How Gran Canaria Celebrates ‘Día de Canarias’

by Lorraine Williamson
Published: Updated:
dia de canarias

LAS PALMAS – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is celebrating the regional holiday ‘Día de Canarias’ on Tuesday, May 30th. In honour of the occasion, the city’s tourist information points and the Guagua Turística (tourist bus) have joined the festivities by offering a taste of traditional Canarian music and treating visitors and local residents to delicious island delicacies. 

The Guagua Turística, with its onboard Canarian music, allows residents from any of the eight islands to hop on board at a special price of €4. Additionally, all passengers receive complimentary Canarian products such as handmade jams, bananas, and ambrosia. 

Central Role for the ‘Parranda’ 

The traditional music group, Parranda Amigos Isleños, plays a central role in the celebrations. The musicians hop on the bus to perform their traditional repertoire during three tours around the most emblematic locations of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. These special tours featuring Canarian music depart from Parque Santa Catalina at 10.00 am, 3.30 pm, and 5.00 pm. The parranda also performs at the information point on Plaza de Canarias at 11.20 am and at the information point in Parque de San Telmo at 4.30 pm. 

Also read: Half of the homes sold in the Canary Islands to foreigners 

Throughout the day, the City Sightseeing team and the tourist information points in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria distribute Canarian products in collaboration with companies such as La Molina Artesanía, Asprocan, and Tirma. 

Paseo Romero Procession 

The popular Paseo Romero, organised by the Real Club Victoria and the municipality, will gather thousands of residents and tourists to celebrate the traditions and folk culture of the islands in a festive atmosphere. Twelve carts pulled by pairs of oxen or mules will depart from Parque de Santa Catalina at 12 noon. The procession, featuring carts, parrandas (music groups), folkloric ensembles, and pilgrims, will continue through the streets of Luis Morote, General Vives, Sagasta, and conclude on Calle Tenerife, next to Paseo de Las Canteras. 

Celebrations in Other Locations 

In addition to the activities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, celebrations are also taking place in other parts of Gran Canaria. For example, Los Gofiones will be giving a concert in Arucas starting at 12 noon. 

Agüimes 

In Agüimes, there will be concerts, parrandas, demonstrations of traditional games, and children’s entertainment at the Recinto Ferial and Plaza del Rosario. At the Recinto Ferial in Agüimes, from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, a program filled with Canarian culture will include performances by Besay Pérez at 12 noon and Taburiente at 1.30 pm. Furthermore, admission is free. 

These activities and celebrations in honour of ‘Día de Canarias’ provide both residents and visitors with the opportunity to celebrate the unique culture and identity of the Canary Islands. 

Also read: Canary Islands received more than 1 million tourists in April 

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