Alejandro Marichal: “An operation has been designed to match the scale of an event of this magnitude, with all resources coordinated to guarantee its smooth running and that residents and visitors can enjoy it safely.”
Yilenia Vega: “The cavalcade is not just a parade, it is a festive experience full of creativity, fun and rhythm that projects the best image of our destination.”
SEE ALL THE CARNIVAL PHOTOS AT THIS LINK
Maspalomas enters its big weekend with everything ready for one of the most anticipated events of the 2026 International Carnival. The Grand Circus Parade will kick off this Saturday at 17:00 p.m. with 108 floats and an expected attendance of 350.000 people, consolidating itself as one of the most massive events in the archipelago.
The parade will begin on Avenida de Italia, near Parque Tropical, and will travel along the main tourist streets of the municipality, ending at the intersection of Avenida Gran Canaria and Avenida Touroperador Tui. This route, as every year, will be a continuous spectacle of music, color, and creativity.
In this edition, the floats must also be in keeping with the circus theme, reinforcing the Carnival's visual identity and raising the artistic level of the parade. The jury will be located, as usual, on Avenida de Italia, from where they will evaluate the participating entries.
The Councillor for Tourism, Yilenia Vega, highlighted the value of the route within the overall event, noting that the parade is not just a procession, but a festive experience full of creativity, fun and rhythm that projects the best image of our destination.”
The event can also be followed live through TV Canaria and RTVE, which will broadcast the first stages of the parade.
Regarding transportation, a special public transport service will be available from Avenida de Tirajana, near the Plaza del Hierro residential area, with tickets sold at the Viuda de Franco roundabout. The City Council recommends using public transport due to the expected high number of attendees. Information regarding road closures and access routes can be found on the notice board of the municipal website, Maspalomas.com.
Enhanced security and support for a large-scale event
The San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council will deploy a comprehensive security and assistance operation that includes additional personnel, advanced technology, and comprehensive coordination of all services involved.
The First Deputy Mayor, Alejandro Marichal, emphasized that “an operation has been designed to match the scale of an event of this magnitude, with all resources coordinated to ensure that the parade runs smoothly and that residents and visitors can enjoy it safely.”
In terms of surveillance, the system includes a significant technological upgrade with aerial surveillance drones and high-resolution cameras, both fixed and mobile, connected to the coordination center. The entire system will be monitored from the Advanced Command Post, allowing for real-time tracking of any incident and a rapid response to any situation.
Emergency coordination is structured through a single command center that will integrate the Local Police, health services, Civil Protection, private security and organization, facilitating direct and operational communication throughout the event.
The healthcare system is reinforced with the deployment of advanced care posts and ambulances along the parade route and in high-traffic areas, in addition to mobile teams for rapid intervention. The central element will be the Carnival first aid station on Grecia Street, which will serve as the main point of care and stabilization for patients. This deployment is complemented by an Advanced Healthcare Post (PASA) in Yumbo Square.
Regarding the safety of the floats, a prior technical inspection is carried out by the Local Police and the Fire Service to verify the structural, electrical and protection conditions, in addition to access controls in the loading and exit areas.
The operation also includes increased foot patrols in high-traffic areas, information and citizen assistance points, as well as the definition of evacuation routes and emergency corridors that will ensure the rapid intervention of health and security services.
With this device, the City Council consolidates a safe, organized Carnival model prepared to welcome thousands of people in one of the most important events on its festive calendar.
