Gran Canaria is a vibrant island with a rich cultural tapestry and a year-round calendar of exciting events. At Sky Coworking Las Palmas, we believe in the importance of work-life balance and immersing oneself in the local culture. Here’s our month-by-month guide to events on the island that we recommend, each offering a unique glimpse into Gran Canaria's lively spirit.
January: Noche de Reyes
Noche de Reyes, or "Night of the Kings," is celebrated on 5th January with a grand parade through Las Palmas, starting from the port, going through Santa Catalina Park all the way to San Telmo Park in the old town. This magical event features the Three Wise Men parading through the streets on huge floats, distributing sweets to children. The many dance and music bands that accompany them create a festive atmosphere. The night is concluded by live concerts on several sites in the Triana neighbourhood.
We recommend it because it’s a perfect family-friendly event that showcases local traditions and spreads joy and excitement as the holiday season comes to a close. The festive spirit in Las Palmas during Noche de Reyes is infectious and provides a wonderful opportunity to see the community come together.
February: Carnaval Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas Carnaval is one of the most colourful and energetic carnivals in Europe, lasting several weeks. The main hub of the event is the stage usually mounted at Santa Catalina Park that hosts costume and dance competitions, the Carnival Queen and Drag Queen Galas and many concerts and day parties. The epic conclusion of the carnival season is the Grand Parade that features more than a hundred vividly decorated floats driving through the whole city. Each plays their own music and is surrounded by people celebrating in the most elaborated costumes.
We argue for attending the carnival because it is a spectacle of creativity and fun, offering a chance to experience the island’s exuberant culture and vibrant nightlife. It’s an excellent way to take a break from the daily grind and dive into the local festivities.
March: Maspalomas International Carnival
Similar in spirit to the carnival in the capital city but with its unique flair, Maspalomas Carnaval is celebrated in the south of the island. It usually is a week or two shorter than the one in Las Palmas, but its stage in the Yumbo Shopping Center also offers a variety of programs, like the famous Drag Queen competition. However, the closing Grand Parade here is even bigger than in Las Palmas, usually featuring around 150 astonishingly decorated floats, taking half of the afternoon and the whole night to complete the 6 km route.
We urge you to take part in this carnival because it brings a distinct southern flavour and an international vibe, making it a must-see event for those on the island at the time. The atmosphere is festive and inclusive, offering a perfect event to enjoy, for instance, together with your Las Palmas coworking mates.
April: Festival Internacional de Cine
The Las Palmas Film Festival is an international event that attracts filmmakers and movie buffs from around the world. It showcases a diverse selection of films, from indie gems to major international releases.
We recommend it to film enthusiasts because this festival offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a variety of cinematic works and engage in discussions with creators and fellow movie lovers. It’s a great way to unwind and find inspiration that could translate into your projects.
May: Gay Pride in Maspalomas
Maspalomas Gay Pride is a 2-week long vibrant and inclusive event featuring beach, pool and boat parties and a great parade at the final weekend. The famous Yumbo Shopping Center turns into a bustling scene with concerts and extravagant shows on the stage and many parties inside its clubs. This is one of the largest Pride celebrations in Europe, attracting visitors from across the globe.
We suggest that you check out this event because it promotes diversity and inclusion, offering a welcoming environment for everyone to celebrate love and equality. Joining the festivities is a great chance to celebrate with a diverse crowd.
June: Noche de San Juan
Noche de San Juan, or Midsummer Night in English, is celebrated on 23rd June with bonfires, beach parties, and fireworks. It's a magical night where locals and visitors alike gather on Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas and welcome the summer solstice with live concerts, parties and a dip in the ocean at midnight. An interesting custom is that people burn pieces of paper containing the negative things that happened in the previous year in order to forget about them.
This is one of our favourite events on the island because it combines traditional rituals with a festive beach party atmosphere, making it a unique experience to kick off the summer.
July: Sky Coworking Birthday Party
Every July, we celebrate the birthday of Sky Coworking Las Palmas with an exciting gathering. These events bring together the expat community, local entrepreneurs, and remote workers for an evening of networking, fun, and the celebration of the opening anniversary of a popular Gran Canaria coworking space.
It's a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, make valuable connections, and explore our state-of-the-art coworking space in Las Palmas. Come and see how coworking in Gran Canaria can transform your work experience.
In the meantime if we’ve captured your imagination and you’re interested in having a look, book your tour that includes coffee and/or tea. After your 30-minute tour you can stay the rest of the day for free!
August: Romería
There is a Romería (pilgrimage) in almost every town across the island on different dates during the summer. Locals dress in traditional attire, play folk music, and do an offering to their patron saints. Nowadays these events combine the traditional and modern way of celebration, as the religious practice is complemented by fun street parties, DJ sets and concerts. Some of them feature a special and fun theme, like the Rama de Agaete where people carry around and shake tree branches during the procession, so the streets look as if the forest is descending upon it from the hillside. In Lomo Magullo people splash water on each other, while in Agüimes gofio (toasted flour) is thrown at one another during the procession. Some call it the Canarian Holi Fest.
We think that participating in one or more Romerías can be the highlight of your stay as it offers a deep dive into Canarian culture and traditions, providing a festive and authentic experience of the island’s rural life. It’s a beautiful way to relax and connect with the local culture outside of your usual coworking environment in Gran Canaria.
September: Fiesta del Pino
The Fiesta del Pino, held in Teror, is the queen of Romerías, the most important religious event on the island. Pilgrims from every municipality of the island travel to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine to honour the patron saint of Gran Canaria and to celebrate in unity. During the day you can get a comprehensive taste of the island’s culture, but during the night partying takes over. A stone throw away from the basilica an enormous stage is mounted that provides entertainment, like concerts and DJ sets all the way to the next morning.
We advise you to take a look because this event is a profound spiritual experience, as well as, a great fiesta offering a glimpse into the island’s devout traditions and communal spirit. The atmosphere is both festive and reverent, making it a unique cultural immersion after a productive week in one of the coworking spaces on Gran Canaria.
October: SUM Festival
Gran Canaria SUM Festival is a major 2-day music festival held in Las Palmas, featuring a diverse lineup of international and local artists across indie and alternative genres. It’s a relatively new but rapidly growing event on the island’s cultural calendar.
We endorse the festival for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic music selection that offers something for everyone. It’s an ideal event to relax and have fun, providing a refreshing change from your day to day life. This energetic and entertaining festival could be a perfect occasion to enjoy with your coworking buddies in Las Palmas.
November: Womad Festival
The World of Music, Arts, and Dance (Womad) Festival brings together artists from around the globe to Las Palmas for a weekend of diverse musical performances, workshops, and cultural activities. Most groups blend various urban popular styles with elements of traditional world music, but some performers present traditional forms adjusted minimally for the international concert stage.
We recommend Womad because it is a cultural melting pot that enriches the island with global sounds and creative expressions, making it a must-attend for world music and art lovers. It’s an inspiring experience that can provide new perspectives and ideas.
December: Belén de Arena
Belén de Arena, the Sand Nativity in English, is a series of impressive nativity scenes sculpted from sand, displayed on Las Canteras Beach. This artistic tradition attracts visitors who come to marvel at the intricate sand sculptures, depicting many protagonists of the Christmas story, like the holy family, the wise men, the adoration of the shepherds, the Star of Bethlehem and many cute animals, like camels, sheep and goats.
We suggest you take a look at this unique blend of art and tradition that provides a serene and beautiful way to celebrate the holiday season, showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists. Visiting the Belén de Arena is a peaceful and reflective activity to enjoy after a potentially busy year of remote working in Las Palmas.
Gran Canaria’s rich calendar of events offers something for everyone, from vibrant festivals to deep-rooted traditions. At Sky Coworking Las Palmas, we encourage you to step out and immerse yourself in these cultural experiences, enriching your time on this beautiful island. Each event offers a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and inspiration, complementing your productive work life at any of the coworking spaces in Las Palmas. Join us in celebrating the island's vibrant culture and make the most of your time in Gran Canaria!
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