When is Lanzarote Carnival?
Lanzarote Carnival 2023 is celebrated between February and March. Each municipality has its own parties on specific dates (which we will detail later) but, in general, there are more than ten days of fun in practically the entire island.
How is Carnival celebrated in Lanzarote?
In addition to the typical costumes and parties, as long as the body can last out, Lanzarote Carnival also includes a series of celebrations that are typical to the island.
The fun begins with the proclamation and is followed by all kinds of activities: parades, processions, floats, costume contests, verbenas (outdoor concerts)…
Not to be missed are the traditional ‘murgas’ contest, the exhibition of costumes, ‘batucada’ drummer and dance troupes, the Drag Queen gala and, as a final flourish, the burial of the sardine, which despite being the closing of the festivities attracts many people.
What is the murgas contest?
The murgas contest is one of the great attractions of Lanzarote Carnival. In it, the groups make their particular political and social criticism through well-known songs to which they change the lyrics with a lot of humour and irony.
The competition usually takes place in three phases followed by a final, so it usually lasts for four days. The winning group will be the one that stands out most for the lyrics of their songs, their performance and, of course, their costumes.
There is a murgas contest for adults and also children because the fun at Lanzarote Carnival is for everyone.
Where are the most famous carnivals in Lanzarote celebrated?
The main municipalities of the island celebrate Lanzarote Carnival in one way or another. The main focus is on the capital, Arrecife, where the most popular celebration takes place. But Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca also have events that are really appealing.
If you visit Lanzarote during this time and want to enjoy its Carnival, make sure you get to see the full programme of events for these festivities.
Arrecife Carnival
Arrecife Carnival, the most important on the island, is celebrated from 10 to 22 February, 2023. You will see the murgas contest, the costume parades, batucadas and the dance troupe performances. What are the highlights?
- Porteño Carnival: 18 February.
- Float Parade: 20 February.
- Burial of the Sardine: 22 February.
Puerto del Carmen Carnival
Another of the most outstanding celebrations of Lanzarote Carnival takes place In Puerto del Carmen. The dates are from 11 to 24 February, 2023 with a very attractive theme: a Space Carnival. What are the main activities?
- Drag Queen Gala: 18 February.
- Chinijo Carnival: 19 February.
- Parades y Burning of the Guachinango: 24 February.
Costa Teguise Carnival
Costa Teguise Carnival retains a more traditional character and is celebrated from 27 February to 5 March. Its main attraction is the Gala of the Traditional Carnival in the Villa, which takes place on the night of 2 March in the Plaza de los Leones.
The following day, the float parade and the costume dances will leave the Avenida Islas Canarias in Costa Teguise brimming with colour.
Playa Blanca Carnival
The last celebration is Playa Blanca Carnival, which takes place between 16 and 19 March. This time, the theme focuses on the environment and caring for the planet.
Its main activities are the float parade and the costume dances that take place along the Avenida del Carmen on 18 March.
