Mónica Naranjo and María Isabel will provide the musical finale to the most iconic, transgressive and crowded event of the Maspalomas International Carnival
Alejandro Marichal: “With the situation stabilized, Maspalomas is ready to celebrate one of its most emblematic events”
The 2026 Maspalomas International Carnival, declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of the Canary Islands, heads into its most iconic night with the Drag Queen Gala this Thursday, March 26th at 21:20 pm. Under the theme of "The World of the Circus," the event will be broadcast live nationwide on TVE's La 2 channel, further solidifying Maspalomas's reputation as a benchmark for freedom, diversity, and quality entertainment.
The celebration of this highly anticipated gala will take place after the weather events that forced its postponement twice. In this regard, the First Deputy Mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana emphasized that “the safety of residents and visitors has always been our absolute priority, so postponing the Drag Queen Gala was a difficult but necessary and responsible decision in light of Storm Therese.”
In this regard, he emphasized that “once the situation stabilized, Maspalomas is ready to celebrate one of its most emblematic events, which represents values such as freedom, diversity, and international reach that define our municipality.” He also expressed his gratitude for “the understanding of the public, as well as the work of the security and emergency services and all the professionals involved, which have allowed us to reschedule this event with all the necessary guarantees.”
Given the high level of anticipation surrounding each edition, the organizers remind everyone that previously purchased tickets remain valid despite the program's date changes. Doors will open at 19:00 PM, and attendees are advised to take their seats before 20:30 PM, at which time tickets will expire. After that time, general admission will be permitted until capacity is reached, with the aim of filling the venue by 21:00 PM to ensure a punctual start to the broadcast.
The gala will be hosted by Roberto Herrera, who proudly recalls that this “was the first big stage” of his career, and by Borja Casillas (Drag Sethlas), who returns to Maspalomas after his artistic evolution with the intention of “bringing a divine and current image, without losing that fresh touch”, as well as “highlighting the cultural relevance of the drag character on high-profile stages like this one”.
For his part, Maurice Damen, Sales Director of RIU Hotels Canarias and Madeira, noted that “we are very proud to be able to participate in the Maspalomas International Carnival, a key tourist event that attracts thousands of visitors and helps to maintain high occupancy levels at this time of year.”
Artistic director Josué Quevedo announced that “the opening will take place in a large raffle within a circus called Libertad,” and assured that it will be “a very dynamic, fast-paced gala focused on the drag queens, who are the essence of the show.” He also emphasized that “spectacle, transgression, freedom, respect, and dynamism are guaranteed.”
The Councillor for Festivities and Events, Yilenia Vega, stressed that the Drag Gala “is the quintessential gala of our Carnival” and recalled that “it was born in Maspalomas and, from here, has contributed to creating a true school around the world of drag, projecting talent, creativity and values of freedom recognized within and outside the Canary Islands.”
In this regard, he emphasized that it is "an event that is part of the identity of the municipality and that has placed Maspalomas on the international map of culture and entertainment."
Furthermore, he announced that the gala will feature performances by Mónica Naranjo and María Isabel, and assured that it will be "a fun, transgressive event with a completely full Yumbo, with a capacity of 1.700 people."
