The carnival of carnivals

Carnival in the Canary Islands is an explosion of fun, music and colour, All over the archipelago parades, dance troupes and outdoor parties fill the air with the joyous atmosphere of a carnival with a long history.

What really makes Canarian carnival celebrations stand out is the pleasant temperature of this winter tradition. Choose any costume you want and don’t worry about the cold; the warm nights mean you’ll be able to wear it.

Colourful galas

One of the highlights of carnival is the gala night when the carnival queen is crowned, Candidates parade in stunning costumes made of feathers and rhinestones that have taken a whole year to make and can weigh hundreds of kilos. A spectacle of colour and shine.

Other main events are the costume, drumming and dance troupe street parades: Vast rhythmic celebration of light, colour and fun that take over the streets all throughout carnival.

On the street for the mogollones

Carnival is a street celebration and the mogollones are its biggest parties: Everyone hits the streets in costume to dance and sing. All are welcome and all you need to bring to the party is a huge appetite for fun.

A carnaval for everyone

The Canary Islands are full of contrasts and diversity and carnival is the time to celebrate them, Each island has its own traditions and events ranging from drag queen galas to epic talcum powder fights.

Burying the sardine

Carnival ends reluctantly with a final flourish. A joyous funeral procession where a giant sardine is paraded through the streets and then burned along with a fireworks display. Carnival is over but only until next year.

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