Are you on the hunt for sunshine and colorful festivities to brighten your winter? The Canary Island carnivals await you in 2025 with their flamboyant parades, upbeat music, and breathtaking festive atmosphere. This enchanting archipelago, nestled in the Atlantic, offers a unique experience through seven emblematic carnivals, each with its own traditions and specifics. Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of the celebrations, where joy and good humor are guaranteed, and allow yourself to be seduced by the richness of Canarian culture.
The Canaries, with their idyllic landscapes and sunny climate, are also the stage for vibrant festivals every winter. In 2025, sixteen carnival festivals will animate these islands in an explosion of music, dance, and fabulous costumes. In this article, we will introduce you to seven unmissable carnivals, each with its own identity and rich cultural history. Get ready to dive into the festive and authentic world of these Canarian celebrations.
The Tenerife carnival, one of the most popular in the world
Dates 2025: from January 31 to March 9
The Tenerife carnival is undoubtedly one of the grandest and most famous in the world. Every year, the island transforms into a lively stage where music, frenzied dances, and sparkling costumes intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. The launch is marked by the Queen’s gala, where contestants parade in sometimes incredibly heavy costumes, weighing up to 400 kg!
The festivities continue with the sardine parade, which symbolizes the soul of the carnival. And if you think this is just the end of the celebrations, think again! Other events like the Piñata Chica prolong this festive atmosphere, with popular balls and shows.
The Gran Canaria carnival, parodic songs, glitter, and drag queens
Dates 2025: from February 8 to March 16
On the island of Gran Canaria, the carnival is renowned for its modern and inclusive spirit. This is where you can witness the election of the carnival drag queen, an event that attracts crowds in search of joy and celebration. The murgas, satirical musical groups, animate the streets with their provocative songs, bringing a breath of fresh air to this age-old tradition.
🚨 Don’t miss the gala where the Queen of the carnival will be crowned, another highlight of this exceptional event that blends tradition and extravagance.
The La Palma carnival, all in white
Dates 2025: starting from March 3
In La Palma, elegance and purity are in the spotlight with the white carnival, also called Fiesta de Los Indianos. Participants cover themselves in talc powder and dress in white, creating a unique and joyful atmosphere. This event symbolizes the return of emigrants who came back from America, dressed in white and enriched by their experiences.
The festivities extend over several days, punctuated by shows, dances, and the famous burial of the sardine to conclude these joyful days. Expect a warm and friendly atmosphere, typical of La Palma, nicknamed “la Isla bonita”.
The Lanzarote carnival, scary little devils
Dates 2025: starting from March 3
On the island of Lanzarote, the celebrations take a bold turn with masked heroes called diabletes. Don your scariest costumes and embark on an adventure for a carnival that seems straight out of a fantastical tale. Vibrant parades, accompanied by upbeat music, fill the streets of the capital, Arrecife.
The diabletes of Teguise, with their leather costumes and terrifying masks, add a folk touch, reminiscent of the ritual dances of the island’s early inhabitants. A carnival as mysterious as it is intriguing!
The Fuerteventura carnival: the crazies behind the wheel
Dates 2025: from February 4 to March 10
The Fuerteventura carnival is unique in that each municipality has its own theme. The Puerto del Rosario carnival is distinguished by its famous achipenco regatta, boats made from recycled materials, and the “arretrancos” races, amusing vehicles crafted by the locals.
Water games and colorful surprises punctuate this event, offering a jovial atmosphere for young and old alike. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for entertainment, this carnival has everything to please!
The El Hierro carnival: flee from the rams
Dates 2025: from February 28 to March 5
For a captivating sensory experience, head to El Hierro during the Fiesta de los Carneros. Men disguised as rams roam the streets, attempting to smear the faces of passersby with black. This tradition, which dates back to the Spanish Civil War, promises intense excitement and a thrill.
The carnival is also steeped in deeply rooted traditions, offering a true immersion into the local culture of El Hierro, an often-overlooked island full of surprises.
La Gomera and its battle of talc
Dates 2025: in February (more details coming soon)
Finally, don’t miss the La Gomera carnival and its celebration of pastel colors and talc. During the Indigo Talc and Powder Day, locals prostrate themselves under the talc flakes, in an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. With the Gran Coso, a fantastic parade that concludes the festivities, La Gomera will charm you with its magical atmosphere.
Each carnival in the Canaries is a moment of sharing and discovery, none resembling another. Unique traditions and unforgettable experiences await you in this incredible destination. Get ready to celebrate life, music, and joy, because the Canaries come alive with unparalleled intensity in 2025!
