Can you picture a festival where sunshine, music and a fantastic atmosphere take centre stage? Winter Pride Maspalomas, proudly sponsored by Lopesan Hotel Group since 2014, is the highlight of the year in the south of Gran Canaria. Every November, visitors from all over the world flock to Maspalomas to take part in this vibrant celebration. For an entire week, this part of the island becomes the ultimate escape from the cold—a place to socialise, soak up the sun and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Want to find out everything you can do during this incredible event? Keep reading!
What is Winter Pride Maspalomas?
Winter Pride Maspalomas is a festival that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a joyful and welcoming setting. Held every November in the sunny heart of Maspalomas, this annual event has become a favourite not only among the LGTBI community but also for anyone looking to enjoy a lively experience filled with music, culture and a truly festive atmosphere. With a varied programme featuring concerts, parades and outdoor activities, Winter Pride offers the excitement of a summer festival combined with the unbeatable warmth of the Canary Islands in winter.
Featured activities of Winter Pride Maspalomas
Winter Pride Maspalomas is renowned for its diverse programme, blending music, celebration and unique outdoor activities. While the schedule varies from year to year, the event always offers a packed agenda. Here are some of the standout activities that make this festival so special:
Concerts and live shows
Winter Pride Maspalomas is renowned for its line-up of concerts and live performances—a great mix of music, entertainment and spectacular acts that draw visitors from all over.
Main stage at the Yumbo Shopping Center
The main stage at Yumbo Shopping Centre becomes the heart of the festival, hosting performances by international artists, dazzling drag shows and electrifying DJ sessions that keep the nights alive with music and energy. This venue has firmly established itself as an unmissable meeting point during the event.
Featured artists from previous editions
Since its debut in 2014, Winter Pride Maspalomas has welcomed an impressive array of international artists who have left their mark on the festival. Music icons such as Haddaway (2022), who thrilled the crowd with his timeless hit What Is Love, and Corona (2017), with their unforgettable The Rhythm of the Night, have brought rhythm and energy to nights of celebration.
Legendary performers have also taken the stage, including Samantha Fox (2018), known for her ’80s classics, and the iconic duo Baccara (2014), who launched the festival with their unmistakable Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.
The Yumbo Shopping Centre stage has also hosted unforgettable performances from artists like Heather Small (2016) and 2Unlimited (2019), who had the crowd jumping to their anthem No Limit. But Winter Pride isn’t just about nostalgia; contemporary talents such as Danny Beard (2023), winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, have proven that this festival seamlessly blends the best of the past with fresh, innovative performances that resonate with today’s audiences.
Other concert and event spaces
Winter Pride Maspalomas isn’t confined to a single location—it spreads across various corners of the town. Beyond the main stage, the celebration spills into multiple spaces that come alive with music, art and an incredible atmosphere.
Throughout the festival, open-air venues host concerts, themed parties and DJ sessions, allowing revellers to dance late into the night. The liveliest areas of Maspalomas burst with colour and a festive spirit, creating a unique setting for both strolling and enjoying the celebrations to the fullest.
One of the standout features of Winter Pride is the variety of settings it offers. From coastal spots with a refreshing sea breeze to lively urban areas filled with lights and music, every location adds its own charm and enriches the festival experience. Each edition brings a carefully curated mix of environments, allowing visitors to enjoy both the electric energy of large-scale parties and quieter moments in more intimate spaces.
The festival’s programme includes sun-soaked concerts in the November warmth as well as dazzling night-time shows that light up Maspalomas with joy. With such a diverse range of events, everyone can find the perfect way to enjoy the music and atmosphere that suits their taste.
Winter Pride Maspalomas is a celebration of music, fun and inclusivity—an unmissable event that showcases everything Gran Canaria has to offer at this special time of year.
Theme parties and pool parties
Winter Pride is renowned for its themed parties, featuring both daytime poolside events and nighttime celebrations at local venues. With carefully designed decorations, these parties provide the perfect setting to enjoy Maspalomas’ warm November climate.
Excursions and outdoor activities
Winter Pride also offers the chance to explore Gran Canaria through a range of activities, including boat trips, excursions to iconic landscapes and other unique experiences designed to make the most of the island during the festival.
Markets and meeting spaces
The festival features lively markets and dedicated social spaces, offering food stalls, artisan crafts and unique products. These areas provide the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The emblematic “Pride Walk”
The Winter Pride Maspalomas Pride Walk is one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights. This grand parade sets off from Hotel Abora Catarina by Lopesan and makes its way through the town’s main streets before reaching the Yumbo Shopping Centre.
During the event, people from all over come together to celebrate diversity and show their support for the LGTBI+ community in a joyous and festive atmosphere that embodies the inclusive spirit of the festival. It is an unmissable occasion for those wanting to experience the true essence of Winter Pride.
But what makes the Pride Walk such a unique spectacle in Maspalomas? Without a doubt, the decorated floats and the lively parade that bring the streets to life with music, colour and fun. These decorated floats, accompanied by enthusiastic participants, move to the rhythm of the music, creating the parade’s main attraction.
Surrounding them, the crowd enjoys an incredible atmosphere, with live performances adding even more excitement to this unforgettable moment.
Practical tips for Winter Pride Maspalomas
To make the most of big events without any last-minute surprises, a little forward planning goes a long way. With that in mind, here are some key things to consider:
- Book in advance. Maspalomas is one of the island’s most popular destinations, and Winter Pride attracts visitors from all over. We recommend securing your accommodation and purchasing tickets for the main events well ahead of time.
- Check the schedule. Winter Pride offers a packed programme of activities, from concerts and parades to themed parties, which can feel overwhelming. Reviewing the schedule in advance will help you choose your favourite events and plan your days so you don’t miss any special moments.
- Dress appropriately. November in Maspalomas means fantastic weather, but it’s best to wear light clothing during the day, while bringing a jacket for the evenings, which can be cooler. If you plan to explore the area or take part in outdoor events, comfortable shoes are a must!
- Consider transport options. Getting around Maspalomas is easy, whether by public transport or taxi. As events take place at various locations, it’s useful to have a plan for getting from place to place. We recommend checking timetables, bus stops and taxi ranks in advance to stay organised.
Winter Pride Maspalomas is the perfect opportunity to discover a spectacular destination like Gran Canaria. Enjoy unforgettable days filled with celebrations and stunning natural landscapes. As proud sponsors of the event, we at Lopesan Hotel Group invite you to experience the warm hospitality of our island and make the most of this unique occasion.
We look forward to welcoming you!
