Thursday 5 January 2012

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival

The Las Palmas carnival is one of the oldest and most popular festivals on the island of Gran Canaria.

The first historical reference to the carnival dates back to the 15th century. In 1574, a masked and costume ball was organized at the home of the local dignitary Pedro Leon. Masked balls continued to be popular during the following centuries but the Las Palmas carnival took a giant leap in the 19th century when various dancing and entertainment parties were organized around the city center.

The Las Palmas carnival has been celebrated as a big street carnival with costume parades since 1976.  The focal point of the Las Palmas carnival is Parque Santa Catalina, a big and busy park in the heart of the bustling Santa Catalina district between the harbor Puerto de la Luz and the Playa de las Canteras.


Election of the Queen of the Carnival 2011.
The carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has seen many changes throughout the years such as the addition of a Drag Queen Gala.

The 2012 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival will kick off with a Queen Show on 3 february. Various events for young and old have been scheduled until 21 february - children's comparsas, canine carnival, Murgas contest, adult costume competition, adult comparsas contest, costume contest for children, social integration gala, body painting competition, drag queen show, the gran cabalgata (the grand parade), great carnival gala.

Drag Queen Gala 2011

For more information about the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival, events schedule and pictures visit http://www.lpacarnaval.com

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