Maspalomas Carnival 2023

Maspalomas Carnival 2023

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 2023 Theme

• 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. Awaiting theme for 2023
• Maspalomas Carnival typically takes place a week 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 Carnival Great Parade – Cabalgata

• Saturday, March 18th 2023 – Typically, the parade is held on the last Saturday of the celebrations 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, March 19th – The Beach Carnival features a spectacular show in Playa del Inglés, featuring international DJs and live performances.

The Drag Queen Gala

• Awaiting Dates  Typically the Thursday of the Event – The epic Drag Queen Gala is glamorous and competitive. 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.

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, an ancient Carnival Tradition that marks the end of the celebrations for another year.

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.

Trending Hotels in Maspalomas

The following hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are close to Carnival festivities, beaches and Yumbo Centre, home to gay life on the Island.

Sol Barbacan,   Silvi Villas,    Axel Beach,    Bohemia Suites.