The Carnaval Internacional de Maspalomas is one of the biggest carnival events in the Canary Islands and is officially recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest of the Canary Islands. This year it runs from March 10 to 22, 2026 — with a revamped programme designed to be more family-friendly and participatory.
The theme "El Circo" (The Circus) will be reflected in costumes, floats and performances: clowns, acrobats, magicians and circus artists in every colour will fill the streets of the south.
What's New in 2026?
The most significant change: the Queen's Gala (Gala de la Reina) has been moved to the first Sunday of carnival (March 15). This frees up Saturday for the children's parade and family carnival — a deliberate decision to encourage greater family participation.
Additionally, the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana has announced enhanced technological controls and security measures for the Gran Cabalgata (Grand Parade) for the first time.
Full Programme
Date — Time — Event
Tue, March 10 — — — Announcement Float
Wed, March 11 — 9:00 PM — Candidates Presentation
Thu, March 12 — 8:30 PM — Grand Dame Gala
Fri, March 13 — 8:00 PM / 11:00 PM — Children's Royalty Gala · Street Party
Sat, March 14 — 12:00 / 2–8 PM / 11:00 PM — Children's Parade · Family Carnival · Street Party
Sun, March 15 — 9:00 PM — Queen's Gala
Mon, March 16 — 6:00 PM — Barrier-Free Gala
Tue, March 17 — 6:00 PM — Choreographic Festival
Wed, March 18 — 5:00 PM — Canine Carnival
Thu, March 19 — 9:00 PM / 11:00 PM — Drag Queen Gala 2026 · Street Party
Fri, March 20 — 12:00 / 2:00 PM / 9:00 PM / 11:00 PM — Sardine Rescue · Sun Carnival · Tourist Gala · Street Party
Sat, March 21 — 5:00 PM / 11:00 PM — Grand Parade (Gran Cabalgata) · Street Party
Sun, March 22 — — / 7:00 PM — Burial of the Sardine · Concerts & Grand Finale
The Highlights
The Drag Queen Gala is the flagship event of Maspalomas Carnival. Held at the Yumbo Centre, it is broadcast live on Spanish television. The gala combines choreography, humour, music and costumes that grow more spectacular each year. The competition originated in Maspalomas — it was created here in 1986 under the name "Miss Trevestikarnatival" before later also taking place in Las Palmas.
The grand parade runs from Hotel Parque Tropical (El Veril, Playa del Inglés) along Avenida de Italia and Avenida de Gran Canaria to Avenida Touroperador TUI (near Maspalomas Lighthouse). Over 100 floats and tens of thousands of spectators are expected. The parade lasts several hours.
The carnival traditionally ends with the "Entierro de la Sardina" — a partly comical, partly ceremonial procession in which a symbolic sardine is burned. This is followed by concerts and the grand finale.
Practical Information
Most evening events take place in and around the Yumbo Centre (CC Yumbo, Av. Estados Unidos 54, Playa del Inglés). The mogollones (street parties) typically start at 11 PM and last until the early morning hours.
On Saturday, March 21, expect significant traffic disruptions. If arriving that day, plan to do so before noon. Public transport will be largely suspended.
March temperatures hover around a pleasant 20–22°C — perfect for open-air carnival.
Further information: Maspalomas official