Lanzarote Puerto del Carmen Carnaval

The Puerto del Carmen Carnaval is a real highlight of the year here on Lanzarote, drawing crowds of locals and visitors alike to the island’s sunny southeast coast. 

Puerto del Carmen itself is well-loved for its long stretches of beach, friendly welcome, and lively evenings, but during Carnaval, the town truly comes alive. Usually celebrated in late February or early March, the festival is famous for its colourful parades, imaginative costumes, and the unmistakable buzz of excitement that fills the sea air.

Carnaval in Puerto del Carmen is part of a much-loved tradition that stretches right across the Canary Islands. While the celebrations here have grown and changed over the years, especially as the town has welcomed more visitors from around the world, they still hold onto a distinctly Canarian flavour. These days, the Carnaval has its own unique style, shaped by both local customs and the many different people who now call Puerto del Carmen home, even if just for a week or two.

The centrepiece of Carnaval in Puerto del Carmen is always the Grand Parade, known locally as the Gran Coso. It winds its way along Avenida de las Playas, right by the sea, and is a real feast for the senses. Expect to see dazzling floats, energetic dance troupes, and plenty of locals and visitors dressed up in all manner of creative costumes. The whole community gets involved, and the parade is always themed, so each year brings something new to enjoy as you join the crowds lining the seafront.

One of the real joys of Carnaval is watching the murgas, local groups who take to the stage with witty, satirical songs about island life and the latest news. Their performances are always a highlight, mixing music, laughter, and a good dose of local humour. The comparsas bring even more colour and rhythm, with their vibrant costumes and lively dances set to infectious Latin and Caribbean beats.

Another much-anticipated event is the Drag Queen Gala, where contestants dazzle the crowd with spectacular costumes, bold makeup, and show-stopping performances. The atmosphere is always full of fun and acceptance, and it’s a real favourite with both locals and visitors.

The Puerto del Carmen Carnaval is family-friendly, with dedicated events for children such as costume contests, a mini-parade, and games. Local schools and youth organisations are actively involved, ensuring the tradition is passed down and enjoyed by younger generations.

During Carnaval in Puerto del Carmen, the town is filled with open-air parties, live music, and DJ sets,especially around the Old Town and along the seafront. You’ll find food stalls and local bars serving up everything from Canarian favourites to international treats, and the celebrations often carry on well into the early hours.

The grand finale of the Puerto del Carmen Carnaval is the Entierro de la Sardina, or Burial of the Sardine. A giant sardine is carried through the streets before being set alight in a bonfire, marking the end of the festivities and the beginning of Lent. There’s always music, fireworks, and plenty of drama. A fitting end to a week of celebration.