Without a doubt, Gran Canaria is the most gay-friendly place I’ve visited to date. As a result, Gay Pride Gran Canaria (or Maspalomas Gay Pride) is probably one of the largest pride events in Europe!
I’ve been to both Gran Canaria Winter Pride (November) and Gran Canaria Summer Pride (May). Gay Pride in Gran Canaria attracts thousands of LGBTQ+ travellers and allies from all over the world and is spread over seven days in winter and fourteen days in summer.
I had seen people on Facebook go year after year and could never figure out why they kept returning—until I went myself, a total of six times!
Here are my highlights of Gay Pride Gran Canaria and the top reasons you should get yourself booked to go!
Gay Pride Gran Canaria: The Parties!
The parties during Gran Canaria Pride are absolutely incredible and one of the main reasons I’ve returned multiple times!
If you really wanted to, you could find a pool party or outdoor dance party every day. However, the ones that really stand out for me are the infamous T-Dance and the Wet & White Party.
T-Dance Party
This is normally held at the Aqua Ocean Club next to Meloneras Beach. You can expect an open-air venue with an amazing sound system, large dance floor, and sea view. The event has hundreds of people dancing away and often sells out early (tickets are usually €10–15).
I loved the T-Dance because of the great energy, making lots of friends, and watching the sunset as the party ran from 1–8pm. Drinks cost about €7 for a very generous measure, and if you politely ask, they’ll keep pouring—this really gets the party going!
Take a look at the video the organisers (ProGay) posted after last year’s party here.
Wet & White Party
Out of all the parties I’ve attended at Gran Canaria Pride, this one has to be my favourite.
Wet & White is held at the Amadores Beach Club, a modern venue with a huge pool, heated jacuzzi, dance area, dancers, and VIP sections.
What sets the Wet & White Party apart is that the venue has plenty of areas to sit back and chill while having your first few drinks.
I loved it for the carefree and fun atmosphere, the music, and the venue. I fully intend to return in the future!
Tickets are €10–20, including transport. Drinks are slightly higher at around €10 each, but measures are generous—three drinks in, and I was on the dance floor.
Yumbo Centre – Gay Nightlife
If you don’t visit the Yumbo Centre, you’re missing out. This is the hub of everything during Pride.
By day, it’s full of shops and spots to sit and watch the world go by. By night, it’s the best party on the island with more bars and clubs than you could possibly visit.
Picture the Yumbo Centre as a large square with a stage in the middle (during Pride). Each side of the square has up to three floors of shops, bars, clubs, saunas, and restaurants.
Each night during Pride, there are international performances and acts on stage. Sometimes there are competitions like the high heels race, which is always fun to watch—or join!
Maspalomas Pride Parade
I’ve been to many pride parades around the world, and this has to be one of the most fun! That’s because this is one you can really get involved with.
The pride parade in Maspalomas is a little different. There’s usually a parade of extravagantly decorated double-decker buses or floats coming up the street, with each one acting as its own party!
Choose your favourite float and join in the parade! You can dance and follow the floats up the street—unlike other pride parades, you’re not kept behind barricades. There’s usually the option to pay to actually join one of the floats or buses for up to €50, including an open bar of beer and wine.
Other Reasons I Love Gran Canaria Gay Pride!
Feeling of Acceptance
What’s really consistent during Gay Pride Gran Canaria is the feeling of acceptance.
It’s incredibly liberating to see people being themselves, wearing what they want, and doing what makes them happy without fear of judgement. I wasn’t quite that brave and opted for short shorts instead.
You’ll see and meet people of all ages from all over the world. Embrace it—you never know who you might become lifelong friends with.
Freedom to Show Affection
This may sound like a small thing, but as a gay couple, during Pride you can walk around anywhere holding hands—and it’s the norm. For once, the LGBT community is the majority, not the minority.
Why is this significant? Gran Canaria is the first place I’ve held hands without being self-conscious at all. I love Manchester and have lived there for five years—I hold hands there, but there’s always something in the back of your mind monitoring your surroundings. In Gran Canaria, this isn’t the case. You can be yourself and show affection without fear.
Gran Canaria Weather
There aren’t many places in the world where you can guarantee great weather, but if you’re looking for heat, Gran Canaria is a safe bet.
I’ve visited in both May and November and have always seen consistent temperatures in the late 20s to early 30s °C. This makes Gran Canaria an ideal destination year-round.
Want to know more about gay travel in Europe, check out my top destinations in our ‘Gay Travel Europe Guide‘.