A helicopter rescue demonstration at sea and a grand nautical parade bring to a close a busy International Sea Fair
The fair has recorded an attendance of over 14.000 people during its three days, after a Sunday that was experienced in Sanapú as a lively family celebration.
A SAR (Search and Rescue) helicopter rescue demonstration and a large nautical parade on the waters of the Port of Las Palmas were two of the main attractions that drew the attention of the large crowds who visited the International Sea Fair on its final day, Sunday, May 24. Fimar 2026 concluded its 15th edition, solidifying its position as a powerful platform for connecting businesses involved in the blue economy and marine and ocean research with the public.
Fimar has occupied the area around the Sanapú dock in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from Friday, May 22nd to Sunday, May 24th, promoted by the Gran Canaria Island Council and the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council and Ports of Las Palmas, and organized by Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria and the City of the Sea Council of the Gran Canaria capital.
Blue economy, professional future and dissemination
A total of 61 exhibitors occupied the fair's space, including companies from the nautical sector, the marine and maritime industry, fashion, insurance, 3D printing, tourism products, and other activities related to the sea. Also present were public institutions, sports clubs, civic organizations such as the Maritime Collectors Association, and various faculties and departments of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Specifically, some thirty experts and young researchers, the vast majority from the ULPGC itself, have spent three days offering presentations open to the public on marine life in the Canary Islands waters, the evolution of the oceans, the prediction of their behavior with the use of AI, the growing presence of toxins generated by algae in the Archipelago, and the effect of the calima as a trigger for an explosion of life in the island's ocean ecosystem.
Local audience and attendance
A large and steady stream of visitors has been attending the Fimar exhibition, which has consolidated its position in recent years as a major draw, attracting around 14.000 visitors. This figure is close to that recorded at this year's event, where nautical companies have been able to finalize or agree on sales of products ranging from small and medium-sized boats to fashion accessories such as hats, bracelets, and clothing.
In general, the public that has shown the most interest in the commercial offer at the fair has been the local population, confirming the interest that citizens and small and medium-sized businesses in the islands maintain in the blue economy sector.
Furthermore, Fimar has received over thirty applications to complete the mandatory skipper's course. And countless sailing baptisms have taken place on the water. The area has also been used for exhibitions and demonstrations of sailing and lateen-rigged sailing, among other disciplines. This activity has once again provided the perfect backdrop for photos for attendees.
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The success of boat tours
One of the biggest draws for visitors to the International Sea Fair has traditionally been the opportunity to enjoy boat tours within the docks. In total, some 1.200 people have taken these trips, which have been in high demand throughout the fair.
That is, the City Sightseeing vessel (the firm that also manages the tourist bus in the capital of Gran Canaria) has taken more than one hundred people on board in a dozen trips scheduled throughout the event.
The Navy and Maritime Rescue (SASEMAR) vessels have in turn attracted a large number of spectators, interested in learning about the interior of these ships and their operation in the most direct way possible.
Music, food, and families
This Sunday, May 24th, was a decidedly festive day in Fimar, with live music throughout the morning performed by the Family Soul Band, playing the great classics of the genre.
The stage, located at the entrance to the food area and the children's area, became the prelude to other key hubs of activity at the event. Food truck services saw high demand on the hottest day of this year's Fimar, with ice cream also proving to be a popular and essential treat.
The children's area, with games specially designed for children aged 0-3 and 0-6, has also been a highlight throughout the fair. Often filled with entire families, they have accompanied younger visitors in educational and recreational activities, definitively confirming that the International Sea Fair always has a significant impact on younger audiences.
The outermost regions and Martinique
All this to celebrate Fimar's 15th anniversary, in a year dedicated to the Outermost Regions. Martinique was the guest territory in 2026, marking the first time a region from across the Atlantic has participated.
The delegation from the French overseas territory led a series of preliminary sessions held on May 21st at the Marine-Maritime Innovation Centre in Gran Canaria.
