Gran Canaria Holidays: Festivities and special occasions to make your holidays even more memorable!
The island of Gran Canaria is world known for its friendly climate, laidback atmosphere and golden beaches. It’s a place where the sun shines almost always and what could be a better occasion to savour all that, than booking your holidays in Gran Canaria to coincide with all the festivities! In this guide we present you 5 occasions worthy of visiting in order to get into the festive spirit under the sun and make your holidays in Gran Canaria even more memorable!
Canary Islands Music Festival
The Canary Islands Government has been organising the Canary Island Music Festival since 1985, hosting a great number of classical musicians. This is a great occasion to be around as a lot of internationally acclaimed musicians land on the island, in order to make the works of the great composers come alive under the broad Canarian sky! Starting on the 8th of January and keeping on till the 12th of February, the Canary Island Music Festival fills up the Alfredo Kraus auditorium in Las Palmas with myriads of notes and imposing rhythms. Certainly a great occasion to coincide with your holidays in Gran Canaria if you are a fan of classical music.
Gran Canaria Carnival
The ‘Carnaval’ as locals call it, takes place in February and when the island opens its shores to everyone wanting to celebrate! Despite the time of year, the weather is great and both locals and visitors dress up in colour and party all over the streets. If you happen to organise your holidays in Grand Canaria during this time of year, be prepared to have the time of your life! Local bands and acts take the stage and various shows are guaranteed to make you celebrate your time on the island even more. Watch the competitions of murga and comparsa and become a part of the Gran Cabalgata parade amongst the huge crowds of festival goers because this is an event to remember long after you leave!
Gran Canaria Film Festival
Straight after the frenzy taking place during the carnival, Gran Canaria hosts its film festival. This is a great occasion for fans of the 7th art to be around as scriptwriters, actors and producers present their work and get awarded with the Lady Harimaguada prize for the best film. Definitely one thing to keep your eyes out for if you happen to be a fan of film.
Alfredo Kraus Opera Festival
If you haven’t had enough of classical music, the Alfredo Kraus Opera Festival is a prestigious event held in the Cuyas Theatre, hosting a lot of renowned musicians each year. The atmosphere is laid back and the weather good as always but the classical voices will make your hair stand on end under the Canarian moon.
Fiestas Fundacionales (San Juan)
Viva Canaria! This festive occasion, held during the month of June, commemorates the founding of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and as such it is a marvel to witness during your holidays in Gran Canaria! The spirit around the city becomes more festive as live concerts, acts and activities are part of the day and locals as well as tourists celebrate by lighting bonfires throughout on the eve of San Juan. If you happen to be around the Las Canteras beach during this occasion, prepare to witness possibly the largest swim in terms of people as thousands of locals and tourists flock to the beach to celebrate and dip in the warm Canarian waters!
