With its year-round sunshine, scorching summers and warming winters, there’s always something going on in the Canary Islands. And with such a jam-packed events calendar, you’re bound to find an event that’s just up your street. See what takes your fancy...

January

King’s Day Parade, Canary Islands

On the evening of 5 January, towns and cities across the Canary Islands prepare to celebrate Día de los Reyes, also known as King’s Day! It’s a two-day event that begins with a colourful parade to commemorate the Three Wise Men’s arrival into Bethlehem, before the main event on the 6th. People pepper the streets to catch a glimpse of the Kings, often played by members of the local council. Traditionally, they’d ride in on camels and throw sweets to the eagerly awaiting children, although nowadays, you’re more likely to find them making their big entrance in a convertible car!

4 Stage Mountain Bike Race, Lanzarote

Pro peddlers will be in their element at this two-wheeled extravaganza, with 204km of track to test their pedal power on. This official UCL (Union Cycliste Internationale) MTB event features an almost 4,000m climb, crossing countryside, mountains and single tracks with a lunar-like landscape as your backdrop. It’s split out into four stages, and you can take part in individual races or take on the full event – the choice is yours… But hurry, there are usually limited spaces, so it’s best to put your name down as soon as registration opens!

Santa Cruz Carnival, Tenerife

This carnival in the capital is said to be second only to Rio de Janeiro’s in Brazil and it’s not hard to see why. Historically, this was the last chance to indulge and feast in excess before fasting began for lent. It now plays host to around 250,000 people every year who are keen for a slice of the action. This quintessentially Canarian carnival has a calendar chock-full of feasting, fancy dress and fireworks – and that’s just the start! It takes place in January and February, and Tenerife’s warm climes make for the perfect carnival weather.

March

Maspalomas Carnival, Gran Canaria

Beautiful weather, the thumping beat of salsa music and a sensational spectacle of glitter and colour – that's Maspalomas Carnival! Like all the best carnivals, you’ll find dancing, music and parades, along with the crowning of both the Carnival Queen and the Drag Queen. There’s a different theme each year, so keep your eyes peeled for the reveal if you’re planning on donning a carnival costume.

April

Tetir Carnival, Fuerteventura

From Tenerife to Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands love a carnival, and Fuerteventura is no different. For one day a year, the dinky village of Tetir sees tourists and locals alike, all dressed in white, descending in their hundreds to celebrate Tetir Carnival. Expect plenty of music and live DJ performances. Everyone is welcome and wearing white is customary, but if you forget, you’re sure to meet the dress code by the end of the day, thanks to the time-honoured talcum powder throwing.

May

Pride, Gran Canaria

Every year in May, this loud-and-proud celebration takes over the streets of Maspalomas on the isle of Gran Canaria. It’s a kaleidoscopic affair, with bars and venues adorned in the iconic rainbow flag to mark the occasion. The main event is the parade, where thousands of the LGBTQI+ community flood the streets with a spectacular sea of colour. There are also pool parties, fashion shows and performances, often featuring international artists. And the best bit is, it seems to get bigger and better every year!

Ironman, Lanzarote

Come May, a swarm of different visitors are attracted to Lanzarote, keen to enjoy an alternative side to the island and challenge themselves in the world-class Ironman triathlon. The competition gets underway with a swim, before competitors take to two wheels for a bike ride with eye-watering ascents up and across the island’s lunar landscape. The final leg is a marathon race on foot along the seafront, so it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted! If you’d rather spectate, you can cheer from the sidelines and show your support to the hundreds of brave athletes who take part.

June

Lanzarote Handicraft Fair, Lanzarote

Want to stock up on your trinkets and homemade treasures? Head to the Lanzarote Handicraft fair, which takes place over a long weekend every September. With more than 100 craft makers from all over the Canary Islands flocking to sell their products, it’s the ideal place to pick up some unique gifts to take home. In addition to the stalls, you can get hands-on at the workshops or watch the masters during one of the many demonstrations.

October

International Blues and Jazz Festival, Fuerteventura

Feel the rhythm at Fuerteventura’s International Blues and Jazz Festival this October. Fans of the genre assemble to listen to wall-to-wall genre-bending tunes with likeminded folk. It’s hosted in Corralejo’s Plaza Patricio Calero and features a range of musicians, from promising newcomers to seasoned professionals.

November

International Kite Festival, Fuerteventura

Starting 30 years ago, this once ‘gathering’ was put together by avid kite flyers, but now, it’s a fully fledged, three-day festival. On the first and second days, people showcase their creations, which come in every shape, size and colour, before kites are handed out to children watching on the final day. This ever-popular festival has no signs of slowing down, with more and more people descending on Fuerteventura's sands year on year to witness these colourful crafts dancing in the breeze.