Carnival Gran Canaria 2010 | Canary Islands | Spain

On the island of Gran Canaria, the most visited carnival is that of Las Palmas, which is itself one of the most important on the planet. In 2010 the carnival will be celebrated from the 26th of January through to the 20th February. Each carnival has a specific theme, with this years event being dedicated to television. Street musicians, galas and parades all form part of this colourful and vibrant celebration of liberty and respect.

The carnival in Gran Canaria holds a great tradition on the island, that held strong even through the Franco dictatorship, which frowned upon such events. During this time the carnival was celebrated in the Isleta district of Las Palmas, which upon Francos death allowed the Carnival to continue its colourful life in the capital of Gran Canaria. Ever since 1983, a local celebrity has always been charged with the grand opening of the carnival, which gives way to the 'Verbena de la Sabana' and the musicians who congregate in the Santa Catalina park, where many of the carnivals events are held.

After a week, the carnival opens its arms to those contesting to be Queen of the Carnival, with the Gala Drag Queen to be contested shortly after, a custom that began in 1998 in Maspalomas and which has been extended across the whole island.

The next day the 'Gran Cabalgata' parade takes to the streets, with float after float holding participants in fancy dress, urging the crowd to dance and sing along to the music. With hundreds of floats and munerous decorated vehicles, there is the carnaval judge and jury that follow at the back, and who later make a verdict on the float with most artistic value.

Carnival Tuesday sees the party begin bright and breezy with concerts and dance arenas that pump out all types of music into the early hours of wednesday. Everything comes to a close on the final day with the 'Entierro de la Sardina' which serves as an act of regeneration after days of excess!

If you would like to discover and return to the Carnival of Las Palmas, there are regular ferries and flights that depart from the spanish peninsula and across Europe. Once in Gran Canaria, you will find a stunning selection of holiday accommodation, with numerous hotels, apartments and hostals to choose from.