The Carnaval in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and costumes. It is a time for citizens to come together and participate in various contests that showcase their talent and creativity. In 2023, several exciting contests are scheduled to take place in Santa Catalina Park, the center of the Carnaval festivities. Read here more about the parades, the shows and the children’s carnaval.
All contests are being held at the Santa Catalina Park Stage.
Children’s Comparsa Contest
Saturday February 11 – 5PM – SANTA CATALINA PARK STAGE – free entrance
The Children’s Comparsa Contest is a celebration of the future of the Carnaval. It is a gathering of groups of young children who show off their rhythm, choreography, and costumes to the audience. The aim is to include every child in the winner’s podium and celebrate their hard work throughout the year.
Adult Fancy Dress Contest
Saturday February 11 – 9PM – SANTA CATALINA PARK STAGE – free entrance
The Adult Fancy Dress Contest is a celebration of creativity and design. Participants can compete individually or in groups for prizes in different categories for their costumes. The competition is a festive occasion, where participants share their passion for the Carnaval, regardless of the prizes.
Murga Contest: 1st Round
Monday February 13 – 8.45PM – SANTA CATALINA PARK STAGE – free entrance
The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Murga competition is a historic contest, with the first edition dating back to 1977. The Murgas are groups that sing songs that criticize social and political events, adding a note of irony and satire to the festivities. The competition is a three-night event, with the first round being held in the Santa Catalina Park in front of a packed audience.
Murga Contest: 2nd Round
Tuesday February 14 – 8.45pm – SANTA CATALINA PARK STAGE – free entrance
The second round of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Murga competition continues to showcase the groups that sing songs that criticize social and political events. The competition is held in the Santa Catalina Park in front of a packed audience.
Murga Contest: 3rd Round
thursday February 16 – 8.45pm – SANTA CATALINA PARK STAGE – free entrance
The third round of the Murga competition is a nerve-wracking night as the groups perform, and the judges deliberate and announce the finalists. The specialist judges for the costume prize also announce their decision. The competition takes place in the Santa Catalina Park in front of a packed audience.
Adult Comparsa Contest
Friday February 17 – 8.30pm – SANTA CATALINA PARK STAGE – free entrance
The Adult Comparsa Contest is an iconic event of the Carnaval, with costumes full of color and the beat of Batucada drums and Latin sounds. The contest brings together groups from different city districts who compete for awards in each Carnaval edition.
Murga Contest: Final Round
Saturday February 18 – 9pm – SANTA CATALINA PARK STAGE – tickets €5
The final round of the Murga contest is a highly anticipated event, where the top Murga groups compete for prizes. The competition takes place in the Santa Catalina Park in front of a packed audience.
On the first day of ticket sales for each event, all channels will be active at 9AM. Ticket office: Santa Catalina Park. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10AM – 1PM and 4PM – 8PM; Saturday & Sunday 10AM – 1PM. Online tickets at www.entradascarnaval.com. Ticket sales for the Murga Contest Final Round starts Febryary 13.
International Body Painting Competition
Tuesday February 21 – 9PM – Santa Catalina Park Stage
The International Body Painting Competition is one of the most captivating events of the Carnaval. Professional artists showcase their skills by transforming their human canvases into stunning works of art, set to a performance that features carefully selected choreography, music, and rhythm. The spectacular presentation of body art fills Santa Catalina Park with an atmosphere of dreamlike scenarios, mythical symbols, and an array of imaginative themes.
Due to its immense popularity, the competition has taken on an international aspect starting in 2022. The winner of the International Body Painting Competition will have the opportunity to compete at the World Bodypainting Festival held in Austria.
Dog Carnaval
Sunday February 26 – 12PM – Santa Catalina Park Stage
One of the most highly anticipated events of recent years is the Dog Carnaval, where dogs and their owners parade in costumes that complement each other. This competition is limited only by the imagination and well-being of the animals, and has been held over a dozen times. The Dog Carnaval is held during the day and attracts a large audience to Santa Catalina Park, many of whom come with their own pets dressed in costumes, even if they are not participating in the contest. At the end of the event, all attendees, including the dressed up dogs, take to the stage.
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