Event Dates
From: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
To: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Maspalomas Carnival 2026
Maspalomas Carnival is one of Gran Canaria’s most colourful events with parades, drag queens and sequins, as far as the eye can see!
Maspalomas Carnival 2026
Maspalomas Carnival is one of Gran Canaria’s most colourful events with parades, drag queens and sequins, as far as the eye can see! It is the perfect way to enjoy a Carnival experience without the cold, with Maspalomas welcoming visitors with temperatures averaging 22 degrees in the afternoon.
- Stay at the Riu Palace, Maspalomas, with large rooms, a great pool, stunning views of the dunes and slap bang in the middle of all the major Carnival celebrations. The Riu Palace is also close to the Yumbo, just a 4 min taxi ride away.
Maspalomas Carnival 2026
- Next Edition: Tuesday 10th March 2026 – Sunday 22nd March 2026.
- Carnival was prohibited in Spain during Franco’s dictatorship, although these festivities were clandestinely celebrated in some parts of Spain.
- In the Canary Islands, the carnival was called “Winter Fiestas” to conceal its celebration from the dictator’s eyes. It returned in force in the early 80s and has become one of the biggest Carnival celebrations in Europe.
- Each year the Carnival has a different theme.
- Maspalomas Carnival typically takes place after the big European Carnivals, which finish on Ash Wednesday.
- Discover the best of Maspalomas, from bars and restaurants to top attractions with our gay guide to Gran Canaria.
Where to stay during Maspalomas Carnival
- Stay close to the Carnival events at the Barceló Margaritas, rated “Fabulous” by guests, completely refurbished with spacious and stylish rooms and two outdoor pools.
- HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria – 3-star hotel with a fresh new look, just steps from the Yumbo. Rooms are spacious, and guest service is excellent.
- Playa Del Sol – Adults Only – 3-star hotel with clean and bright apartments, relaxing pool area and a perfect location close to all the bars and the main pride parties.
Main Carnival Events
- Maspalomas Carnival is famous for its many parties and events, from comparsas (dance troupes) to murgas (music groups) and hundreds of over the top drag queens!
- During the day, rondallas (a strings ensemble), theatre performances and troupes take to the town’s streets, creating a unique party vibe.
The Drag Queen Gala
- Typically on the final Thursday – The epic Drag Queen Gala is glamorous and competitive, held on the Thursday of the event.
- Drag queens from across Spain and beyond compete for the title of Maspalomas Carnival Drag Queen.
- The event is held in the Yumbo Centre, the heart of gay Maspalomas, on a purpose-built stage.
- Expect death-defying performances as Drag Queens duel in over the top costumes and high heels. The event is televised live and is watched across Spain.
The Carnival Great Parade – Cabalgata
- Saturday 21st March 2026 – This event is held in the early afternoon.
- The Carnival Parade route begins at El Veril in Playa del Inglés, crosses through Av. de Italia, Av. de Gran Canaria and ends at Av. de Touroperator TUI. Previous events have featured more than 100 floats (carrozas in Spanish), and the parade takes several hours to reach its final destination.
- Stay close to the Carnival parade and parties at The Sol Barbacan . Rated “Fabulous” by guests, this aparthotel has a large pool, large balconies and spacious rooms with excellent facilities where great care is paid to the little details. Our top choice.
The Beach Carnival
- Sunday 22nd March, 2026 – The Beach Carnival features a spectacular show in Playa del Inglés, featuring international DJs and live performances, held on the final Sunday of the event.
Other Events
- All-night street parties attract thousands upon thousands of revellers, including the “Mogollon” Street party, one of the busiest.
- You’ll be hard-pushed to find any Spanish boy not dressed in costume!
- Festivities end with a sometimes comical and often sombre affair, the Rescue and Burial of the Sardine (March 19th), an ancient Carnival Tradition that marks the end of the celebrations for another year.
- Another much-loved evening is the election of the Carnival Queen.
Maspalomas Bear Carnival
- Bear Carnival is a large bear meeting held in Maspalomas a few weeks after the Maspalomas Carnival.
- Over nine days, the event attracts thousands of bears, chasers and admirers and hosts a popular pool party, several fetish events, and Bear competitions.
- Note – in 2025 – the bear Carnival moves to April to avoid conflicting dates with the main Carnival event.
Popular Hotels in Maspalomas
The following hotels are close to Carnival festivities, beaches and Yumbo Centre, home to gay life on the Island.
Save on Hotels
Book early your hotel & stay close to
Playa del Ingles next to the gay bars
Where we stay!
The Sol Barbacan close to the Yumbo
offering a great pool and stylish rooms.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Maspalomas Carnival, The Website
Gay Map of Playa del Inglés
Over 32 gay bars all in the same area, so we have chosen Hotels close to the gay bars that have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
Av. Estados Unidos, 28, Las Palmas,
Offering large rooms with balconies, the adults-only Bohemia Suites & Spa is 200 m from Playa del Inglés Beach. It features 1 freshwater outdoor pool and 1 saltwater outdoor pool and 2 outdoor jacuzzis.
The stylish rooms at Bohemia Suites & Spa feature yellow, terracotta or purple colour schemes with olive-wood furnishings.
Avenida Sargentos Provisionales,14, 35100 Playa del Ingles, Spain
Set in Playa del Ingles and with Playa del Cochino reachable within 700 metres, Silvi Villas by TAM Resorts offers a tour desk, allergy-free rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi throughout the property and a garden. Each accommodation at the 5-star resort has pool views
The units at the resort come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a shower and free toiletries. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle.
Avenida Tirajana 27, 35100 San Bartolome de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain
Located in Playa del Inglés, Sol Barbacan is only 2 km from the nearest beach. The complex features a swimming pool, 2 hot tubs, and free WiFi in all areas.
Sol Barbacan offers a buffet restaurant and an a la carte restaurant, as well as a pool bar and an evening lounge with a terrace.
Avenida Alféreces Provisionales 29, 35100 Playa del Ingles, Spain
Neptuno is an adults-only hotel, next to the Yumbo Shopping Centre, Inglés. It offers an outdoor pool, spa and free shuttle bus to the , 900 m away.
All air-conditioned rooms have free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a furnished balcony. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.
Avenida de Tirajana 32, 35100 Playa del ingles, Las Palmas, Spain
Within 1.5 km of Maspalomas’s sand dunes, AxelBeach Maspalomas - Apartments and Lounge Club - Adults Only features an outdoor pool, gym and tennis court. This gay and hetero-friendly, adults-only complex also has a hammam, hot tub and sauna.
Opening onto terraces, the apartments at AxelBeach Maspalomas - Apartments and Lounge Club - Adults Only have attractive, contemporary décor. All include air conditioning, a safe, free WiFi and a living area with a sofa and flat-screen satellite TV.
Av. de Tirajana, 26, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain
Each spacious apartment has a kitchen with a microwave, fridge and coffee-maker. All have a bathroom and living area with sofa bed. A flat-screen TV and safe are available to hire. Balconies overlooking the pool or gardens
Av. Estados Unidos, 46, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi, an outdoor pool.
Av. Alfereces Provisionales, 21, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool,
Av. Alfereces Provisionales, 23, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain
This air-conditioned apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, and a kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge. An outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi
C.C. Yumbo 111/11-12, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Cocktails and German beer.
● Terrace in the Six Pack Zone.
Gran Canaria
C.C. Yumbo 151/9, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Friendly bears bar.
● Decorated with teddy bears from around the world.
● Happy Hour until 21:00.
Daily 18:00 – 02:00
C.C. Yumbo 131/25, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Big LGBT-friendly cocktail lounge bar.
● Live music.
Tuesday-Sunday 18:00 – 01:00
C.C. Yumbo 231/2, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Small night bar with party music.
● Musical songs, shows, and sing-alongs.
Daily 21:00/23:00 – 03:00+ (September–June)
C.C. Yumbo 261/6-8, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Bar with drag comedy and other shows.
● Large terrace.
Daily from 23:00
C.C. Yumbo 261/2-3, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Loud party bar with terrace.
● Mixed clientele and ages.
● Busiest after 01:00.
Daily 22:00 – 04:00
C.C. Yumbo 121/5-6, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● French-inspired cocktail bar.
● Mixed clientele.
C.C. Yumbo 111/1-2, Gran Canaria, 35130 Playa del Inglés
● Gay cocktail bar with terrace.
● Happy hour prices and half-naked service.
Daily 18:00 – 02:00+
C.C. Yumbo 111/10, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Italian restaurant and bar with big terrace.
● Corner of the Six Pack Zone.
Daily 10:00 – 01:00; kitchen till 23:00
C.C. Yumbo 121/4-5, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Bar with big terrace.
● Mixed clientele.
Daily 18:00 – 02:00
C.C. Yumbo 141/1-2, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● One of the oldest gay bars on Gran Canaria.
● Mainly mature clientele.
● Mainly mature clientele.
Daily 18:30 – 00:30; Friday, Saturday till 01:30
C.C. Yumbo 111/13, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Small gay bar in the Six Pack Zone.
Daily 19:00/19:30 – 02:30/03:00
C.C. Yumbo 131/26, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Modern cocktail lounge bar with big terrace.
Daily 18:00 – 01:00/02:00
C.C. Yumbo 261/19, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Gay bar with German and Dutch Schlager music.
Daily 22:00 – 04:00
C.C. Yumbo 111/3-4, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Popular cocktail bar with terrace.
● Young friendly staff.
Daily 10:00 – 02:00
C.C. Yumbo 131/14, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Small Danish bar with mixed clientele.
Monday-Saturday 20:00 – 01:00 (closed in June and mid-December)
C.C. Yumbo 421/2-7, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Popular gay music bar with small dancefloor.
● Music: Pop and Commercial.
● Clientele mainly in their 20s and 30s.
Daily 23:00 – 03:30
C.C. Yumbo 161/15-18, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● German Schlager music bar with small dancefloor.
● Popular with mature clientele.
Daily from 21:30
C.C. Yumbo 121/1-2, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Music bar with lounge terrace in the Six Pack Zone
Daily 18:30 – 02:30
C.C. Yumbo 121/3, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Friendly gay cocktail bar with small terrace.
● Francophone.
● Francophone.
Daily from 19:30 –02:30
CC Yumbo 111/7 - Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
• Bar with terrace facing the square at the Yumbo Center.
Daily from - 1800 -0100
CC Yumbo 251/11 - Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● Fetish - friendly men 's bar
● Terrace in the center , right next to Noxon
Daily from - 2100 -0100 /0200
CC Yumbo 161/4 -6 - Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● Drag cabaret show
● Mixed clientele
Daily from - 2000 -0200+
CC Yumbo 212/4 - Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● Drag comedy variety entertainment karaoke
● Mixed clientele
Daily from - 2000 -0200
CC Yumbo 151 /3 -4 - Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● Cafe-bar cocktail-bar
● Big terrace towards the plaza
● Oldest gay bars still going strong
● Popular especially in early hours
Daily except Tuesday from - 2000 -0200
Maspalomas CC Oasis 35 -36 Paseo del Faro - Gran Canaria , 3510
● Popular for a snack or drink after beach
● Busiest between - 1600 -2000
● German Schlager international party music
Opening times : Daily from - 1200 -2200
CC Yumbo 261/14 - Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● Small bar with drag shows on terrace
● Mixed clientele
Daily from - 2200 -0200 /0400
CC Yumbo 131/21 -22 - Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● Bar with big terrace on ground floor square
● Mixed clientele
Daily from - 1100 -0300
CC Yumbo 232 /27 - Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● LGBTQ-friendly cocktail bar on the second floor center
● Views over the plaza
Daily except Tuesday from - 1800 -0200
CC Yumbo 161 /7 -9- Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● Stylish music and cocktail lounge bar in the center
● Big terrace
Daily from - 1900 /2000 -0230
CC Yumbo 151 /1 -2- Gran Canaria , 3510 Playadel Ingles
● Gay music bar
● Eurovision-Nights all year around
Daily from - 2000 -0200 /0230
Alfereces Provisionales 31, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Big gay cruising club next to the C.C. Yumbo
● Run by the creators of the former club The Hole
● Check their website for weekly programs
● Admission: 10 €, includes 1 drink
Monday-Saturday 21:00 – 03:00; Sunday 17:00 – 03:00
C.C. Yumbo 261/9-13, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Bears-friendly and leather-friendly cruising bar
● Big outside terrace (smoker-friendly)
● Mainly middle-aged and mature crowd
● Admission: 10 €, includes 1-2 drinks
Daily 22:00 – 04:00
Av. de Gran Canaria 24 / Av. de la Unión Europea, Gran Canaria, 35100
● Bar with darkroom, sling, and a few cubicles
● Admission: 5 €, includes 1 drink
Tuesday-Saturday 22:00 – 02:00
C.C. Yumbo 251/12-13, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Gay cruise bar with cabins, sling, shower, and terrace
● Weekly agenda and dress codes available on the website
● Admission: 8-15 €, includes 1-2 drinks
Daily 21:00 – 02:00
C.C. Yumbo 251/11, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Fetish-friendly men's bar with a terrace
● Located right next to NOXON
Daily 21:00 – 01:00/02:00
Avenida de Tirajana 17, Barbados II, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Big gay cruising club located 400 meters from Yumbo Center
● Basement area with cabins
● Weekly dress code programs on the website
● Friendly staff and busiest between 23:00 and 01:00
● Admission: 10-12 €, includes 1 drink
C.C. Yumbo 161/10-14, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Big gay bar with a cruising labyrinth in the Yumbo Center
● Admission: 10 €, includes 1 drink
Daily 22:00 – 06:00
C.C. Yumbo 261/17-18, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Small fetish-friendly men-only cruise bar
● Mainly mature clientele
● Admission is free; minimum consumption of one drink
Daily 22:00 – 04:00
C.C. Cita, Avenida de Francia, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Small gay cruise and FF club on the ground floor of C.C. Cita
● Features bar, cabins, slings, and more
Closed from May 19 to September 2
C.C. Yumbo 211/2, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Small gay bar with a small cruising area including two cabins and a sling
● No dress codes; admission is free with a minimum consumption of one drink
Daily 21:00 – 04:00
Avenida de Tirajana 17, Barbados I, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Big gay cruising club spread over two floors
● Dress code includes naked, underwear, and fetish
● Mixed age crowd; busiest between 23:00 and 01:00
● Admission: 8-10 €, includes 1 drink
Daily 22:00 – 03:00/04:00
C.C. Yumbo 421/8-18, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● Description: The iconic gay late-night dance club in Playa del Inglés, known for its commercial remixes.
● Highlights: Busiest after 03:30 once most bars have closed. Dance a bit next door at the Mykonos music bar before heading here.
Daily 02:00 – 06:00
CC YUMBO35100 Playa del InglesGran Canaria
Welcome to the Zaza-Bar in the Yumbo Centrum. We offer you a cozy terrace and a bar that is unique in the Yumbo. The bar is furnished in the style of Hollywood stars and legends with great attention to detail. perfect for people watching
Open 6.30pm till 2.30am
C.C. Yumbo, 3rd floor, Gran Canaria, 35100 Playa del Inglés
● A vibrant music bar and nightclub with a dancefloor, playing
Commercial Pop, RnB, Disco, and Funky House.
● Opened in March 2024 in the former Scala Heaven.
24:00 – 06:00 (opening days depending on season)
Recommended Hotels in Maspalomas By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Maspalomas that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Silvi Villas
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, outdoor pool, well-equipped kitchens.
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
- Flat-screen TV, private bathroom.
- Serene getaway with luxurious amenities, perfect for a relaxing and private vacation experience.
Bohemia Suites & Spa
5 Star, Adults Only
- 5-star, adults-only, two outdoor pools.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Stylish rooms.
- Sophisticated adult-only retreat, rooftop dining with panoramic views, ideal for a romantic escape.
Sol Barbacan
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, swimming pool, buffet restaurant.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Free WiFi, beach volleyball facilities.
- Family-friendly with excellent leisure facilities, well-suited for a fun and active holiday.
AxelBeach Maspalomas
4 Star, Adults Only
- 4-star, gay and hetero-friendly, outdoor pool.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air conditioning, satellite TV.
- Modern and inclusive, offering a vibrant atmosphere for adults, perfect for socializing.
Video Of Maspalomas Carnival
Highlights of carnival 2023
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Maspalomas
Maspalomas, located on the southern coast of Gran Canaria in Spain’s Canary Islands, has gained a reputation as a popular LGBTQ+ travel destination, often referred to as the “gay capital” of the Canary Islands. The area is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming environment.
Yumbo Center | The gay hub of Maspalomas
Photo: Yumbo Center is home to some of Maspalomas’s most popular gay bars
- This is one of the most well-known LGBTQ+ areas in Maspalomas.
- It’s a shopping and entertainment complex that hosts various gay bars, clubs, shops, and restaurants.
- The area is especially lively at night and is a hub for LGBTQ+ socializing.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Maspalomas
Playa del Ingles
This is the main beach area of Maspalomas where LGBTQ+ travelers meet up to sunbathe, and socialize.
Maspalomas Dunes
The famous Maspalomas Dunes offers easy access to the natural beauty of the dunes and the beach. Known as a cruising area
Meloneras
This is a more upscale area known for its luxury resorts, high-end shopping, and beautiful promenade.
Golf Maspalomas
Maspalomas Golf Course is one of the most prominent golf courses in the area. Located close to the famous Maspalomas Dunes.
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