Documented events in Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma. Explore all eight islands and see which dates and sources are available.
Representatives of the carnival groups parade with contenders for the carnival throne and outgoing titleholders ahead of the official opening.
Carnival groups take to the streets together to meet the public.
Floats and decorated cars accompany the Carnival Queen, the Gran Dama from the seniors’ gala and the Drag Queen.
The closing procession accompanies the sardine to Las Canteras, where it is burned to mark the end of the carnival.
This is the first competition in the programme, following the opening gala.
Comparsas compete in this contest during the street carnival.
The audience plays a central role in the official opening of the carnival.
Children’s comparsas showcase their choreography and costumes.
Murgas sing satirical songs about current social and political issues.
Murgas sing satirical songs about current social and political issues.
Murgas sing satirical songs about current social and political issues.
Murgas sing satirical songs about current social and political issues.
Comparsas from different neighbourhoods compete in costume to batucada percussion and Latin music.
After the performances, the jury decides the performance awards.
Children parade in elaborate costumes as they compete for the children’s carnival title.
Older contestants take to the stage in costumes created for the gala.
Costumed dogs parade alongside their owners in this contest.
The Carnival Queen contestants present their elaborate costumes on stage.
Children’s murgas (singing groups) and comparsas (dance troupes) join the parade.
The outdoor celebration brings together musical performances across several stages.
The body painting designs are presented on stage with music and choreography.
The programme includes dancing and group performances for older carnivalgoers.
An evening devoted to transformismo, the carnival’s tradition of drag performance.
Support centres for people with disabilities across Gran Canaria take part.
A drag performance contest built around lip-sync battles.
A non-competitive carnival route that you can run or walk.
The outdoor celebration brings together musical performances across several stages.
The celebration symbolically re-enacts the return of emigrants from the Americas, especially Cuba.
The celebration rounds off the carnival day with live music from local and national artists and bands.
The celebration rounds off the carnival day with live music from local and national artists and bands.
The celebration rounds off the carnival day with live music from local and national artists and bands.
The celebration rounds off the carnival day with live music from local and national artists and bands.
The celebration rounds off the carnival day with live music from local and national artists and bands.
The celebration rounds off the carnival day with live music from local and national artists and bands.