Ready for the Fiestas del Carmen in Las Palmas? In LOCK & enjoy! we accompany you in these popular celebrations that have so much tradition and are an emblem for the people of Las Palmas.
Near the neighborhood of La Isleta we have a Luggage storage facility open 24 hours a day so you don’t have to worry about your backpack or luggage, since most of the festivities take place in the street.
Origin and meaning of the Fiestas del Carmen
The Virgen del Carmen is considered the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, professions that have had and still have so much importance in the Canary Islands, therefore, the devotion is very old.
However, the celebration of this local festivity began to take shape in the mid-twentieth century, although the exact year or time is unknown. The first documented celebrations that exist refer only to processions and venerations. Today it has become a consolidated event with numerous programs and activities for all audiences.
In which neighborhoods is it celebrated?
The neighborhoods that feel more fervor and passion for this festivity are San Cristobal and La Isleta. The reason is that they are areas with a strong seafaring tradition among the locals:
- San Cristobal. It is a picturesque seaside neighborhood located south of the city. We are sure you will love walking through its streets, as most of its small houses are painted in different colors.
- La Isleta. It is another seafaring neighborhood that acquires great importance during the Fiestas del Carmen in Las Palmas. We recommend you to get lost in its steep streets, as there are stairs painted with urban art.
If you want to enjoy the activities that we explain below, you just have to go to one of these neighborhoods. This festival begins on July 6th and ends on the 28th of the same month.
Activities to do in Las Fiestas del Carmen
The programming is very extensive and is adapted to all types of audiences and, in addition, has very important support from the public and administrative authorities of the island.
The official schedule for 2024 has not yet been made public, however, every year it is very similar, although the dates may vary.
Commencement (July 6)
The starting signal is given with the ringing of the bells at 12:00 noon, which announces the beginning of the festivities, as well as the announcing parade that goes along the main streets of the neighborhood: Benartemi, Palmas, Benecharo, La Naval, etc.
In the afternoon, a religious act is celebrated in which the image of the Virgen del Carmen is taken out of its dressing room. Once finished, there is a small Eucharist sung by the parish choir.
And finally, the public authorities move to the neighborhood to officiate the proclamation that inaugurates this event. It takes place in Benartemi street, as this is where the temple is located. This year’s criers are the group Murga Los Chancletas.
In other years, a fireworks display has been held in parallel to the ringing of the bells to announce the beginning of the festival. However, this year it has been moved to July 16, the day of the Virgen del Carmen, at 00:00 hours.
Concerts and other activities
During most of the days there are musical concerts in the epicenter of the neighborhood, the Plaza Manuel Becerra. For example, it has already been made official that the musical group La Trova will perform on July 15.
In LOCK & enjoy! we recommend that you come more than one night in the streets of La Isleta to enjoy its nightlife, festive and street atmosphere.
In the absence of further details, the associations in charge of organizing the festival in La Isleta usually organize excursions and guided tours to other parts of the island, such as a visit to the Elder Museum or the North Ecopark.
During the Fiestas del Carmen in Las Palmas there is also a craft fair, a T-shirt recycling workshop or a guided walking tour through the main streets of the neighborhood.
Decorated streets
The streets during this festivity become one of the main tourist attractions. The residents of the neighborhood fill the streets with carpets for the Aurora Procession that takes place on July 15 at 5:00 am.
The laying of the carpets is an artistic spectacle, as they are made of salt, sand or rubber. Each carpet is different and has a different theme, there are colorful, childish or with religious elements. From the afternoon until the early morning, all the inhabitants of the neighborhood are working long hours to make the night procession a success.
Seafaring procession
On July 20th the most important event of this festivity is celebrated: the maritime procession. At 17:00 hours the image of the Virgen del Carmen is taken out of the temple to be carried to La Naval street and from there to
Once in the port, it is embarked on a Navy ship that bears the name of the Virgin. From that moment on, this ship travels around the bay of the capital of Gran Canaria together with
It is the most exciting moment in religious terms due to the great devotion that the islanders feel for their Virgin.
Finally, several recommendations:
- If you are staying far away from La Isleta or San Cristóbal, check the timetables of the municipal bus schedules.
- Pay attention to the publication of the official program for more details.
Experience one of the most popular festivals: Fiestas del Carmen in Las Palmas! And, remember, in Las Canteras Beach, very close to La Isleta, we have a Luggage storage service so you can leave your belongings with maximum security. Book at LOCK & enjoy!
