to Nests Hostels.
Daytime events often unfold at Plaza de Canarias, while the post-gala party scene spreads to Plaza Manuel Becerra and Plaza de la Luz. The main parade runs through city streets, and the Closing ceremony reaches Las Canteras Beach. For a full rundown of venues and the broader festival calendar, our guide to the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a good starting point.
Gran Cabalgata: The Main Parade
The Gran Cabalgata is the grand finale of the competition season, when all the floats, troupes, murgas and costume ensembles hit the streets of Las Palmas. According to Nests Hostels, the parade route can span around seven kilometers, drawing over 120,000 spectators.
The procession typically starts in La Isleta neighborhood at Plaza Manuel Becerra, winds along Calle Juan Rejón and Calle Albareda, passes the main carnival zone at Parque Santa Catalina, continues down León y Castillo, and finishes at Parque San Telmo. Streets close from early afternoon to late evening on parade day, and locals arrive two or more hours early to claim prime viewing spots near Santa Catalina or along León y Castillo.
Even if you miss a street spot, local television often broadcasts the parade, but being there in person is the full experience. Over a thousand seats may be available to the public, according to Barceló Experiences, but these go quickly; arriving early is essential
Drag Queen Gala: A Must-See Event
The Gran Gala Drag Queen is a standout event that has drawn international attention since the late 1990s. Contestants deliver highly choreographed performances in towering platform shoes, and the show can last several hours with elaborate production numbers.
Tickets for this gala are in high demand and often sell out quickly, sometimes within an hour of going on sale. Because sales typically open only a short time before the event, monitor the organizer's official channels and set reminders. If you miss out, local television has broadcast the gala live in past years, so check for streaming options as the event approaches.
Other Galas and Competitions
The Carnival Queen Gala is one of the most traditional events, where contestants parade in extravagant fantasy costumes. A Carnival Princess gala targets younger contestants, and an inclusion gala celebrates participants with disabilities. Each of these galas requires tickets and draws its own enthusiastic crowd.
The murgas and comparsas competitions pit satirical singing groups and dance troupes against each other in multi-round contests held at Santa Catalina. These events highlight the humor and social commentary that are central to Canarian carnival culture.
Street Events and Family-Friendly Activities
Between the galas, the city hosts daily mini-parades, concerts, evening dances, and costume competitions for adults, children, and even pets. One popular event is the Carnival Canino, where dogs and their owners parade in matching costumes at Parque Santa Catalina.
These street events are generally free and welcome participation from visitors. Dress up, join the crowds, and be part of the spectacle. For inspiration on outfits and how to join the fun, check our guide to Las Palmas Carnival Costumes.
The Burial of the Sardine
The Entierro de la Sardina literally closes the carnival with a mock funeral procession for a giant papier-mâché fish. Thousands of people dress as grieving widows and follow the sardine float from Santa Catalina to Las Canteras Beach, where the fish is set ablaze in a symbolic ritual.
Before the burial, some editions include a ‘Viudas a la Carrera’ – a race where participants sprint in full widow's attire. The event is theatrical, funny, and deeply rooted in Spanish tradition, dating back centuries. It brings three weeks of festivities to a fiery and memorable end.
Ticketing Tips for the Galas
Galas sell out quickly, so buy tickets from the organizer's official website as soon as sales open. In past years, tickets for the Drag Queen Gala have sold out within the hour, so set calendar reminders and be online early.
Prices are not officially published for upcoming editions in this source. For accurate information, check the official LPA Carnaval website, which lists ticket sales and availability. Official channels are also the place to verify event dates, which can shift between editions.
Planning Your Visit
Arrive early for parades, as street closures and large crowds mean that prime viewing spots go fast. Public transport is the recommended way to get around during carnival, as parking is limited in the city center. The Nests Hostels guide also suggests wearing a costume to fully join the party.
If you have time, consider pairing carnival with other cultural events on the island. Las Palmas also hosts the Gran Canaria International Classical Music Festival and the WOMAD Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which take place at different times of year.
Plan Your Visit
Las Palmas Carnival offers a unique blend of street parties, artistic competitions, and cultural traditions that draw visitors from around the globe. Whether you come for the Drag Queen Gala or the Gran Cabalgata, the festival rewards those who plan ahead in a costume and an open mind.
For more details on the parade, the galas, and the whole schedule, check the organizer's official website and our Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Guide. If you are exploring more of the country, our roundup of festivals in Spain points to other celebrations worth traveling for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events are part of the Las Palmas Carnival?
The carnival includes the opening proclamation, the Carnival Queen Gala, the Drag Queen Gala, murgas and comparsas competitions, daily street mini-parades, and the Gran Cabalgata main parade. It ends with the Burial of the Sardine. Street events are mostly free, while galas require tickets.
When is the Gran Cabalgata?
The Gran Cabalgata usually takes place on the final Saturday of the carnival, but the exact date shifts each year. Check the official LPA Carnaval website for the current schedule. It is a daytime parade that can start in the mid-afternoon and wind through the city streets for hours.
How do I get tickets for the Drag Queen Gala?
Tickets are sold through the official carnival website, and possibly at box offices, but they sell out quickly. Sign up for announcements and be online when sales open. If you miss tickets, check if a live broadcast is planned.
Where does the main parade take place?
The Gran Cabalgata route runs through the city, starting in La Isleta and passing by Parque Santa Catalina, continuing along León y Castillo, and finishing at Parque San Telmo. Viewing is free along the route, but arrive early for a good spot.
What is the burial of the sardine?
The Entierro de la Sardina is a mock funeral procession for a large sardine figure, held on the last day of carnival. Participants dress in mourning attire and follow the float to Las Canteras Beach, where the sardine is burned in a symbolic ritual.
What are the typical dates for the Las Palmas Carnival?
Carnival is tied to the lunar calendar and usually takes place between February and March. The exact dates change every year, so check official sources for the current edition.
