Good to know
Good to Know
- Carnival is the most famous event—it draws international crowds and the Drag Queen Gala is particularly renowned for artistic performances and diversity recognition.
- The Fiesta del Carmen in July is deeply tied to fishing culture; neighborhoods like La Isleta transform entirely during this month-long celebration.
- Many events are free to watch street parades and performances, but galas and ticketed shows range from €10–15.
- Official event calendar and detailed scheduling available through LPA Cultura (the city's cultural department platform).
- Street closures are common during major parades—plan transportation accordingly, especially during Carnival week.
- July and February are the busiest cultural months for tourism; book accommodations early if visiting during these times.
Events
Carnival of Las Palmas
- Month
- February
- Duration
- 3-4 weeks
- Attendance
- Attracts thousands of tourists annually
- Highlights
- Declared Festival of International Tourist Interest in 2023
- Description
- One of Spain's most famous carnivals, celebrated since 1574. Features elaborate costumes, vibrant parades, drag queen gala, street parties, murgas and comparsas performances.
Costs
- Gala Tickets
- €12
Key Elements
- Carnival Queen Gala
- Drag Queen Gala (sells out quickly)
- Main Parade (viewed by 120,000-200,000 people)
- Children's Carnival
- Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine)
- Street parties and spontaneous performances
Fiesta De Nuestra Señora Del Carmen
- Date
- July 6-28 (approximately)
- Month
- July
- Duration
- 3-4 weeks
- Main Event Date
- July 20 (maritime procession)
- Primary Neighborhoods
- La Isleta, San Cristóbal
- Description
- Religious festival honoring the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. Features maritime procession, traditional decorations, craft fair, and street activities.
Key Elements
- Maritime procession with Virgin Mary statue
- Flower carpet displays (made from salt, sand, or rubber)
- Processions through neighborhood streets
- Craft fairs and T-shirt recycling workshops
- Guided walking tours
Festival De Folklore
- Month
- Variable
- Description
- Annual celebration of local Canarian culture and folk heritage. Features traditional music, dance, crafts, and performances.
Key Elements
- Folk music and dance performances
- Traditional costumes
- Workshops on traditional crafts
- Music shows with traditional instruments
- Family-oriented activities
Festival De Teatro
- Month
- Autumn (typically)
- Description
- International theater festival featuring both local and international theater companies with diverse performances.
Key Elements
- Local and international theater companies
- Dramas and comedies
- Various venues across the city
Festival De Música De Canarias (Canary Islands Music Festival)
- Month
- January
- Venue
- Alfredo Kraus Auditorium
- Notable Past Performers
- Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Georg Solti, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras
- Description
- Classical music festival organized by the Canary Islands Government, featuring international orchestras and soloists.
Festival Internacional De Cine De Las Palmas
- Month
- Variable
- Key Features
- Multiple screening venues around the city
- Description
- International film festival attracting international movie stars and screening independent films throughout the city.
Fiesta De La Naval
- Date
- 2nd Saturday of October
- Month
- October
- Description
- Maritime festival in La Isleta district commemorating the Spanish victory over Francis Drake in 1595.
Key Elements
- Maritime procession
- Flower decorations
- Fireworks
Cabalgata De Los Reyes Magos (Three Wise Men Parade)
- Date
- January 5
- Month
- January
- Description
- Traditional Epiphany celebration featuring the Three Wise Men riding camels through city streets.
Key Elements
- Costumed performers on camels
- Decorated floats
- Candy distribution to children
- Fund-raising for children's charities
Romería Del Rosario
- Date
- October 3
- Month
- October
- Location
- Vegueta
- Description
- Traditional pilgrimage procession with participants in traditional Canarian costumes.
Key Elements
- Processions from San Telmo Park
- Traditional costume participants
- Decorated balconies and façades
- Religious significance
Festival De Opera
- Venue
- Teatro Pérez Galdós
- Description
- International opera festival with performances by most Canary Islands, principally held at Teatro Pérez Galdós.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Las Palmas
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.