This post is also available in: Spanish German Portuguese Italian
Are you ready to experience one of the most colourful, vibrant and exciting carnivals in the Canary Islands? The carnival in Lanzarote is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year in the Canary Islands, and this year promises to be a carnival like never before. With its parades, music, spectacular costumes and a contagious energy that fills the streets, this event is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying the joy of the festival. And what better way to explore it than with a hire car from Record go Lanzarote!
Volcanic landscape, Lanzarote
The Carnival parade: the opening of the festival
The Lanzarote Carnival is an explosion of colour and music that starts with the Main Parade, one of the highlights of the calendar. In 2025, this parade will be held on Saturday 8th February. The streets fill with floats and troupes that parade through the island’s main towns, such as Arrecife, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, in a riot of creativity and rhythm.
- Recommended plan: If you want to experience carnival to the full, hire a car with Record go Lanzarote to get you comfortably between the towns. You don’t want to miss a single detail of the parades! You can also take the opportunity to visit the different fiestas and enjoy the local cuisine at the food stalls.
- Schedule: The main parade in Arrecife starts at 5:00 p.m., but if you prefer a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, we suggest you join in at Playa Blanca, where the party starts at 2:00 p.m. with a vibrant ‘batucada’ that will have you dancing from the very first minute.
Concerts and live performances: Non-Stop rhythm
Do you like music? Then the carnival in Lanzarote is the perfect place for you. Throughout carnival week, different squares and parks on the island are filled with live concerts, offering an eclectic mix of music, from salsa and bachata to rock and local pop.
- Recommended plan: Once you have arrived in Lanzarote, don’t hesitate to rent a car with Record go Lanzarote to get around between events and not miss a thing. Some of the best parties with local DJs and live performances are held in Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. If you’re looking for something special, visit the Carnival of Los Valles, where there is a foam party, ideal for the younger ones.
- Opening times: In Puerto del Carmen, concerts start at 10 p.m., while in Costa Teguise, you can enjoy live music from 8 p.m..
The Battle of the Flowers: the magic of Lanzarote
One of the most eagerly awaited moments of Carnival in Lanzarote is the Battle of the Flowers, which takes place on Sunday 9th February. This unique event on the island is an explosion of flowers and petals that invade the streets, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The event takes place in Arrecife, where participants, dressed in costumes decorated with real flowers, throw petals at each other in a fun and colourful battle.
- Recommended plan: If you are fascinated by the flora of the Canary Islands, don’t hesitate to visit the most flower-filled areas of Lanzarote before attending the event. You can explore the island’s botanical gardens in your hire car, such as the Jardín de Cactus in Guatiza, and then go to Arrecife to experience the Battle of the Flowers.
- Time: The battle starts at 12:00, but we recommend you arrive in advance to get a good spot. After the battle, don’t miss the costume contest where you can see the most original creations.
The costume contest: Dare to be whatever you want!
The Lanzarote Carnival is known for the originality and style of its costumes, and the Costume Competition is one of the most iconic moments. This competition is held in Arrecife on Friday 7th February, and is where you can see the most creative participants showing off their spectacular designs.
- Recommended plan: Rent a car with Record go Lanzarote to tour the island and see the costume competitions in other towns. Carnival has celebrations in Playa Honda, Puerto del Carmen and Teguise, so you can enjoy multiple competitions and parties in different places.
- Time: The competition in Arrecife starts at 7:00 p.m., but the costume parades go on throughout the night until the early hours.
The children’s party: a carnival for the little ones
If you are travelling with your family, you can’t miss the Carnival Children’s Party. Children will enjoy activities such as games, workshops, face painting and the Children’s Parade which takes place on Sunday 10th February in Plaza de las Palmas (Arrecife). With a special theme of superheroes and fantasy characters, the little ones can dress up and have fun in their favourite costumes while taking part in competitions and games.
- Recommended plan: Rent your car with Record go Lanzarote and visit the most family-friendly areas of the island, such as Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca, which have parks and activities that are perfect for children. End the day with a visit to Arrecife to see the children’s party.
- Opening times: The Children’s Parade starts at 11:00 and the party goes on until 14:00, making it the ideal all-day family activity.
Enjoy the typical Carnival dishes
Carnival is not just about music and dancing, it is also an opportunity to sample the best of the local cuisine. During the festivities, at the food stalls you can try traditional dishes such as wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce, scalded gofio and, of course, the delicious Carnival buns, a typical sweet of this time of year.
- Recommended plan: For the full culinary experience, hire a car with Record go Lanzarote and take a gastronomic tour of Lanzarote’s main towns. Visit San Bartolomé, known for its excellent Canarian food, then head to Arrecife to try the famous Carnival sweets.
- Opening times: Food stalls are open all day, especially in the busiest areas such as Arrecife, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. If you want to try the best buns, we recommend you look for them on the morning of Sunday 10th February
Typical Lanzarote Carnival fare
What makes the Lanzarote Carnival so special is its unique character, with traditions and details that reflect the island’s identity:
- Los Diabletes de Teguise: An iconic figure of the Lanzarote carnival are the Diabletes, characters dressed in masks and costumes reminiscent of ancient island traditions. It is common to see them walking the streets of Teguise during this time of year.
- Festive gastronomy: During carnival, you can’t miss out on trying typical dishes such as carnival omelettes or traditional sweets such as rosquetes. Accompany them with a good wine from La Geria to complete the experience.
- Comparsas and Latin rhythm: The comparsas are the soul of the parades, with their bright costumes and choreography to the rhythm of Latin music. Their contagious energy invites everyone to dance.
Tips for enjoying Carnival to the full
- Plan ahead: Check the carnival event calendar so you don’t miss any important activities.
- Wear a comfortable costume: Although elaborate costumes are impressive, it is important that you feel comfortable in order to enjoy the parades and parties.
- Explore different municipalities: Each carnival has its own charm, so take the opportunity to discover the celebrations in different parts of the island.
- Try the local cuisine: Enjoy the typical carnival flavours at the stalls and fairs set up in the streets.
Sunset on the road, Lanzarote
Let your adventure begin with Record go Lanzarote!
Carnival in Lanzarote is much more than just a party: it is a unique experience full of culture, fun and joy. With so many activities, parades, concerts and events to enjoy, there is no doubt that this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant island life.
And best of all, with a car hire from Record go Lanzarote, your adventure has only just begun. Explore the island at your own pace, enjoy the party and make this carnival unforgettable. Don’t wait any longer to experience it!
