What's on

MARCH - DECEMBER 2011


Gran Canaria has become a cosmopolitan island with numerous cultural events throughout the year, including international music, dance, theatre and cinema festivals and the many carnival celebrations, plus a long list of sport activities and religious feasts that take place all over the island.



March - June:

Opera Festival: This is an international opera festival held principally in Las Palmas’ Teatro Pérez Galdós.


May:

Mapalomas Gay Pride: Gran Canaria is one of the most popular gay havens in Europe. It is known as "Miami Beach of Europe" and Yumbo Centre in Playa del Ingles is the gay world itself. Gay Pride in Gran Canaria celebrates its 10th anniversary and is just a must for those interested in discovering the rainbow flavour of the island.


June:

Folk Music Festival: This is a folk music and dance festival with an international flavor, where both local and visiting groups from different countries perform.

St. John’s Day (Midsummer’s Eve) - June 24th: It is a real event throughout the island, without a doubt, one of the most entertaining. No one stays home that night. Everyone wants to see the city transformed in the firelight. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the night of St John (Midsummer’s Eve) has a special charm as the island’s capital holds a festival at the same time to celebrate its foundation. Canteras beach is a meeting point to watch spectacular fireworks held every year on Midsummer’s Eve.


July:

Canarias Jazz & Mas Heineken International Festival: This festival takes place during three weeks in July on all Canary Islands – on Gran Canaria it is staged in Las Palmas de GC – and includes jazz concerts performed by prominent international musicians.

Gran Canaria PWA Grand Prix: This World Windsurf Championship takes place in Pozo Izquierdo, where the wind has taken up permanent residence, just like big names in windsufing, such as the greatest, Bjorn Dunkerbeck.


Mid-July:

Fiesta in honour of our Lady of Carmen: This fiesta is held in Las Palmas harbor with fishermen and the residents of Isleta district. During this maritime procession, the figure of the Virgin is board a boat for her annual trip along the coast off the bay of Las Palmas. Particularly eye-catching are the carpets of fresh flowers in the streets made for this special occasion.


Early October:

Fiesta de la Naval: Taking place in La Isleta district, this event, which is celebrated with a maritime procession, impressive flower decorations and fireworks, commemorates the victory of the island over the attacks from the British admirals Sir Francis Drake and John Hawkins in October 1595.

Pilgrimage in honour of Our Lady of the Light: This feast is celebrated with a procession of decorated boats at sea to honour the Virgin.