Carnival in Las Palmas

Where the Canary Islands Dance Until Sunrise

Every February, something shifts in the Atlantic air. This was the 2nd time I was on the island during the Carnival and of course I took the opportunity to photograph one of the parades. I just love the drama and the costumes. I’m so impressed by all the work that goes into creating them and to creating a parade like this. This time it was the children’s parade that I photographed. Some of my photos you can see here, the rest that I took during the Childrens Carnival Parade in Las Palmas are up on my Flickr.

The trade winds that usually carry salt and stillness across the shorelines of the Canary Islands begin to hum with bass lines, sequins, and anticipation. And in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Carnival takes over everything.

Not politely.
Not quietly.
But gloriously.

I just love taking pictures of happy celebrations and people, my photos from the first Carnival I attended are here.

What Is Carnival in Las Palmas?

Carnival in Las Palmas is one of the biggest and most spectacular carnival celebrations in Europe. Often compared to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, it blends theatrical costume design, drag galas, street parades, and all-night dancing into weeks of celebration.

But this isn’t Brazil. This is Spain — with African light, Atlantic winds, and that particular Canary Islands rhythm that makes time stretch.

Each year, the carnival has a theme — from fantasy worlds to retro decades — and the entire city commits. Locals don’t “attend” Carnival. They participate. And that changes everything. This year the theme for Carnival, or Carnaval, was “Las Vegas”.

The Heart of the Celebration: Las Palmas & Gran Canaria

Carnival in Las Palmas happens primarily around Parque Santa Catalina, but the entire city becomes a stage. The beaches, balconies, cafés, and narrow streets all shimmer a little brighter.

The island of Gran Canaria itself feels made for celebration. Warm February nights. Ocean air. No need for coats or caution.

And unlike many European winter destinations, you don’t endure Carnival here — you dance through it in summer dresses under palm trees.

If there is one event that defines Carnival in Las Palmas, it’s the Drag Queen Gala. Extravagant doesn’t begin to describe it. Towering platforms. Costumes weighing more than the performers. Fire. Feathers. Precision choreography. Political satire wrapped in glitter. But all of the parades and events are amazing.

It’s bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Canary Islands. The gala isn’t just entertainment — it’s a statement about freedom, creativity, and joy.

And photographing it? A dream of movement, color and light. All the things I love to photograph.

I’m told that Tenerife’s carnival feels grand and globally recognized. Where as Las Palmas feels intimate and electric — like you’ve stumbled into a secret that just happens to involve thousands of people. Which was my experience last time I visited Las Palmas, I was heading back to my hotel where I was met by the grand final parade that went on for hours. Of course, I went up to my room and got my camera out.

Practical Tips for Visiting Carnival in Las Palmas. If you’re planning to experience Carnival in Gran Canaria, here are a few things to know:

• Book accommodation early. Hotels fill up quickly. If you’re a light sleeper like me, check out where the festivities take place and book your hotel accordingly, which means off the main festival areas so you’ll get your beauty sleep.
• Bring a costume. Even something simple, then you’ll be able to jump into a parade all dressed up.
• Expect late nights. Celebrations often continue until sunrise.
• Use public transport or walk. Streets close, and then open up, for parades. There’s a very good tourist information at the north end of Playa las Canters where you can get advice about the Carnival and parades.
• Stay flexible. Carnival runs for several weeks with different headline events.

And yes — you can absolutely combine Carnival with beach mornings. That’s the beauty of the Canary Islands. I got to have my morning walks along the coast, from the north of Playa de Las Canteras to Playa del Confital, where there’s a good right to surf if you’ve come to the island for surfing.

There is something very special and cleansing about walking along the sea listening to the sound of the waves, enjoying the empty space next to you – the sea and the horizon – without any distractions. On most days I didn’t even listen to music while walking, I listened to the sea. As Karen Blixen wrote, “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea”. On most days on the island I got to experience all three.

Why does Carnival in the Canary Islands feel different, maybe it’s because of the geography. The Canary Islands is located off the northwest coast of Africa but belong to Spain. That cultural intersection — European tradition, island resilience, Atlantic openness — creates something layered. Carnival on the island isn’t just a party before Lent. It’s a release. A rebellion against grey winters elsewhere in Europe. A reminder that joy can be public and unapologetic.

If you’re dreaming of winter sun, cultural depth, and a festival that refuses to be subtle, Carnival in Las Palmas might be exactly what you didn’t know you were searching for.

And if you’re like me — camera in hand, salt still in your hair — you might find that the real magic isn’t just the costumes.

It’s the people, and the joy, behind them.