Maspalomas Carnival 2026 🎪 Complete Guide to Gran Canaria’s Most Colourful Party
The south of Gran Canaria is throwing its biggest party of the year — and the theme this time is El Circo 🎪.
The Carnaval Internacional de Maspalomas 2026 runs 10 to 22 March, transforming Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas into a 13-day carnival playground. This is one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic festivals, officially declared a Fiesta de Interés Turístico de las Islas Canarias — and it shows. Spectacular galas, a legendary Drag Queen show, the massive Gran Cabalgata parade, free street parties (mogollones) running until dawn, and yes, a dog carnival you didn’t know you needed in your life 🐕.
Temperatures sit around 20–22°C in March. Most galas are in the evening. Mornings are for the beach. You’re welcome.
Mogollón street party at Yumbo Centrum during Maspalomas Carnival 2026, Playa del Inglés
📅 Complete Event Calendar: Dates, Times & Venues
All major galas and street events take place in and around Playa del Inglés. The main carnival hub is the Yumbo Centrum area (CC Yumbo, Av. Estados Unidos 54). The Gran Cabalgata runs through the main tourist avenues of southern Gran Canaria.
Date
Day
Event
Time
Location
10 Mar
Tuesday
📢 Carroza Anunciadora
–
Streets of Maspalomas
11 Mar
Wednesday
🎤 Presentación de Candidatas
21:00
Playa del Inglés
12 Mar
Thursday
👑 Gala Gran Dama
20:30
Playa del Inglés
13 Mar
Friday
🧒 Reinado Infantil
20:00
Playa del Inglés
13 Mar
Friday
🎉 Mogollón (Night Party)
23:00
Yumbo Centrum area
14 Mar
Saturday
🤡 Cabalgata Infantil
12:00
Streets of Playa del Inglés
14 Mar
Saturday
👨👩👧👦 Carnaval Familiar
14:00–20:00
Playa del Inglés
14 Mar
Saturday
🎉 Mogollón (Night Party)
23:00
Yumbo Centrum area
15 Mar
Sunday
👸 Gala de la Reina
21:00
Playa del Inglés
16 Mar
Monday
♿ Gala Sin Barreras
18:00
Playa del Inglés
17 Mar
Tuesday
💃 Festival Coreográfico
18:00
Playa del Inglés
18 Mar
Wednesday
🐕 Carnaval Canino
17:00
Playa del Inglés
19 Mar
Thursday
👠 Gala Drag Queen
21:00
Playa del Inglés
19 Mar
Thursday
🎉 Mogollón (Night Party)
23:00
Yumbo Centrum area
20 Mar
Friday
🐟 Rescate de la Sardina
12:00
Playa del Inglés
20 Mar
Friday
☀️ Carnaval al Sol
14:00
Playa del Inglés
20 Mar
Friday
🌍 Gala Turista
21:00
Playa del Inglés
20 Mar
Friday
🎉 Mogollón (Night Party)
23:00
Yumbo Centrum area
21 Mar
Saturday
🚛 Gran Cabalgata (Main Parade)
17:00
Main avenues, South Gran Canaria
21 Mar
Saturday
🎉 Mogollón (Night Party)
23:00
Yumbo Centrum area
22 Mar
Sunday
🔥 Entierro de la Sardina
–
Playa del Inglés
22 Mar
Sunday
🎵 Closing Concert
19:00
Playa del Inglés
🎉 Mogollón nights (13, 14, 19, 20, 21 March from 23:00) are the free street parties centred around the Yumbo Centrum area — DJs, live music and a full-on carnival atmosphere until the early hours. Completely free, every single one of them.
📢 Carroza Anunciadora — The Carnival Has Officially Begun
10 March · Streets of Maspalomas
The Carroza Anunciadora is the announcement float — a spectacular vehicle rolling through the streets of Maspalomas signalling that carnival season has officially arrived 🎊. Think of it as the circus tent going up before the show starts. A great moment to feel the buzz building and get your costume sorted before the real action kicks off.
Gran Cabalgata parade at Maspalomas Carnival 2026, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
🎤 Presentación de Candidatas — Meet the Contenders
11 March · 21:00 · Playa del Inglés
The carnival candidates — competing for Gran Dama, Queen and more — are officially presented to the public for the first time. Each wears their full costume and performs a short presentation on stage. For carnival fans, this is genuinely exciting: you see all the elaborate El Circo-themed creations before judging begins, pick your favourites, and understand what the competition is actually about.
Gran Queen Gala parade at Maspalomas Carnival 2026, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
👑 Gala Gran Dama — Glamour That Hits Different
12 March · 20:30 · Playa del Inglés
The Gala Gran Dama celebrates the more experienced competitors — and don’t let that fool you. The costumes, staging and performances here are often the most technically impressive of the entire carnival. These participants have been doing this for years, and it shows. Expect ringmaster vibes, acrobat-inspired designs and proper big-top energy. Arrive by 20:00 for a decent spot.
Gran Queen Gala parade at Maspalomas Carnival 2026, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
🧒 Reinado Infantil — Carnival for the Little Ones
13 March · 20:00 · Playa del Inglés
Tiny humans in absolutely wild circus-themed costumes competing for the kids’ crown 👑. One of the most wholesome things you’ll see at any carnival, anywhere. The crowd goes all out cheering — the costumes rival adult competitions for creativity, and the whole thing has a pure, joyful buzz that’s hard to describe. The Mogollón street party starts at 23:00 right after, so you can do both in one night.
🤡 Cabalgata Infantil & Carnaval Familiar — The Perfect Family Saturday
14 March · 12:00 (parade) + 14:00–20:00 (family carnival) · Playa del Inglés
Saturday the 14th is Gran Canaria families doing carnival full-send. The Cabalgata Infantil kicks off at noon — a kids’ parade through the streets — then flows into the Carnaval Familiar from 14:00 to 20:00: a full afternoon of carnival activities, music and fun for all ages. This edition specifically reorganised the calendar to put family events on a Saturday so more families can join without taking kids out of school. Bring water, snacks and sun cream — March in Gran Canaria is warm and sunny ☀️.
Gran Queen Gala parade at Maspalomas Carnival 2026, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
👸 Gala de la Reina — Crowning the Queen of Maspalomas Carnival
15 March · 21:00 · Playa del Inglés
One of the marquee events of the whole carnival — competitors present their full theatrical costumes and performances to be crowned Queen of the Maspalomas Carnival 2026 👸. The costumes at this level are genuinely staggering: metre-tall headdresses, intricate handmade details, full choreographed numbers. This edition moved the Queen’s Gala to the first Sunday of carnival so the Saturday family events don’t clash — a smart structural change that makes the whole programme flow better.
Gran Queen Gala parade at Maspalomas Carnival 2026, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
♿ Gala Sin Barreras — Carnival That Belongs to Everyone
16 March · 18:00 · Playa del Inglés
The Gala Sin Barreras (Barrier-Free Gala) is a fully inclusive event designed so that everyone — regardless of disability or mobility — can participate in carnival. Competitors bring the same creative energy and costume excellence as every other gala. One of the most genuinely moving events in the calendar, and a reminder that Maspalomas Carnival is about inclusion as much as spectacle. 🌈
💃 Festival Coreográfico — Pure Dance Energy
17 March · 18:00 · Playa del Inglés
A dance competition featuring groups with coordinated choreography, costumes and music all built around the El Circo theme. Think big carnival troupes, synchronized movement and that specific collective joy you only get when 50 people nail a routine together. Starts at 18:00 — perfect for an early evening before the bigger galas later in the week.
Carnaval Canino Maspalomas 2026, dogs in circus costumes, Playa del Inglés
🐕 Carnaval Canino — Dogs in Circus Costumes. What Else?
18 March · 17:00 · Playa del Inglés
Dogs and their owners dressed in coordinated El Circo-themed costumes, parading and competing in what has become one of the most beloved events in the whole calendar 🐕🎪. Families go crazy for it, Instagram absolutely loses its mind, and honestly — watching a golden retriever dressed as a circus ringmaster is just inherently a good life decision. Arrive by 16:30 for a decent spot — it draws a surprisingly big crowd. Free to watch, free to enter if you’ve got a costumed dog.
Drag Queen Gala Maspalomas 2026 performer on stage, El Circo theme, Playa del Inglés
👠 Gala Drag Queen — The Show That Defines Maspalomas Carnival
19 March · 21:00 · Playa del Inglés
The Gala Drag Queen is the event of Maspalomas Carnival. Full stop. 🌈 This is where the south of Gran Canaria shows the world what it’s about — a night of jaw-dropping creativity, choreographed numbers, elaborate costumes and an audience energy that’s genuinely unlike anything else. Competitors bring complete artistic performances: costumes, choreography, props, the works — all themed around El Circo for 2026.
Getting tickets: Tickets for seated areas go on sale a few weeks before via official Ayuntamiento de San Bartolomé de Tirajana channels and local ticket platforms — they sell out very quickly. Standing areas around the venue are generally free. Can’t get a ticket? Show up anyway — the atmosphere outside, the crowd and the outfits people wear just to attend make it a full experience. The Mogollón night party follows at 23:00 🎉.
Drag Queen Gala Maspalomas 2026 performer on stage, El Circo theme, Playa del Inglés
🐟 Rescate de la Sardina & ☀️ Carnaval al Sol — Carnival in the Daylight
20 March · 12:00 (Rescate) + 14:00 (Carnaval al Sol) · Playa del Inglés
Friday the 20th is a two-for-one. The Rescate de la Sardina at noon is a fun, irreverent street procession — the sardine that will eventually be “buried” makes a dramatic comedic appearance. Then from 14:00, Carnaval al Sol takes over: outdoor carnival in the sunshine, music, costumes and dancing. Beach vibes meet carnival vibes. That’s the south of Gran Canaria for you. Both are free and the perfect casual afternoon before the Gala Turista in the evening.
Entierro de la Sardina closing ceremony, Maspalomas Carnival 2026, Gran Canaria
🌍 Gala Turista — The Night That’s For You, Specifically
20 March · 21:00 · Playa del Inglés
One of the most unique events in any carnival in the Canaries — a competition specifically for tourists and non-locals who want to participate, not just watch 🌍. If you’ve been travelling with a costume (or grabbed one locally), this is your moment. The vibe is inclusive and celebratory — participants often win huge cheers just for showing up and giving it everything. It literally breaks down the barrier between spectator and performer. Followed by the Mogollón night party at 23:00.
🚛 Gran Cabalgata — The Night Everything Goes Off
21 March · 17:00 · Main Avenues, South Gran Canaria
The Gran Cabalgata (Main Parade) on Saturday 21 March is the event the entire carnival builds towards — the biggest night, the most spectacular floats, the largest crowds. Giant floats fill the main tourist avenues of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. Troupes in coordinated circus costumes, music from every direction, confetti raining down, and tens of thousands of people lining the streets. This is what goes viral every year 🎪.
Practical tips: Arrive 60–90 minutes early for a good spot. Streets along the route close progressively from mid-afternoon. Wear your costume — this crowd rewards effort. The Mogollón continues from 23:00 right after.
Mogollón street party at Yumbo Centrum during Maspalomas Carnival 2026, Playa del Inglés
🔥 Entierro de la Sardina & 🎵 Closing Concert — See You Next Year
22 March · 19:00 · Playa del Inglés
Every great party has to end. The Entierro de la Sardina is the symbolic burial of the sardine — a centuries-old tradition marking the close of carnival season. The “mourners” (everyone in costume, naturally) accompany the sardine in a procession that’s equal parts theatrical and genuinely emotional. Then at 19:00, the Closing Concert brings the whole thing home — live music, the full crowd, one last massive celebration before Maspalomas returns to its regular spectacular self.
🎉 Mogollón Nights — The Free Street Parties You Can’t Skip
13, 14, 19, 20, 21 March · From 23:00 · Yumbo Centrum Area, Playa del Inglés
The Mogollón is the free carnival street party that takes over the Yumbo Centrum area from 23:00 on five nights of the festival. DJs, live music, multiple stages and the full buzzing energy of Playa del Inglés in full carnival mode until the early hours. Completely free to attend — this is where tourists and locals mix, costumes get wilder as the night goes on, and you’ll probably end up staying much later than planned. No regrets.
🚌 Getting There
From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Regular buses (Global Gran Canaria network, lines 30 and 05) connect Las Palmas with Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés in approximately 50–60 minutes. During carnival season, check for extended late-night services on the big event nights.
From Las Palmas Airport (LPA): The airport is roughly 30–35 minutes south of Las Palmas. Direct bus line 66 connects the airport to the south, or grab a taxi — about 35–45 minutes to Playa del Inglés depending on traffic.
Getting around the south: Most carnival events are within walking distance in the Playa del Inglés / Maspalomas resort area. During the Gran Cabalgata and Mogollón nights, roads close — walk when you can, book taxis early if you need them. Yumbo to Maspalomas is about 5–10 minutes by taxi.
🏠 Where to Stay — Your Base for Maspalomas Carnival
Staying in Las Palmas puts you about an hour north — but you get the best of both worlds: a real city, the stunning Playa de Las Canteras, the Carnaval de Las Palmas happening simultaneously, and easy bus or taxi access south for the big Maspalomas nights. We have two hostels in Gran Canaria, and both are 🔥.
Processed with VSCO with al1 presetCentral Las Palmas Hostel: Sunny Terrace, Free WiFi, and Vibrant City AccessStay in the Heart of Las Palmas: Historic Hostel with Free WiFi and Terrace
Las Palmas Nest 🏙️
Right in the heart of Las Palmas, in a beautiful historic building with a sunny rooftop terrace. Fast WiFi, coworking, shared kitchen, full community vibes. 10 minutes walking from Playa de Las Canteras. Your base if you want city energy, beach life and easy access to Maspalomas for the big nights.
Coworking space hostel Las Palmas Las CanterasLa Isleta Nest Hostel Las Palmas de Gran Caneria 2026La Isleta Hostel Kitchen
La Isleta Nest ✨ New Hostel!
Brand new hostel in the La Isleta neighbourhood — 10 minutes from Playa Las Canteras, rooftop solarium, coworking space, right next to the port. Perfect if you want to be close to the Las Palmas carnival scene while having easy access south for the Maspalomas events.
Staying 7+ nights during carnival? The Nest Pass gets you up to 30% off across all Nests Hostels in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. One booking, multiple bases, zero FOMO — perfect if you want to experience both Gran Canaria carnivals or hop over to Tenerife.
Nest Pass The hostel pass in Canarias, with discount and freedom to move
🏝️ Maspalomas vs Las Palmas — Two Carnivals, One Island
Gran Canaria pulls off something unique: two major carnivals, separately programmed, at different times, with totally different vibes. Here’s how to choose — or do both 👀.
Carnaval de Las Palmas
Carnaval de Maspalomas
Dates
23 Jan – 1 Mar 2026
10–22 Mar 2026
Vibe
Big city, local, historic
Resort, international, beach energy
Drag Gala
✅ World-famous
✅ Spectacular
Street parties
✅ Multiple neighbourhoods
✅ Yumbo Centrum
LGBTQ+ focus
Very strong
Very strong — Yumbo is Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ resort area
Family-friendly
Yes
Yes — especially this edition
Beach
Playa de Las Canteras
Maspalomas dunes & Playa del Inglés
Nests Hostels
Las Palmas Nest + La Isleta Nest
Day trip from Las Palmas (~1 hr)
The Las Palmas carnival wraps on 1 March — Maspalomas kicks off on 10 March. A natural week gap that’s perfect for exploring the island, chilling on the dunes, or hopping to Tenerife in between. The Nest Pass makes exactly this kind of multi-base trip work perfectly.
✅ Insider Tips
Plan around Yumbo. The Yumbo Centrum area is the gravitational centre of Maspalomas Carnival. Most galas happen nearby, all the Mogollón parties are here, and you’ll find costume shops, bars and restaurants in the immediate area. Getting accommodation within walking distance for the peak nights (19–22 March) is the smart move.
The Drag Gala sells out. Watch official Ayuntamiento de San Bartolomé de Tirajana social channels from early March for ticket sale announcements. They typically disappear within hours. Standing areas are free — get there by 19:30 for a decent spot.
Costume culture is strong here. In Maspalomas, people genuinely go all out — especially for Gala nights and the Gran Cabalgata. Local costume shops in Playa del Inglés are fully stocked from late February. You’ll have a much better experience if you join in.
March weather is actually great. Daily highs around 20–22°C, minimal rain. Bring a light layer for evenings — it drops to around 16–17°C after midnight.
Arrive earlier than you think. For the Gran Cabalgata especially — the locals showing up 90 minutes early aren’t being dramatic. The best spots fill up fast.
When is the Maspalomas International Carnival 2026?
The Maspalomas International Carnival 2026 takes place from 10 to 22 March 2026, in Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, in the south of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.
What is the theme of Maspalomas Carnival 2026?
The theme of Maspalomas Carnival 2026 is El Circo (The Circus) 🎪. This theme runs through all galas, costumes, floats and events across the 13-day festival.
Is the Maspalomas Carnival free?
Most events at Maspalomas Carnival are completely free — including the Gran Cabalgata parade, all five Mogollón street parties, Carnaval Canino, Carnaval Familiar, Festival Coreográfico, Carnaval al Sol and the Entierro de la Sardina. Some galas (like the Gala Drag and Gala de la Reina) offer seated areas with paid tickets, while standing areas around the venues are generally free to attend.
Where does the Maspalomas Carnival take place?
Maspalomas Carnival takes place in the south of Gran Canaria, primarily in Playa del Inglés. The central hub is the Yumbo Centrum area (CC Yumbo, Av. Estados Unidos 54, Playa del Inglés, 35100). The Gran Cabalgata runs through the main tourist avenues of the southern resort area.
When is the Gran Cabalgata (Main Parade) at Maspalomas Carnival 2026?
The Gran Cabalgata (Main Parade) takes place on Saturday 21 March 2026 at 17:00, running through the main avenues of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. Arrive at least 60–90 minutes early for a good spot along the route.
When is the Drag Queen Gala at Maspalomas Carnival 2026?
The Gala Drag Queen at Maspalomas Carnival 2026 is on Thursday 19 March at 21:00, in Playa del Inglés. Tickets for seated areas go on sale a few weeks before via official Ayuntamiento de San Bartolomé de Tirajana channels and sell out very quickly. Standing areas around the venue are generally free to attend.
What are the Mogollón nights at Maspalomas Carnival?
The Mogollón is the free carnival street party held around the Yumbo Centrum area in Playa del Inglés. In 2026, Mogollón nights take place on 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 March, starting from 23:00. They feature DJs, live music and a full open-air party atmosphere until the early hours — and they are completely free to attend.
How do I get from Las Palmas to Maspalomas for carnival?
Regular buses on the Global Gran Canaria network (lines 30 and 05) connect Las Palmas with Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas in approximately 50–60 minutes. During carnival season, extended late-night services typically run on the major event nights. Taxis take roughly 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the difference between Maspalomas Carnival and Las Palmas Carnival?
Both are major carnivals in Gran Canaria but at different times and with different vibes. Las Palmas Carnival (23 January – 1 March 2026) is city-based, historically rooted and larger in overall scale. Maspalomas Carnival (10–22 March 2026) is in the southern resort area, more international in flavour with a strong family and LGBTQ+ identity centred around Yumbo Centrum. Since the dates don’t overlap, you can attend both during an extended stay in Gran Canaria.
Is Maspalomas Carnival LGBTQ+-friendly?
Yes, very much so. Maspalomas is one of Europe’s most well-known LGBTQ+-friendly resort destinations, and carnival reflects this identity fully. Yumbo Centrum — the carnival’s central hub — is one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ resort areas. The Drag Queen Gala is a highlight of the LGBTQ+ carnival calendar. The whole event is inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
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