Maspalomas international carnival 2026

The Maspalomas carnival is one of the most popular festivals in Gran Canaria, attracting thousands of visitors from across Spain and beyond. Each year, Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés become the heart of a dazzling celebration featuring parades, live music, open-air parties, and an unbeatable atmosphere both day and night.

If you’re planning your trip or simply want to get organised in advance, below you’ll find a handy guide with dates, key events, and tips to make the most of the world’s most vibrant carnivals.

Key dates for Maspalomas carnival 2026

The Maspalomas carnival 2026 will take place from 10 to 22 March 2026 in the sunny south of Gran Canaria.

Thanks to its location and festive spirit, it’s one of the island’s most visitor-friendly carnivals, welcoming both locals and tourists who flock south for its famous drag gala and grand parade — two of the most anticipated highlights of the entire programme.

Maspalomas carnival parade route 2026

The grand parade of Maspalomas carnival 2026 will be held on Saturday 21 March, bringing colour, music, and creativity to the streets of southern Gran Canaria. Dozens of floats, troupes, and costumed participants fill the main avenues, while thousands of spectators join the celebration.

The parade follows its traditional route:

• Departure from Hotel Parque Tropical

• Avenida de Italia

• Avenida de Gran Canaria

• Avenida 8 de Marzo

• Finishing on Avenida Touroperador TUI

The drag queen gala: identity & spectacle

Among the carnival’s many highlights, the Maspalomas drag queen gala stands out as a must-see event, celebrated on Thursday 19 March. This iconic show has become a symbol of creativity, freedom, and expression, featuring dazzling performances, avant-garde costumes, and daring choreography.

Blending humour, satire, and artistic flair, the drag gala attracts a diverse audience every year, cementing its reputation as one of the carnival’s most unforgettable spectacles.

Nightlife: Yumbo, street parties & mogollones

As night falls, the carnival atmosphere moves to the Yumbo Shopping Centre, the focal point of Maspalomas nightlife during the festivities.

Here you’ll find bars, dance floors, and open-air stages buzzing with music from DJs and live bands until late into the night. On the busiest evenings, the area can get crowded, so arriving early is highly recommended to enjoy the full party vibe.

Maspalomas carnival 2026 – provisional programme

Keep in mind that while the official schedule is yet to be confirmed. However, the provisional Maspalomas Carnival programme includes:

• Tuesday 10 March: opening parade


• Wednesday 11 March: presentation of candidates


• Thursday 12 March: grand dame gala


• Friday 13 March: children’s gala & first street party (mogollón)


• Saturday 14 March: carnival queen gala & second mogollón


• Sunday 15 March: kids’ parade, family carnival & K-narias concert


• Monday 16 March: gala without barriers


• Tuesday 17 March: choreography festival


• Wednesday 18 March: dog carnival


• Thursday 19 March: drag queen gala & third mogollón


• Friday 20 March: sardine rescue, “Carnival in the sun” concerts, tourist gala & fourth mogollón


• Saturday 21 March: grand parade & fifth mogollón


• Sunday 22 March: sardine burial & closing concerts

Events take place throughout Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, offering activities suitable for both adults and families eager to experience the island’s festive spirit.

Where to stay during Maspalomas carnival 2026

To make the most of the carnival, choosing the right accommodation is essential. After long days (and nights) of dancing and celebration, having a well-located and comfortable hotel makes all the difference.

Dunas Hotels & Resorts offers adults-only options ideal for those seeking both excitement and relaxation during the Maspalomas carnival:

• Maspalomas Villas by Dunas: A newly built four-star resort known for its modern design, privacy, and excellent location — perfect for unwinding after a lively carnival day.


• Don Gregory by Dunas: A stylish adults-only, four-star beachfront hotel designed for rest and tranquillity, offering the perfect balance between the island’s festive spirit and relaxed coastal living.

Both hotels provide the ideal base to enjoy the Maspalomas carnival 2026 — close enough to feel the energy, yet peaceful enough to recharge at your own pace.