Agenda of Events and Festivals Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers more than just sun and sand: the island is packed with events! During your vacation, you may want to experience something other than sunbathing. Discover a wide range of events, from walking tours to the lively winter edition of Gay Pride, sporting events, Carnival, Three Wise Men and much more, spread throughout the island.

On this page I publish as many events as possible from the island of Gran Canaria. If you have any suggestions or photos of your own, send me your message. Thank you

Tejeda Almond Blossom Festival

Every February, festivities such as the Almond Blossom Festival on the island of Gran Canaria bring together multitudes of people eager to witness this incredible spectacle of nature. White flowers take over the landscape, announcing the arrival of spring. The festival combines crafts and folklore.
Date: month of February
Venue: Plaza de Tunte in San Bartolomé de Tirajana
Venue: Tejeda

Maspalomas Pride

Every year Gran Canaria hosts the largest Gay Pride (Maspalomas Pride) in Europe. This event takes place every year in the month of May. For a week, numerous events are held such as parties, boat trips, live shows with international artists and much more.

More than 100,000 visitors return to this event each year. You can read the full program on the website. The heart and beginning of the Gay Parade is located in the Yumbo Shopping Center. On the final day, a fantastic international gala show ended with an equally unique fireworks display.
Date: month May
Gay Pride: starts at 3:30 p.m.
International Gala Show: starts from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Event location: Maspalomas – Playa del Inglés (web)

Dia de Canarias

Every year, the Canary Islands celebrate the Day of the Canary Islands, the feast of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. The first session of the Parliament of the Canary Islands took place in 1982. That is, the assembly that made official the unification of the whole archipelago under a self-government elected by the Canary Islanders with headquarters in the capitals of the two most populated islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

This cultural festival refers to the intense, special and colourful Canarian identity. For this reason, artistic and social activities take place with folkloric music and sports exhibitions, games such as the Luchada, the Vela Latina, the palo or the garrote… The inimitable Canarian gastronomy, such as potatoes with mojo or gofio, is never lacking either.
Date : 30th May
Place of the event : all over the island

Cheese Festival

Every year, on the last weekend of April, Santa María de Guía celebrates the Cheese Festival in the old town. The first weekend of May in Montaña Alta is one of the events of greatest tourist interest in the municipality and the one that receives the largest number of visitors. Thousands of people come to enjoy this festival in which folklore, traditions and crafts, gastronomy and, of course, Queso de Flor are the protagonists.

The Cheese Festival is an example of the deep-rooted cheese-making activity in the area. It arose in 1977 as an initiative of the residents of the Montaña Alta region with the aim of appreciating and recognising the work of the cheesemakers and the cultural heritage associated with it, and to disseminate these values among the population and visitors.

The locals then want to show their hospitality by offering tastings of typical food to all visitors. Cheese makers and artisans also offer their best products and demonstrations of traditional livestock and sheep herding activities are organised.

For a few years now, this festival has also been celebrated in the historic center of the city. In addition to the sale of cheeses and artisan products, the island tasting “Flor de Guía Cheeses” takes place here. This event is always celebrated on the last Sunday in April.
Date: month of May
Event location: Santa María de Guía

Zumba on the beach of Playa del Inglés

Zumba and Fitness on the beach of Playa del Inglés.These events take place during the summer months.Events start from 9am to 10am
Date: months June, July, August and September
Event location: Annex II Shopping Center (located at the Playa del Inglés beach roundabout)

Wind & Waves Festival

Windsurfing enthusiasts should of course not miss this annual event. The Wind & Waves Festival is known worldwide by surf lovers. But it’s also worth checking out for non-surfers. Download the brochure here
Date: month July
Event location: Pozo Izquierdo

Windsurfing enthusiasts should of course not miss this annual event. The Wind & Waves Festival is known worldwide by surf lovers. But it’s also worth checking out for non-surfers. Download the brochure here
Date: month July
Event location: Pozo Izquierdo

Fiesta de la Traida del Aqua

This event or celebration of ‘Festival of the Bringing of the Water‘ (Fiesta de la Traida del Aqua) takes place during the first two weeks of August. During this festival there is a large influx of locals and tourists. The party originated 30 years ago. It was customary among local young people to fetch water from the irrigation ditch and then transport it in clay jugs. I can definitely recommend this festival, it is an interesting festival for tourists.
Date: month of August
Event location: Telde – Lomo Magullo

Fiestas de San Lorenzo

This San Lorenzo event takes place the first 2 weeks of August. There are numerous exhibitions, shows and events. The inauguration of the festival takes place with a celebration in the Parish Church.

From then on there are daily activities such as dancing, music and sports. On August 15, the celebrations traditionally conclude with a beautiful fireworks display. The entire program is always available at the tourist offices.
Date: month of August
Event location: Las Palmas

La Aldea San Nicolas

During the months of August and September, several festivals are celebrated in La Aldea San Nicolás. Pilgrimages, Eucharistic celebrations and markets are organized almost daily. In particular, you should not miss the Fiesta del Charco.
Date: months of August and September
Event location: San Nicolás de Tolentino

Fiestas de Las Marias

The Fiesta de María is an important festival in Gran Canaria. This festival is organised every year in the municipality of Guía. During the third weekend of September, the municipality of Guía is a big party. This event dates back to 1811.

History says that the inhabitants make an offering to the Virgin Mary every year with branches that they place at the feet of the statue of Mary. The inhabitants make the sacrifice to rid the fields of locust plagues. Drums, music and a parade make for a great party.
Date: month September
Event location: Guide (Gran Canaria)

Festival Costa Norte

Every year the Fiesta or Celebration of the Costa Norte (North Coast of Gran Canaria) takes place.
This festival is organised in Villa de Moya. Moya is a submunicipality in the province of Las Palmas. The church of Moya ‘Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria’ is situated on top of a rock wall. From the rock wall you can see the ‘Barranco de Moya’.

The Costa Norte party takes place on the last weekend of September. There is a craft market, a surfing championship and many other activities such as zumba, fitness, theater and much more.
Date: month September
Event location: Villa de Moya, El Pagador, El Altillo website (Gran Canaria)

Traia del Gofio y Agua

Every year, the Fiesta in honour of Gofio y el Agua is held during the month of September. For more than 39 years, the festival has been organised in honour of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agüimes. A column of carts pulled by donkeys and laden with water and gofio (corn flour) travels through the streets of the municipality from the mills of Lolita and Ananías. The festival, which attracts numerous tourists, takes place during the evening hours. Music and dances, including chácaras and drums, add to the festivities.

The participants in the parade and fiesta are dressed in traditional attire, such as black or grey trousers with a white shirt and black handkerchief; the ladies wear black skirts and shorts. In the village square, after the parade, there is a big folklore party with lots of live music and a DJ until the early hours of the morning.
Date : last Saturday of September
Place of the event : Agüimes – Gran Canaria

Fiesta de la Manzana

Every year, during the first weekend of October, the ‘Fiesta de la Manzana’ (Apple Festival) takes place. On this day, the Incarnation of Our Lady is also celebrated.

On the eve of the big festival, locals take to the streets dressed in traditional costumes. Then they honor the Virgin Mary with regional products. The festivities begin on Friday at 9 p.m. with a Folklore festival.
Date: month October
Location events; Valleseco – Municipal Plaza of Valleseco (Website)

Gran Canaria Walking Festival

Every year in November the ‘Gran Canaria Walking Festival’ takes place. The celebrations open with folklore, tasting of typical Canarian dishes, music and dance, and you can read the full programme and routes on the special website. Explore its wild and unknown side and let yourself be captivated by the beauty of its imposing landscapes. You will be able to enjoy that special charm that only those who go deep into its most hidden places know.
Date: November
Place of the event: Casa del Vino / Santa Brígida

Prueba Campeonato de Velocidad

For motorcycle lovers, every year in October the “Gran Canaria Trophy” is celebrated.
A motorcycle speed championship. There are different categories. The competition is organized by CCV Moto Boxes. (Website)
Date: October month
Venue: Maspalomas Circuit

Maspalomas Pride – Winter Edition

Every year Maspalomas Pride is organised. Also during the winter months there is a special winter edition of this colourful parade during the month of November. The winter edition is organised by ProGay. The Yumbo shopping centre will be filled for three days with numerous international artists such as Baccara, Alcazar and many others. The party continues with drag shows. Entertainment is guaranteed. Website
Date: 2nd week of November
Place of the event: Yumbo Shopping Centre – Playa del Ingles

ARC – Rally for Cruisers

Every year during the month of November the “Atlantic Rally for Cruisers” competition is organized in Gran Canaria. It is the largest transatlantic sailing competition in the world. Hundreds of sailboats leave Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for the Caribbean.

The final point of this race is Saint Lucia in the Caribbean. The best sailors in the world participate in this beautiful sailing competition. The journey itself lasts about 21 days. The boats arrive in Las Palmas from the beginning of November. There are daily activities and events around this sporting event.
Date: month November – website
Event location: Puerto Las Palmas – Gran Canaria

Vuelta Cicloturista – Gran Canaria

Every year, the ‘Vuelta Cicloturista’ takes place under pleasant winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in mid-December. Costa Mogán is then the place for cyclotourism for 2 weeks. Partly because of the beautiful scenery and the excellent routes, it is highly recommended. Participants come from all countries. Age is not a problem either, only a passion for cycling is a must. Registration is possible all year round at the Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa.
Date : December – website
Place of the event : Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa

International Tourism Forum

It is the second year that Gran Canaria organizes this International Tourism Forum. The forum aims to share debates and experiences in the field of tourism. New technologies, products and increasingly demanding tourists. These are all points that need to be discussed. Thanks to its 50 years of experience in tourism in Gran Canaria, this place is ideal for the International Tourism Forum (website)
Date: December month
Event location: Expo Meloneras – Maspalomas / Costa Canaria – Gran Canaria

Dia de Santa Lucia en Gran Canaria

Annual festival organized during the winter, in December. The historic festival of the patron saint Santa Lucía is celebrated in mainland Spain and the Canary Islands, but mainly in Santa Lucía, in Gran Canaria. It is a great traditional festival that always attracts a lot of interest from tourists and thousands of pilgrims. During the festival, mainly many Scandinavian tourists come. The Swedes especially take their holidays during this period in Gran Canaria to see the symbol of Lucia.

The celebrations in Santa Lucía are accompanied by typical products and dishes such as “El Mejunje”, a drink made especially for the celebration in Santa Lucía de Tirajana. The stomach is pampered with Canarian gastronomy such as stone bread, olives, cheese and of course the famous “Papas Arrugadas con Mojo”.

The Sunday following the celebration of Saint Lucia (December 13) the Pilgrimage of Los Labradores takes place, in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary. That day, the pilgrims dress in their best typical costumes and pull carts through the streets of the town, offering visitors typical products of the area. In addition, in this Santa Lucía pilgrimage the traditional concoction, a local drink made from rum, honey and aromatic herbs, is usually shared.
Date: month of December
Event location: Santa Lucia de Tirajana – Gran Canaria

Festival de Esculturas de Arena – Las Palmas

Every year in December the Sand Sculpture Festival takes place on Playa de las Canteras. International sculptors continue to demonstrate their skills with sand. Every year there is a different theme. Each year the artists present a different theme. An average of seven nativity scenes are represented in an area of ​​2,000 square meters. It is tradition that the birth of Christ is represented during the end of the year and Christmas.
Date: month December
Event location: Playa de las Canteras – Las Palmas

Christmas and New Year in Gran Canaria

Christmas is also celebrated on a sunny and warm island. You have one advantage: it won’t snow or freeze here. Christmas and New Year in the sun is the reason you come to Gran Canaria.

Fair with attractions, music festivals, shows, sporting events, Christmas markets with crafts and of course lots of food and drink. Almost every town, village or city on the island has something organized around Christmas and New Year during the months of December and January.
Starting on New Year’s Eve with a large fireworks display on the beach and water, followed by live music from local groups.

The end of year parties (New Year’s Eve) are accompanied by a pleasant gathering in a restaurant. At midnight, when the old year passes into the new year, as many grapes as possible are traditionally eaten at each bell. According to the Canarians, grapes bring happiness to life.
Date: month December and January
Event location: Plaza Santa Ana – Las Palmas – 9:00 p.m.

Three Wise Men in Gran Canaria

Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar, the Three Kings, celebrate their feast in January. The Three Wise Men, or “The Three Wise Men of the East“, is a Christian holiday celebrated every year on January 5.
The kings will be received upon arrival at the Santa Catalina cruise terminal in the port of Las Palmas.

Next, numerous activities are organized for young and slightly older children. Next, the children deliver their homemade letters to the Three Wise Men and members of the royal court.

The big parade through the streets of several municipalities, villages and towns of Gran Canaria takes place on the 5th of January. The parade is a big party, especially for the children, but also for the adults. Especially the Three Wise Men welcome the crowds while riding on their camels. They are dressed in beautiful and colourful oriental costumes. More than 20 floats accompanied by dance and music colour the streets. During these celebrations there are special buses and public transport every hour.
Date : January
Venues : Las Palmas, San Fernando, Arguineguín, Maspalomas and many other places on the island.