Entertainment in Canarias

Festivals

There are so many fiestas in the Canary Islands that we simply cannot put them all on the site. They say that in August alone there are more than 50. Check at the local tourist office for the upcoming fiestas. Below you can find some of the most outstanding festivals.

Festival Information Canary Islands

Carnival (February/March), Santa Cruz de Tenerife - One of Europe's biggest carnivals, this grand street party is a lavish spectacle of extravagant costumes and Latin American dance music to rival that of Rio de Janeiro. For years under the Franco regime, Carnival was suppressed for its irreverent frivolity. It begins with the election of a queen of the festivities and builds up to a climax on Shrove Tuesday when there is a large procession. The "funeral" of an enormous mock sardine takes place on Ash Wednesday. Carnival is also celebrated on the islands of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

Corpus Christi (May/June), La Orotava (Tenerife) - The streets of the town are filled with flower carpets in striking patterns, while the Plaza del Ayuntamiento is covered in copies of works of art, formed from coloured volcanic sands.

Descent of the Virgin of the Snows (July, every 5 years ,2000, 2005, etc), Santa Cruz de La Palma. Romeria de la Virgen de la Candelaria (15 August), Candelaria (Tenerife) - Pilgrims come here in their thousands to venerate the Canary Islands' patroness.

Fiesta del Charco (7-11 September), San Nicolas de Tolentino (Gran Canaria) - People leap into a large saltwater pond to catch mullet.

Live Music

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Many concerts are held in the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, but in the summer many are held on Playa de las Canteras. Tickets can be bought at the Corte Ingles department store.

Sant Cruz de Tenerife - Big names usually perform at the Plaza de Toros or the recinto ferial. Ask at the tourist office what is on and where to get tickets. Discos Manzana, Calle de Jose Murphy 2, often sells tickets for the big events.

Theatres

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - The Teatro Perez Galdos, Calle de Lentini 1, is where you can find some dramatic art and it is often used for music recitals. (Tel +34 928 361 509)

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Teatro Guiniguada, Calle de la Mesa de Leon s/n, this theatre gets most of the better quality productions. (Tel +34 928 380 986)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife - The main place for concerts or theatre is Teatro Guimera, Calle de Imeldo Seris (Tel +34 922 290 838). The main event on the calendar in the Festival de Musica de Canarias, held annually in January-February.

Classical Music & Opera

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Playa de las Canteras holds 1700 people, who have beautiful ocean views from the huge windows.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife - The same theatre as above; Teatro Guimera is the place for classical concerts.

Cinema

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - There are 3 multicinemas here but it is hard to find a movie which is undubbed. The most central is the Multicines Royal, Calle de Leon y Castillo 85.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Here are 3 multicinemas as well. Undubbed movies can be found at Multicines Price, Calle de Salamanca 16 (Tel +34 922 289 459)

---

To find out more about entertainment in Spain choose a region from the list below.