Island-by-Island Canary Carnival Guide
Every Canary Island pulses with its own singular carnival heritage: from the majestic Queen Galas in Tenerife and the high-energy Drag Queen spectacle in Gran Canaria, to the pure white talcum flurry of Los Indianos in La Palma or the ancient ram-skin tradition in El Hierro.
Tenerife
The epicenter of the Chicharrero Carnival, designated a Festival of International Tourist Interest. Home to spectacular Queen Galas, satirical murgas and massive coastal parades.
- ✦ Great Carnival Queen Election Gala
- ✦ Apoteosis Parade
Gran Canaria
The global benchmark for creativity and freedom, headlined by the iconic Las Palmas Drag Queen Gala and the sun-drenched International Carnival of Maspalomas.
- ✦ Las Palmas Drag Queen Gala
- ✦ Grand Cavalcade Parade
La Palma
The beautiful island hosts the white tide of Los Indianos: retro Cuban son rhythms, immaculate white linen suits, panama hats and fragrant talcum powder battles.
- ✦ Grand Landing and Fiesta de Los Indianos
- ✦ Arrival of La Negra Tomasa
Lanzarote
A captivating blend of volcanic landscapes, energetic Arrecife batucada rhythms and the oldest ethnographic carnival mask tradition in the islands: Los Diabletes de Teguise.
- ✦ Grand Arrecife Carnival Parade
- ✦ Los Diabletes de Teguise Mask Tradition
Fuerteventura
Vibrant coastal celebrations headlined by the hilarious homemade floating craft regatta (Achipencos) in the turquoise waters of Puerto del Rosario harbor.
- ✦ Achipencos Watercraft Regatta
- ✦ Puerto del Rosario Day Carnival
La Gomera
Intimate and authentic island celebration in Plaza de las Américas, highlighted by the white dusting of scented talcum powder accompanied by Canarian folk songs.
- ✦ San Sebastián Talcum Powder Day
- ✦ Historic Street Carnival
El Hierro
The most archaic and primal ethnographic festival in the Canaries: young men disguised in dried ram skins, heavy bells and black soot chase the crowd through the streets.
- ✦ Los Carneros de Tigaday in La Frontera
La Graciosa
The most peaceful maritime carnival in Europe: celebrated right on pristine golden sand streets without asphalt, accompanied by fresh fish grills by the sea.
- ✦ Caleta de Sebo Maritime Carnival