Maspalomas Carnival 2022

Maspalomas Carnival 2022

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.

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.

Maspalomas Carnival 2022 Theme

• This year’s carnival theme is “La Magia” of Magic. Sexy hot Magicians, Muscle Bunnies, Wizards and Warlocks will take over the streets of San Bartolome de Tirajana for 12 days of parties and parades. If you don’t have time to pre-plan your costume, you can shop at some of the many Chinese bazaars dotted across the Yumbo. The “Party Party” fancy dress costume shop offers everything a budding Magician needs to ensure a successful night on the town.

Where to stay during Maspalomas Carnival

• Maspalomas Carnival typically takes place a week after the big European Carnivals, which finish on Ash Wednesday. The event is very popular as people seek an escape from Winter in Europe so book your stay well in advance. 

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.

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 19th – 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 Ingles, 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.

The Beach Carnival

• Sunday, March 20th – The Beach Carnival features a spectacular show in Playa del Inglés, featuring international DJs and live performances.

The Drag Queen Gala

• Awaiting Dates – 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.

Maspalomas in Gran Canaria is bigger then you think, you need your hotel to be in Playa del ingles, which is where the Yumbo centre is located,

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

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