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Las Palmas Carnival 2026 🎭✨Complete Guide to Gran Canaria’s Biggest Party

Las Palmas is throwing the biggest party of the year, and you’re invited.

The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival 2026 runs January 23 to March 1 with a glitzy “Las Vegas” theme celebrating the festival’s 50th anniversary. Puerto Rican superstar Olga Tañón arrives as madrina (godmother), and the world-famous Drag Queen Gala on February 20 draws bigger crowds every year. Tickets for major galas cost just €10-15, 🎭✨ most street events are completely free, and February weather averages a comfortable 20°C. This is carnival without the Rio price tag—raw, accessible, and genuinely wild. 🎭

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📅 Complete Event Calendar: Dates, Times, and Venues

All major galas and competitions happen at Parque Santa Catalina, the main carnival hub between the cruise port and Las Canteras Beach. Daytime carnivals unfold at Plaza de Canarias, while the post-gala party scene spreads across Plaza Manuel Becerra (20,000 capacity) and Plaza de la Luz (7,000 capacity).

DateEventTimeLocation
Fri, Jan 23Pregón (Opening Ceremony)20:00Parque Santa Catalina
Sun, Jan 25Children’s Queen Gala19:00Parque Santa Catalina
Fri, Jan 30Drag Queen Pre-Selection20:30Parque Santa Catalina
Mon-Thu, Feb 2-5Murgas Contest (4 rounds)21:00Parque Santa Catalina
Sat, Feb 7Murgas Contest Final20:45Parque Santa Catalina
Sun, Feb 8Dog Carnival (Carnaval Canino)
GALA DE LA GRAN DAMA
12:00
21:00
Parque Santa Catalina
Fri, Feb 13Gala de la Reina (Queen Election)
CARNIVAL NIGHT Party
21:00Parque Santa Catalina
Plaza de La Luz,
y c/ Agustín Millares Sall
Sat, Feb 14Cabalgata Anunciadora (Opening Parade)
CARNAVAL FAMILIAR
CARNIVAL NIGHT Party
12:00City streets


Plaza de La Luz, y c/ Agustín Millares Sall
Tue, Feb 17Shrove Tuesday + Children’s Parade
DAYTIME CARNIVAL
11:00City streets
Fri, Feb 20Gran Gala Drag Queen
CARNIVAL NIGHT Party
21:00Parque Santa Catalina
Sat, Feb 28Gran Cabalgata (Main Parade)
CARNIVAL NIGHT Party
15:007km route through city
Sun, Mar 1DAYTIME CARNIVAL
Widows Race – “Viudas a la Carrera”
Entierro de la Sardina
BEST WIDOW CONTEST
11:00h

19:30
Santa Catalina → Las Canteras Beach

🎭✨ Carnival Nights run February 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 27, and 28 from approximately 22:00 to 05:00 with free concerts and DJ sets across multiple stages. These are the nights when Las Palmas genuinely transforms into one massive street party.

Las Palmas carnival night 2026 crowds dancing at Plaza de España street party
Las Palmas carnival night 2026 crowds dancing at Plaza de España street party

The Drag Queen Gala Deserves Its Legendary Status

The Gran Gala Drag Queen on February 20 at 21:00 is the marquee event that’s drawn international attention since 1998. RuPaul visited for the 10th anniversary in 2008—one year before launching Drag Race—and the gala won FELGTB’s prestigious “Premio Pluma” in 2018 as an “international symbol of diversity.” 🌈

Unlike pageant-style competitions, Las Palmas demands complete artistic performances: 12 finalists each get exactly 3 minutes 30 seconds to deliver choreographed numbers on towering platform shoes. The organization now provides four 3m x 3m LED panels for contestants to project visuals, and prize money jumped to €4,000 for the winner (up from €3,000). The show runs 3-4 hours and includes 550+ dancers in the opening number.

Las Palmas Drag Queen Gala 2026 contestant performing on stage with LED panels at Parque Santa Catalina
Las Palmas Drag Queen Gala 2026 contestant performing on stage with LED panels at Parque Santa Catalina

Getting Tickets (They Sell Out Fast)

Tickets cost €10 (standing) or €15 (seated) and sell out within an hour. In 2023, all 6,000 tickets vanished in under 60 minutes. Sales open approximately 9-10 days before the event (around February 11) at 09:00.

Where to buy: Online at entradascanarias.com or at the box office at Edificio Miller, Plaza de Canarias. Maximum 4 tickets per person. Set calendar reminders and be online exactly when sales open.

If you miss tickets, Televisión Canaria and RTVE broadcast live to 200+ countries, and the 🎭✨. Not ideal, but you’ll still experience the spectacle.

🎭✨The Gran Cabalgata Parade Route Spans 7 Kilometers

The Main Parade on February 28 at 15:00 draws over 120,000 spectators along one of Spain’s longest carnival parade routes. The procession starts at Plaza Manuel Becerra in La Isleta neighborhood, winds through Calle Juan Rejón and Calle Albareda, passes the main carnival zone at Parque Santa Catalina, continues down León y Castillo, and finishes at Parque San Telmo.

Streets close from approximately 13:00 to 22:00. Stake out your viewing spot early—locals arrive 2+ hours ahead for prime positions near Santa Catalina or along León y Castillo where the floats really shine. Free street viewing beats reserved seating for atmosphere every time.

🐕 Carnaval Canino: The Cutest Carnival Event You Didn’t Know You Needed

Forget elaborate queen costumes and drag performances for a second—Sunday, February 8 at 12:00 brings one of carnival’s most wholesome and genuinely delightful events: Carnaval Canino (Dog Carnival) at Parque Santa Catalina.

This is exactly what it sounds like: dogs and their owners dressed in matching Las Vegas-themed costumes, parading through the carnival grounds in a competition that celebrates creativity, fun, and animal welfare. Now in its 12+ edition, the event has become a massive crowd favorite—families love it, Instagram feeds explode with adorable content, and honestly, who doesn’t want to see a golden retriever dressed as Elvis? 🕺

Dog carnival Las Palmas 2026 dogs and owners in matching Las Vegas costumes
Dog carnival Las Palmas 2026 dogs and owners in matching Las Vegas costumes

How to Experience It

Watching: Arrive at Parque Santa Catalina by 11:30 to grab a good viewing spot. The event is free and draws huge crowds—it’s popular with locals and tourists alike.

Pro tip: This is the most family-friendly carnival event.

CARNAVAL-CANINO Las Palmas
CARNAVAL-CANINO Las Palmas

🐟 Entierro de la Sardina: Carnival’s Most Theatrical Finale

Sunday, March 1 at 19:30 brings carnival’s strangest, most theatrical, and absolutely unforgettable traditionthe Burial of the Sardine (Entierro de la Sardina). This isn’t just another parade. It’s a mock funeral procession for a giant papier-mâché fish that symbolizes the death of carnival itself and the purging of all its glorious excess before Lent begins.

Picture this: 30,000+ people dressed as grieving widows—mostly in drag, complete with black veils, exaggerated makeup, and theatrical wailing—following a massive sardine float through the streets from Parque Santa Catalina to Las Canteras Beach. The atmosphere is part funeral, part comedy show, all carnival chaos. 😭

💃 The Day’s Events – “Viudas a la Carrera” (Widows Race) at 13:00

🏃‍♀️💀 Before the sardine meets its fiery end, the day kicks off with one of carnival’s most absurd spectacles: Viudas a la Carrera (Widows Race) at 13:00. This is a 3.5km race through Las Palmas where 250+ participants sprint in full mourning costume—black veils, widow’s dresses, dramatic makeup, and all.
Picture trying to run while dressed as a grieving widow in heels and a veil. It’s chaos, it’s hilarious, and it’s become a carnival tradition. The route starts and finishes at Parque Santa Catalina, and anyone can register to participate (check lpacarnaval.com for details).
Even if you’re not running, watching hundreds of “widows” race past you while crying theatrically is absolutely worth showing up for. Trophies are awarded after the race, and the party continues immediately at Plaza de Canarias with DJs and live music before the main burial procession later that evening.

Pro tip: don’t miss it! It’s a hilarius race!

The main event “Entierro de la Sardina” kicks off at 19:30 when the funeral procession departs Santa Catalina. Batucadas (Brazilian drum groups), murgas (satirical singing groups), and comparsas (dance troupes) all participate, along with carnival royalty—the Queen, Drag Queen winner, Gran Dama, and Children’s Queen—riding on the float with the deceased sardine.

The procession winds through the city streets to Las Canteras Beach, where the “will of the sardine” is read (a satirical speech roasting the year’s events), and then the giant fish is set ablaze in a spectacular burning ceremony with fireworks lighting up the beach. 🔥

Burial of Sardine ceremony Las Palmas carnival 2026 mourners in black widow costumes
Burial of Sardine ceremony Las Palmas carnival 2026 mourners in black widow costumes

What It All Means

The Burial of the Sardine dates back centuries across Spain—even Goya painted it in 1812. The tradition represents the symbolic death of carnival’s transgression and excess, making way for the sobriety of Lent. But in Las Palmas, it’s also an excuse to be gloriously ridiculous one more time before reality returns.

The choice of a sardine connects to Canarian fishing heritage—locals call themselves “chicharreros” after the chicharro fish. Burning the sardine symbolizes renewal and the cycle of carnival coming around again next year.

How to Join the Madness

Dress code: Wear black mourning attire. The more theatrical your grief, the better. Cross-dressing is traditional and celebrated—men in widow’s veils and dramatic makeup are everywhere. Bring tissues for fake crying. Commit to the bit.

Where to watch: The procession route from Santa Catalina to Las Canteras is packed with spectators. For the best view of the burning, head directly to Las Canteras Beach by 19:00 to stake out a spot near the water.

Why you can’t miss it: After six weeks of non-stop partying, the Burial of the Sardine gives everyone permission to be absurdly theatrical one final time. It’s peak carnival absurdity—nowhere else will you see mass grief for a fake fish performed with such commitment. Plus, watching a giant sardine burn on the beach while fireworks explode overhead is genuinely stunning.

This is your last chance to fully commit to the carnival madness before waiting another year. Don’t hold back. 🎭

Getting There and Getting Around

From Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Las Palmas: Take Bus 60 for €2.30-2.95 (30 minutes), departing every 30 minutes from 05:15-23:15. Get off at Santa Catalina for carnival venues and hostels near the beach. Night Bus 5 runs hourly 20:00-06:00 for late arrivals. Taxis cost €25-35 (fixed rate).

From Maspalomas/Playa del Inglés: Bus Line 30 is your best bet—€5.60-6.45, one hour, departing every 20 minutes. The express “SuperFaro” Line 50 takes just 45-50 minutes but runs limited morning/evening schedules only.

During carnival: The city bus system costs €1.40 per trip. Walking covers most carnival zones easily—Parque Santa Catalina, Las Canteras Beach, and the Triana/Vegueta historic districts are all within reasonable walking distance. Skip driving; parking is a nightmare during major events.

Download the GLOBAL app or check guaguasglobal.com for real-time bus schedules.

Where to Stay: Nests Hostels Has You Covered

The Santa Catalina/Las Canteras Beach area puts you walking distance from all main carnival venues and nightlife. This is exactly where you want to be. Book 2-3 months ahead—February is high season and prices spike 20-40% during carnival weekends at most places.

But here’s the secret: Nests Hostels in Las Palmas are positioned perfectly for carnival, and with our Nest Pass, you actually lock in regular rates instead of carnival price gouging. 🎯

La Isleta Nest ✨ (Brand New!)

La Isleta Nest just opened and it’s located RIGHT where the Gran Cabalgata parade starts—in the La Isleta neighborhood. You’re literally at the beginning of the parade route. This is our newest spot with a chill terrace, sun deck, coworking space for digital nomads, and only 10 minutes from Playa Las Canteras.

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to wake up and walk 5 minutes to the parade starting point, cheap carnival accommodation without sacrificing location, and meeting other travelers doing carnival.

Las Palmas Nest

Las Palmas Nest sits in a historic building right in the heart of Las Palmas with city views and a sunny terrace. You’re walking distance to Parque Santa Catalina (where all the galas happen), Las Canteras Beach, and the Triana district.

Perfect for: Being in the absolute center of the action, hostel for carnival with easy access to everything, and a more urban/city vibe.

💰 Save Big with Nest Pass

While other accommodations triple their prices during carnival, Nest Pass keeps you at regular rates. This is the move for smart travelers looking for where to stay for carnival without breaking the bank.

  • 20% off for weekly stays (7 days = €203 = “29€ day”)
  • 30% off for monthly stays (28 days = €750 = “25€ day”)

Book early through Nest Pass rate and actually afford to party. This is hands-down the best deal for cheap hostel for carnival in Las Palmas. 🎉

→ Get Your Nest Pass Discount Now

The Real Costs for a Carnival Trip

Backpacker daily budget: €45-75

CategoryCost
Hostel dorm€25-55
Food (self-catering + eating out)€10-20
Transport€3-5 (not necessary)
Drinks/activities€10-20 (not mandatory)
Total~35€ day!

Ticketed events: Drag Gala, Queen Gala, and Murgas Final tickets run €10-15 each. Sales open about a week before each event at lpacarnaval.com and sell out fast—set calendar reminders and be online exactly when sales open.

Free events: Grand Parade street viewing, all seven Carnival Nights, Daytime Carnivals, Burial of the Sardine, and most street parties cost nothing. This is why Las Palmas carnival is so accessible—the best parts are free.

Costumes: Hit “Chino” shops (Chinese-owned variety stores) for cheap accessories under €10. Carolan chain stores have better selection for €30-60. The 2026 theme “Las Vegas” means Elvis jumpsuits, showgirl sequins, casino dealer outfits, and Rat Pack suits are all fair game—but honestly, anything goes at carnival.

Food: Menu del día lunch specials run €10-15. Mercado del Puerto offers tapas and local food with live music on Sundays. Bodegon Pachichi serves beer at €1.50. The classic carnival drink is rum and Coke with local Arehucas rum—expect to see it everywhere. And coke with fernet the argentinian recepy. 🍹🍻

Carnival atmosphere Las Palmas 2026 music dancing and Las Vegas themed decorations
Carnival atmosphere Las Palmas 2026 music dancing and Las Vegas themed decorations

🌴 How Las Palmas Stacks Up: Island Carnival Comparisons

Las Palmas vs Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife (January 16 – February 22, 2026) ranks as the world’s second-largest carnival after Rio, with 400,000+ attendees on peak nights versus Las Palmas’s 200,000. Tenerife feels more “Brazilian” with elaborate queen costumes weighing 100+ kg and samba-style comparsas.

Las Palmas offers a more urban, cosmopolitan vibe with better LGBTQIA+ events thanks to the Drag Gala. The two carnivals overlap significantly, and you can absolutely attend both.

Ferry connections: Ferries run 5-6 times daily between Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife—90 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, €63-81 one-way. Day-trip strategy: base in Las Palmas (cheaper accommodation) and ferry over for Santa Cruz’s main parade week (February 11-22).

Or stay at our Aguere Nest in La Laguna (just outside Santa Cruz) or Puerto Nest in Puerto de la Cruz and experience all Canarians Tenerife’s and Gran Canaria carnival scene with Nest Pass discounts and freedom to move. 🎭

Extending to Maspalomas Carnival

Maspalomas Carnival (March 10-22, 2026) in the south is the most international and LGBTQIA+ focused, centered around the Yumbo Centre. Its Drag Queen Gala on March 19 is where the Las Palmas tradition actually originated in 1986.

The staggered timing means you can catch Las Palmas carnival (ending March 1), then stay for Maspalomas—carnival in 22°C sunshine next to sand dunes.
This is the ultimate carnival trifecta: Las Palmas → Santa Cruz → Maspalomas across 8+ weeks. 🔥💦🎭✨

✅ Insider Tips Locals Actually Know

Where to party: After the main galas at Santa Catalina, crowds move to Plaza Manuel Becerra (DJs, emerging bands) and Plaza de la Luz (Latin music, orchestras). The Calle Eduardo Benot area near Mercado del Puerto has the “Chiringays”—inclusive beach bar vibes. Hungry crowds drift to Triana restaurants after midnight.

February weather averages 20-21°C days and 14-16°C nights with only 3-7 rainy days all month. Pack light layers, comfortable dancing shoes, and a light jacket for evenings. You’ll be outside a lot.

Costume culture: Absolutely dress up — tourists and locals alike go all-out. Cross-dressing is traditional and celebrated, especially for men. For the “Los Indianos” traditional carnival events, wear all white (vintage dress or linen suit, panama hat) and expect talcum powder battles. Bring a backup outfit.

Peak madness: Drag Gala night and Gran Cabalgata day are the most crowded. Arrive hours early. Carnival Nights hit peak chaos between midnight and 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. This is when you’ll understand why people call it the “best street party in Europe.”

Safety: Strong police presence keeps things secure. Use a crossbody bag, avoid carrying excess cash, and plan return transport early—taxis get scarce late night. Las Palmas carnival is remarkably safe despite the crowds.

The Quick History You Need

Las Palmas carnival dates to 1574, making it one of Spain’s oldest. Franco’s dictatorship (1936-1975) banned carnival entirely, forcing locals to keep traditions alive secretly at private social clubs. The modern revival exploded post-1975, and the Drag Queen Gala launched in 1998—inspired by the film “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and a small Maspalomas contest.

The gala transformed Las Palmas into an international LGBTQ+ destination and helped the carnival earn “Festival of International Tourist Interest” status in 2023. The 2026 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the modern carnival revival—expect extra spectacle this year.

Las Palmas carnival daytime 2026 families in costumes Plaza de Canarias
Las Palmas carnival daytime 2026 families in costumes Plaza de Canarias

🎭✨ Conclusion: Why Las Palmas Carnival Is Worth Building a Trip Around

Las Palmas Carnival 2026 delivers six weeks of events from intimate murga competitions to the massive Gran Cabalgata, all anchored by what might be the world’s most spectacular drag competition. The €10-15 gala tickets represent absurd value for productions that rival major stadium shows.

February weather sits at comfortable t-shirt temperatures, the hostel scene caters specifically to backpackers (especially at La Isleta Nest and Las Palmas Nest), and the staggered Canary Islands carnival calendar means you could reasonably hit Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Maspalomas in a single three-week trip.

Book accommodation now with Nest Pass rate to lock in non-inflated rates, set ticket sale reminders for early February, and start planning your “Las Vegas” costume. The 50th anniversary edition is going to be absolutely massive—don’t miss it. 🎉

Ready to experience the best carnival in the Canary Islands? Book your spot at Nests Hostels now →

Sources: canarias7.es, lpacarnaval.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Las Palmas Carnival 2026

Everything you need to know about Gran Canaria’s biggest party:


Q1: When is Las Palmas Carnival 2026?

Las Palmas Carnival 2026 runs from January 23 to March 1, 2026. Main events include the Drag Queen Gala (February 20), Gran Cabalgata parade (February 28), and Burial of the Sardine finale (March 1). Peak party nights are February 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 27, and 28.


Q2: When is the Drag Queen Gala 2026?

The Gran Gala Drag Queen takes place on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 21:00 at Parque Santa Catalina. Tickets cost €10 (standing) or €15 (seated) and sell out within an hour. Sales open approximately February 11 at 09:00 on entradascanarias.com. The show runs 3-4 hours with 12 finalists competing.


Q3: When and where is the Dog Carnival in Las Palmas 2026?

Carnaval Canino (Dog Carnival) happens on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 12:00 at Parque Santa Catalina. Dogs and owners dress in matching Las Vegas-themed costumes for this free, family-friendly competition. Arrive by 11:30 for good viewing spots. It’s one of carnival’s most wholesome and popular events.


Q4: When and where is the Burial of the Sardine in Las Palmas 2026?

The Entierro de la Sardina takes place on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 19:30. The mock funeral procession starts at Parque Santa Catalina and ends at Las Canteras Beach, where the giant sardine is burned. The day begins with the Viudas a la Carrera (widows race) at 13:00—a 3.5km run in mourning costumes. Expect 30,000+ attendees.


Q5: Where should I stay for Las Palmas Carnival 2026?

Stay near Parque Santa Catalina and Las Canteras Beach for walking distance to all events. La Isleta Nest Hostel sits right on the parade route, while Las Palmas Nest offers central city location. Book 2-3 months ahead. Use Nest Pass for 20% off (7+ days) or 30% off (28+ days) to avoid carnival price spikes.


Q6: Do I need to wear a costume to Las Palmas Carnival?

Not mandatory, but nearly everyone wears costumes. The 2026 theme is “Las Vegas”—Elvis jumpsuits, showgirl sequins, casino dealer outfits work great. Cheap accessories cost under €10 at “Chino” shops, full costumes run €30-60. Cross-dressing is traditional and celebrated, especially for the Burial of the Sardine.


Q7: What’s the difference between Las Palmas and Tenerife Carnival?

Santa Cruz de Tenerife (January 16 – February 22) is larger with 400,000+ peak attendance and massive Brazilian-style queen costumes. Las Palmas (January 23 – March 1) is more urban with legendary LGBTQ+ events like the Drag Queen Gala. Ferries run 5-6 times daily between islands (€63-81, 90 minutes)—you can attend both.


Q8: How do I get to Las Palmas Carnival?

From Gran Canaria Airport, take Bus 60 to Santa Catalina (€2.30-2.95, 30 minutes). From Maspalomas/south, take Bus Line 30 (€5.60, one hour). During carnival, walk between venues—Parque Santa Catalina, Las Canteras Beach, and city center are all within walking distance. City buses cost €1.40. Skip driving; parking is a nightmare during events.


Q9: What are the must-see events at Las Palmas Carnival 2026?

Don’t miss: Gran Gala Drag Queen (February 20)—internationally famous 3-4 hour spectacle; Gran Cabalgata parade (February 28)—7km route with 120,000+ spectators; Entierro de la Sardina (March 1)—theatrical burning ceremony on beach; Carnival Nights on Fridays/Saturdays—free street parties until 5am; Carnaval Canino (February 8)—adorable dog costume competition.


Q10: What’s the weather like during Las Palmas Carnival in February?

February averages 20-21°C (68-70°F) days and 14-16°C (57-61°F) nights with only 3-7 rainy days all month. Perfect t-shirt weather for daytime. Pack light layers, comfortable shoes for dancing, and a light jacket for evenings. Beach celebrations happen in sunshine.

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