Carnivals and cultural activities in the Canaries

Want to know more about carnivals and cultural activities in the Canaries? Of course you do! Read on for top tips and dates for your calendar.

The Canary Islands are known for their year-round sunshine and tropical climate, stunning sand dunes and bustling social calendars, which come to life in the summer and autumn months. Just a four-hour flight from the UK, the islands attract jet setters to participate in local festivals, enjoy sporting challenges and celebrate the island’s authentic and cultural traditions.

DIA DE CANARIAS, TENERIFE

Día de Canarias, or ‘Day of the Canary Islands’ which takes place on 30 May 2019 is a public holiday celebrated across the different islands. Tenerife, being the largest of the canaries, is the perfect destination to celebrate this festival that dates back to 1982. The day includes folklore music, colourful displays incorporating the Canarian flag and street art, making the national ‘fiesta’ an exciting day out for island guests. The Ranilla neighbourhood in Puerto de la Cruz is arguably the entertainment hub for celebrations as crowds gather listening to live musical performances, feasting on locally inspired cuisine, meandering their way around artisanal craft stalls and soaking up the atmosphere.

Those looking to celebrate Día de Canarias in Tenerife can stay at Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife, a fantasy themed hotel that offers multimedia entertainment, enchanting spaces and fun activities for an unforgettable holiday. The hotel is located approximately an hour’s drive away from Puerto de la Cruz, ideal for those looking to hire a car and explore the island. Jet2 Holidays offers five-nights at Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife from £1,870 for two adults staying in Swim Up Junior Suite on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes coach transfers and return flights from London Stansted on 28 May 2019.

SAN JUAN, LANZAROTE

The annual festival, which takes place on 23 June each year, is hosted in celebration of the summer solstice. San Juan is one of the most internationally recognized and highly anticipated events in the Spanish calendar, attracting locals and holidaymakers alike. With San Juan being the patron saint of the village of Haría in the north of the island, Lanzarote is the preferred destination to enjoy the day. Bonfires are lit in many towns and villages, elaborate firework displays take place in bigger city locations and communities in Playa Blanca release lanterns into the night sky. But traditionally, the fiesta is marked by locals leaping across the lit bonfires, which is said to bring good luck, followed by a dip in the sea, a ritual which is thought to be linked to Lanzarote’s pre-aboriginal peoples.

OUR LADY OF CARMEN, FUERTEVENTURA

From 8 – 16 July, the municipality of Corralejo fills with locals and visitors alike who gather along the coastline as well as on hundreds of flower-embellished boats to honour the patroness of the town, Lady Carmen. A statue of the religious figure is paraded through the local towns, accompanied by traditional music and Canarian song, before being placed on a sail boat around the harbour. An age-old tradition, the festival and its patroness are believed to bring good luck to the fisherman of the sea. The spectacle is worth experiencing for the atmosphere, if not to understand more about the island’s rich history.

Suite Hotel Atlantis Fuerteventura Resort offers the ideal base for visitors to explore the island and enjoy the colourful, jam-packed event. The four-star all-inclusive property is designed like a traditional Canarian village and boasts 383 suites, seven swimming pools, a spa, three restaurants and bars along with fun-filled activities for children with kids’ clubs and creative workshops for families to enjoy. Alpharooms offer seven nights from £2,088 for two adults and two children staying in Junior Suite on an all-inclusive basis with flights departing from London Stansted on 16 July 2019.

LA ISLA BONITA ‘LOVE FESTIVAL’, LA PALMA

The Canary Island of La Palma plays host to the famous LOVE Festival which this year takes place from 17 – 20 July. The event pays homage to the LGBTQ community and offers the perfect blend of music, gastronomy and fashion, with a catwalk space showcasing the latest trends and eclectic pieces. The music scene this year will be featuring icons from the Spanish LGBTQ community including Prince Royce, Mónica Naranjo, Pablo López, and Fangoria amongst the artists set to perform at the event. The vibrant festival showcases the diverse island culture and also offers a platform to highlight La Palma’s gastronomy with live cooking demonstrations from local chefs, farmers and producers. Festival-goers can also enjoy the leisure and shopping elements of the event with craft stalls in abundance selling bric-a-brac and holiday memorabilia.