Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Last February we celebrated Carnival. It is one of the most important festivals in our town. Almost everybody, from children to elderly people, disguises and goes out to the streets to enjoy the different shows.
The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the oldest and most historic festivals of the capital of Gran Canaria. The first Carnival was in the XVI century, in 1574, with the masked and disguised dance celebrated in the house of the canon Pedro Leon, on the occasion of MatÃas Cairasco ' s marriage.
In the 80 ' s the organization of the carnival had to be professionalized and specialized. The Carnival demanded more activities and a municipal ordinance. The Carnivals are important holidays to which all people join and every year we enjoy more experiences.
The night of the final of Murgas is one of the most exciting events that is celebrated in the grounds of Santa Catalina park. The followers of the finalist murgas fill the seats and stands to see their group on stage. At the end of the proceedings, and with the emotions of all the people, the jury issues its ruling and awards the performance awards to three of the groups. In the year 1998 the first Gala Drag Queen was celebrated and has had a great importance until now. The Drag Queen gala is one of the most important performances of the Carnival programme.
Feathers to the rhythm of the batucadas identify the night of the
Comparsas.
These groups reflect the essence of Carnival both for the spectacularity of their costumes and choreographies as for their relationship with music, rhythm and dance.