The Canary Islands LGBTQ diary has always been full of festivals, concerts and crowded events that have earned a great reputation across Europe.
A great example is Maspalomas Winter Pride, one of the most popular European LGBTQ celebrations in the winter season. It’s so popular that some years it’s drawn crowds of more than 35,000, making it Europe’s top winter Pride. And it’s held in the Canary Islands!
Our Winter Pride began in 2014 in Gran Canaria’s tourism hub, Playa del Inglés, in the heart of the island’s gay scene: the Yumbo shopping centre.
The line-up of that first event, held mid November, included European artists who brought to life the works of favourite LGBTQ performers Donna Summer, Cher, Shirley Bassey, ABBA and Lady Gaga.
Legendary duo Baccara performed live, and top drag queens from Gran Canaria strutted their stuff on the three nights of the open-air event. Drag Vulcano, Drag Gio, Drag Noa and Drag Orion dressed up to the nines, pulled on their platform shoes and gave jaw-dropping performances.
Eight years after that first event brought more than 12,000 people together, the show goes on. Very few places in the world can hold this type of event outdoors, bringing your international performers and unique celebrations while enjoying mild, pleasant temperatures, even at night.
Many years have passed since that first event, but the show goes on: few places in the world can hold this type of event outdoors with international performers and original celebrations like Winter Carnival, boat trips, drag queen shows and talent shows while enjoying mild, pleasant temperatures, even at night.
Boats, pool parties and loads of music
Winter Pride is known for its boat parties, pool parties and loads of music.
The Gay Boat Cruise has long been considered Gran Canaria’s best boat trip. During this full-day excursion with on board catering and live music by a saxophone player, the great company, but also the sun, the sea and fun water sports. A highly attractive, perfect plan you just can’t miss!
Other “musts” on the lineup of events include the pool party at AxelBeach in Playa del Inglés, back again at one of the most iconic gay tourism hotels with the added attraction of a poolside barbeque. There’s no better way to start Winter Pride week than sipping a cocktail at a pool party full of fun activities and great vibes!
In addition to pool parties, the event includes loads of nightlife with guaranteed fun, where you can dance till you drop.
Maspalomas Winter Pride is a must for the LGBTQ crowd, who’ll find the hub of winter fun in the Canary Islands.
You can’t say no!
