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.

📋 Quick Navigation

• 🗓️ Full Event Calendar — Complete schedule 10–22 March
• 📢 Carroza Anunciadora — The parade that kicks it all off — 10 Mar
• 🎤 Presentación de Candidatas — Meet the contenders — 11 Mar · 21:00
• 👑 Gala Gran Dama — Glamour & grandeur — 12 Mar · 20:30
• 🧒 Reinado Infantil — Carnival for the little ones — 13 Mar · 20:00
• 🤡 Cabalgata Infantil & Carnaval Familiar — The perfect family Saturday — 14 Mar · 12:00
• 👸 Gala de la Reina — Crowning the Queen of Carnival — 15 Mar · 21:00
• ♿ Gala Sin Barreras — Inclusive carnival for everyone — 16 Mar · 18:00
• 💃 Festival Coreográfico — Dance, dance, dance — 17 Mar · 18:00
• 🐕 Carnaval Canino — Yes, dogs in circus costumes — 18 Mar · 17:00
• 👠 Gala Drag Queen — The show you can’t miss — 19 Mar · 21:00
• 🐟 Rescate de la Sardina & Carnaval al Sol — Daytime carnival vibes — 20 Mar · 12:00
• 🌍 Gala Turista — For and by the tourists — 20 Mar · 21:00
• 🚛 Gran Cabalgata — The big parade night — 21 Mar · 17:00
• 🔥 Entierro de la Sardina — Carnival’s emotional farewell — 22 Mar
• 🎉 Mogollón Nights — Street parties until dawn — 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 Mar · 23:00
• 🚌 Getting There — Transport from Las Palmas & the airport
• 🏠 Where to Stay — Nests Hostels in Gran Canaria
• 🏝️ Maspalomas vs Las Palmas — Two Gran Canaria carnivals, one island
• ✅ Insider Tips — What the locals know

📅 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.

🎉 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.

🎤 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.

👑 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.

🧒 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 ☀️.

👸 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.

♿ 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 — 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.

👠 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 🎉.

🐟 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.

🌍 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.

🔥 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 🔥.

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.

👉 Check Las Palmas Nest availability

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.

👉 Check La Isleta Nest availability

💡 Nest Pass — Save up to 30%

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.

👉 Get the Nest Pass

🏝️ 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 👀.

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.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Maspalomas Carnival 2026