Local special events

Here’s a selection of local events in Gran Canaria, particularly near Bahía Feliz, from January to December:

January/February

• Dia de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day) – January 6: Parades across the island with the Three Kings giving sweets to children.
• Fiesta del Almendro en Flor (Almond Blossom Festival): Early February in Tejeda and Valsequillo, featuring local products like wines and almond sweets, as well as traditional dances and songs.

February/March

• Carnival: Celebrated all over the island, especially in Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Agüimes. The carnival includes murgas (satirical songs), comparsas (Brazilian-style dances), drag queen contests, and more.

March/April

• Holy Week (Semana Santa): Religious processions across the island, particularly in Las Palmas and Teror.
• Rally Islas Canarias Trofeo El Corte Inglés: The island’s largest car rally, featuring spectacular stages.

April/May

• Fiesta de los Aborígenes (Aborigine Festival) – April 29: Celebrations around the Guanches’ uprising against the Spanish in 1483.
• Fiestas del Queso (Cheese Festival) – April 27 – May 4: Tastings and festivities in Santa María de Guía celebrating local cheese.
• Día de Canarias (Canary Islands Day) – May 30: Concerts, folkloric dances, and traditional performances across the island.

June

• Corpus Christi: Floral street decorations for religious processions, especially in Las Palmas.

July

• Fiesta del Carmen – July 16: Maritime processions and festivities in honor of Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen.

August

• Bajada de la Rama (Branch Festival) – August 4: A traditional festival in Agaete, where locals carry pine branches in procession.

September

• Fiesta de la Virgen del Pino (Our Lady of the Pine Festival) – September 8: Pilgrimages and religious celebrations in Teror.
• Fiesta del Charco (Lagoon Festival) – September 11: A traditional festival in Puerto de la Aldea where locals dive into the lagoon to catch fish with their hands.

October

• Fiestas de la Naval (Naval Festival) – 2nd Saturday in October: Maritime processions in Las Palmas commemorating the Spanish Navy’s victory over Sir Francis Drake.

December

• Día de Santa Lucía – December 13: Celebrations with both Swedish and Canary Island traditions.
• Navidad (Christmas) – December 25: Nativity scenes, particularly in Veneguera and Playa de las Canteras.
• New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja) – December 31: Dinner and celebrations with customs like eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.

These festivals and events offer excellent opportunities to experience the local culture, music, dance, and culinary traditions of Gran Canaria throughout the year.