Carnival in Gran Canaria 2026 – Your Complete Guide to Dates, Places and Events
Published in Living in Gran Canaria
Carnival is one of the most anticipated cultural celebrations on Gran Canaria each year. In 2026, festivities stretch from late January through March, offering colourful parades, themed parties, family-friendly events and traditional rituals across towns and cities on the island. Whether you are planning your visit around the biggest parades or want to experience local fiestas, here’s a clear overview of the main Carnival programmes and what you can expect.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival | 23 January – 1 March 2026
The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the island’s largest and most internationally recognised celebration. Over more than five weeks, the city’s streets and parks come alive with music, costume competitions, gala shows and processions. For 2026, the overall theme is inspired by Las Vegas, which influences the design of floats and costumes throughout the programme.
Key highlights:
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23 January: Official opening of Carnival
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Late February: Series of gala shows, family events and themed nights
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28 February: Grand Parade (Gran Cabalgata) featuring extravagant floats and street performances
- 1 March: Burial of the Sardine, the symbolic closing event of Carnival season
The capital’s Carnival offers something for every visitor, from daytime celebrations for families to lively evening events and street parties.
More information and full programme here.
Maspalomas International Carnival | 10 – 22 March 2026
In the south of the island, the Maspalomas Carnival is another of Gran Canaria’s most popular celebrations. Based around the Yumbo Shopping Centre in Playa del Inglés, this Carnival attracts both local residents and international visitors with a rich mix of performances and community events.
The official dates are 10 to 22 March 2026, with the programme centred on a “Circus” theme that encourages imaginative costumes and energetic street entertainment.
Main events include:
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Special presentations and galas in the opening days
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Drag Queen Gala on 19 March
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Grand Parade on 21 March
- Burial of the Sardine and final celebrations on 22 March
The parade route typically passes through Avenida de Italia, Avenida de Gran Canaria and Avenida 8 de Marzo, ending near the Maspalomas Lighthouse.
More information and full programme here.
Carnival in Other Gran Canaria Towns (Dates & Highlights)
Besides the big events in Las Palmas and Maspalomas, many municipalities across Gran Canaria also host their own Carnival programmes. These local celebrations reflect strong community traditions and varied themes. Dates are subject to updates by the town councils, but current information includes:
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Gáldar Carnival: 6–21 February 2026 – Main parade on 14 February; pirate adventure theme.
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Agüimes Carnival: 7–18 February 2026 – Daytime celebrations on 14 and 21 February with colourful costumes.
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Ingenio Carnival: 12–22 February 2026 – Parade and ceremonies mid-February.
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Arucas Carnival: 14 February – 15 March 2026 – Saturday parade on 21 March.
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Moya Carnival: 16–22 February 2026, with family-oriented festivities.
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Santa Lucía de Tirajana (Vecindario) Carnival: 5–15 March 2026 – Parade on 14 March with magical worlds and creatures.
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Telde Carnival: 6–18 March 2026 – Parade on 21 March and a fantasy theme.
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Agaete Carnival: 6–22 March 2026 – A varied programme including daytime events and sardine burials.
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Costa de Mogán (Arguineguín) Carnival: 24–29 March 2026 – Parade on 28 March with a Cabaret theme.
These events are great opportunities to see how Carnival traditions take on local flavour outside the larger cities.
Why Carnival in Gran Canaria Is Worth Experiencing
Carnival in Gran Canaria goes beyond just colourful costumes and parades. It’s a dynamic mix of history, artistic expression and communal celebration that brings neighbours and visitors together. From the big galas in Las Palmas and Maspalomas to the neighbourhood parties in towns like Gáldar, Arucas and Telde, Carnival offers a window into Canarian culture and festive spirit.
The celebrations have something for every traveller: family-friendly events, themed parades, drag shows, artistic competitions and lively street gatherings, making it one of the most exciting times to visit the island.
