Been here? Rate today and help out the community. Not sure what the ratings are about? Find out more.
Updated December 13, 2025

Hours currently unavailable.

Arguably the highlight of the year, Carnaval Las Palmas de Gran Canaria returns for another remarkable spectacle!

Las Palmas,
Spain

Equality ranking

Learn more at
Equaldex.com
World rank 4 of 196 countries

Explore the progress of LGBTQ+ rights across the world all in an easy to read charts, graphs, and tables. From public sentiment to protections find it all here so you know when holding hands gets you a look or a sentence.

Visit Equaldex

Carnaval Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

One of the most famous events in all of Spain and one that's loved by many in Las Palmas. From flamboyant costumes to music shows and themed parties, it's an experience you'll never forget. With roots as deep as its founding in 1478, this fabulous event started celebrating in style, right from its inception.

And when we say 'style', we mean masquerades, mischief, and a whole lot of joie de vivre! As José de Viera y Clavijo eloquently penned in his 'History of the Canary Islands,' even the dignitaries like Field Marshal Íñigo de Brizuela couldn’t resist throwing grand banquets during Shrovetide back in the 1600s.

Fast forward a few centuries, and this frolic fest turned into not just a social but an economic powerhouse for Gran Canaria, becoming a siren call for tourists far and wide. This carnival has danced through the decades, twirling traditional charm and modern media-flair into a spectacle of pure entertainment.

By 2001, things got so wild that a special company had to be summoned—Promoción de la Ciudad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, S.A.—tasked with the mighty job of organizing this unstoppable revelry.

Today, the carnival stands as a testament to timeless fun, with legends like Juanito El Pionero and the eternally delightful Charlot (our very own Charlie Chaplin look-alike) stealing the show. With each passing year, the festival continues to evolve, embracing new acts and technologies, yet it always keeps one foot firmly planted in its riotous roots.

So, as the local anthem 'Invitación al Carnaval' by Sindo Saavedra serenades the streets, the spirit of the Gran Canaria Carnival beckons one and all to join in the legendary revelry, where the main agenda is simple: party like there’s no tomorrow in the ultimate carnival city!

Check out other popular LGBTQ+ events and gay bars in Las Palmas.

Advertisement

Crowd

  • Gay
  • Lesbian
  • Mixed

Music

  • Dance
  • House
  • Indie
  • Latin
  • Pop
  • Rock
  • Techno
  • Top 40
  • Traditional

Know a place or event for the index?

What's it like being LGBTQ+ in Las Palmas?

Do you see incorrect information?
Tell us

You're up! Rate now

Give our rating meter a slide to speak your mind.

As hot as it gets.
Don't miss out.
Toasty warm and well
worth the visit.
Heating up, with
room for improvement.
Starting to
cool off.
Any one else getting
seriously chilly?
Completely leaves
us cold.

Nearby events

There are no listings within a 50 miles radius.

Join our list and get more!

We'll send you upcoming events, free city guides, offers from partners, first access to new features and more.

Sign up now
A lesbian, gay, queer, and transgender crowd at a gay club dancing the night way after finding the club on Rainbow Index

Add your passion to this project!

Did you know that Rainbow Index is a passion project fueled by volunteer time and personal funds?

We love what we do and are currently spending lots of time talking to people like you, to continue creating LGBTQ+ travel solutions while having an absolute blast together.

You can be part of the fun by booking an online chat with a Rainbow Index team member about your travel and entertainment needs. You could even join our super user group and try new features ahead of the pack with other (opinionated) community members!

Book time
A lesbian, gay, queer, and transgender crowd at a gay club dancing the night way after finding the club on Rainbow Index