Customs And Traditions

Carnival is the popular fiesta (celebration) par excellence. One general feature of almost all Canary Island festivals is the expression of social criticism, be this of the local, regional or national situation. This form of criticism defines and forms part of one of the typical groups of carnival musicians, the murgas. The carnival is held during the winter months, although it is usually held in the days before Lent, but the exact dates can vary and it does not always finish on Ash Wednesday, as it oftens lasts longer.

The spirit of regeneration and death give these fiestas a certain licence for chaos and for upsetting traditional values, leading to the typical street parties, known as verbenas del mogollón, in which thousands of people in fancy dress dance till dawn around the stalls and in Parque Santa Catalina, to the rhythm of salsa music.
The main events of the carnival include the gala for choosing the Carnival Queen and the great Carnival Parade, which march through the whole city of Las Palmas.

Carnival

Now an internationally famous event, the carnival chooses every year a motif for the fiestas that is the inspiration for many of the fancy dresses. Gran Canaria has become an international cultural island, with frantic activity throughout the year, including music and theatre festivals and all the events of the Carnival, plus the long list of festive activities that take place during all the year. These fiestas offer a full programme of traditionnal and folklore activities backed by the 522-year history, as well as leisure and entertainment.