Every May 30th the Day of the Canary Islands is celebrated. This is an event that fills the streets with music and people dressed in typical costumes. One way to celebrate this day in your own, unique fashion is by doing a tandem skydive, marvelling at the island Gran Canaria from above.
Another great way to enjoy the celebrations is by tasting the delicious, most traditional dishes of Gran Canaria, such as papas arrugadas with mojo picón (wrinkled potatoes with a yummy paprika-garlic sauce).
The day of the Canary Islands is a renowned public holiday and if you want to know a little more about it, we invite you to read until the end. This celebration takes place on all the islands of the archipelago and experiencing it, no matter what island you are on, will bring you closer to the Canarian culture.
There are various tributes and artistic and cultural events taking place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but the true typical and authentic tradition can be enjoyed in the more rural areas.
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Why is the Day of the Canary Islands celebrated on May 30?
On May 30, the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands celebrates its day, a celebration for the Canarian people to commemorate the first session of the Parliament of the Canary Islands in 1983, led by Pedro Cabrera, after the approval of the Constitution of Autonomy of the Canary Islands in 1982.
This day marks the first time that the Canary Islands had a self-government encompassing all 8 islands (7 at that time, since La Graciosa belonged to Lanzarote until 2018).
From that moment onwards, all Canarian residents could elect their autonomous government, which is based in the two provincial capitals of the Canary archipelago:
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The vote is non-compulsory and takes place every four years.
How is the Day of the Canary Islands celebrated?
The Day of the Canary Islands is a cultural festivity of the Canary people, celebrating their traditions full of colours and vigour. Folkloric music, artistic and social events as well as traditional sports (such as Luchada, Vela Latina, Garrote, etc.) are all part of the celebrations.
There are many municipalities that organise their own program to celebrate this Canary public holiday and throughout the Canary Islands you can participate in various cultural and leisure activities, enjoying the festivities together with family and friends.
On the Day of the Canary Islands the traditions of the Archipelago are magnified. Among many other things you can find craft markets, theatre for the little ones as well as entertainment and music until late at night…
Activities on the Day of the Canary Islands
If you like extreme sports, you can celebrate the Day of the Canary Islands by doing a tandem skydive in the morning and then enjoying the different activities that take place all over the islands.
Every May 30, the streets of the Canary archipelago are full of music, food, entertainment and many people dressed in the traditional robes of the municipality. All around the archipelago you can enjoy a good party with the traditional Canary atmosphere.
Walk through the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Taking a walk through the central area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a unique opportunity to experience cultural activities, concerts and entertainment for the whole family, which include tastings of typical food and traditional dances.
Folk Music in La Gomera
Every May 30, the Plaza de Alajeró, near the port, hosts the Chigadá party. Here you can listen to Canary folklore music played with typical instruments such as the chácaras or the timple.
Paseo Romero in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
In the area of Las Canteras the Day of the Canary Islands is celebrated with a traditional walk called Paseo Romero where thousands of people dressed in typical robes come together and perform folk dances. Of course tasting the traditional dishes is also part of the festivities.
Canary Wrestling in Lanzarote
This is one of the most popular sports in the Canary Islands and it is very similar to the Senegalese wrestling. In the town of Tías, located in Lanzarote, Canary wrestling fights are held on sandy terrain every May 30.
We from iJump recommend this event in particular. It is a very unique experience and an entertaining show to watch.
Visit the Traditional Craft Market
At the traditional handicraft market of Telde (Las Palmas) they showcase ancient Canary games and make representations of traditional theatre of the Canary archipelago.
Here you can see people dressed in typical clothing, experience the local cuisine and listen to live music throughout the streets. A perfect environment to enjoy traditional dances.
iJump: Fun Secured!
If you are a lover of extreme sports and heights, you can enjoy Gran Canaria and celebrate the Day of the Canary Islands in an extraordinary way by skydiving with iJump.
You can also use this special way of enjoying the island to celebrate something special to you, like a birthday or even propose to that special person.
Are you ready? Feel free to comment below and don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions. We are here for you!
