Every year, the Canary Islands are transformed into a gigantic open-air theater where colors, music and traditions mingle to celebrate the carnival season. These festivities, deeply rooted in local culture, attract thousands of visitors from all over the world, in search of authentic discoveries and strong emotions. Between flamboyant parades, extravagant competitions and ancestral customs, each island offers a unique experience, imbued with magic and folklore. Prepare to immerse yourself in the dazzling world of Canarian carnivals, exceptional festivals that will transport you into a whirlwind of joy and wonder.
Exuberance at its peak at the Tenerife Carnival
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is undoubtedly the most famous in the Canary Islands and is among the largest in the world, even rivaling that of Rio. From January 31 to March 9, 2025, the island transforms into a vibrant festival of colors and sounds. The opening ceremony highlights the candidates for the election of Carnival Queen, an iconic event which will take place on February 26.
This competition dazzles spectators with monumental costumes, decorated with feathers and rhinestones, often weighing several dozen kilos. The culmination of the festivities is the big parade, scheduled for March 4, where floats and dancers invade the streets in a whirlwind of wild music.
Gran Canaria: a colorful carnival
On the neighboring island of Gran Canaria, the festivities are not left out. From February 8 to March 16, the streets of Las Palmas host a carnival known for its exuberant spirit and open-mindedness. This festival is particularly famous for the Drag Queen Gala, a competition where extravagantly dressed artists compete for the title through performances combining dance, comedy and visual art.
Street parades, marked by bright costumes and lively music, celebrate the joy of living, while murgas, troupes singing parodies, add a humorous touch to the event.
A tribute to the roots in La Palma
The La Palma Carnival is unique thanks to its famous Fiesta de los Indianos, which takes place in Santa Cruz de La Palma on March 3. This event pays tribute to the Canarians who emigrated to the Americas and returned wealthy.
The festivities immerse the city in a retro 1920s atmosphere, with participants dressed in white, straw hats on their heads and cigars in their hands, in an evocation of Havana. The most anticipated moment is the talc battle, where the streets are covered with a white cloud, symbolizing abundance and celebration.
The magic of the imps of Lanzarote
The Lanzarote Carnival, which will take place from February 15 to February 25, 2025, stands out for its mysterious and captivating atmosphere. Here, the famous imps, masked characters in striking costumes, roam the streets to scare spectators in a joyful and mischievous way.
Between parades of colorful floats, traditional dances and nighttime surprises, this event offers a captivating mix of festivity and local folklore. This event also highlights the unique craftsmanship of the island, with costumes often made by hand.
When humor invites itself to the Fuerteventura carnival
In Fuerteventura, Carnival will take place from February 16 to March 3, 2025, putting creativity and humor at the heart of the festivities. The flagship event is the Crazy Drivers’ Race, where participants compete in inventiveness by building wacky, homemade vehicles for a hilarious race through the streets.
This carnival, which highlights good humor and conviviality, is also punctuated by traditional parades, costume competitions and open-air concerts. The celebrations continue late into the night, bringing together islanders and tourists around a festive and relaxed spirit.
These carnivals, each with their own identity and energy, offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Canary Islands. By visiting these islands during the carnival season, you are guaranteed to experience unforgettable moments where emotion, wonder and celebration become one.
