The carnival in Maspalomas is an absolute must see! Apparently it's the third largest in the world (according to the locals). Whether true or not, this is one of the most extravagant, colourful and lively events in the island’s calendar. It's also tremendous fun and a very friendly event!

The main procession has everything from vintage cars and polished motorbikes to well groomed horses and floats that imaginatively portray fisherman, pubs, ocean liners, barns and even volcanoes and so on - literally every kind of float theme imaginable.

Everywhere you look, scantily clad women in traditional carnival costumes gyrate in front of you. Dancers perform absurd acrobatics on 18-inch platform shoes. It's amazing! (and a bit scary).

The costumes are some of the most spectacular features of the event. Especially those worn by the drag queens; they're ridiculously glamorous and over the top! In stark contrast, there are African tribal dancers performing century old traditional dances.

The activity doesn't stop; there's tapas bars on every corner and wine and beer flow all night long, well into the early hours. The party atmosphere lasts till dawn (and sometimes beyond) - typically Spanish!