The San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council has unveiled its 2024 Christmas program, which includes a wide range of cultural, festive, and leisure activities designed for all ages. The presentation was attended by the mayor, Marco Aurelio Pérez, and councilors Elena Álamo, responsible for Culture; Araceli Armas, responsible for Public Lighting; and Yilenia Vega, responsible for Festivals and Events. The mayor emphasized that “the intention is to offer unforgettable celebrations that strengthen both the community spirit and the tourist appeal of our municipality . ”
Christmas lighting
Christmas 2024 in San Bartolomé de Tirajana will begin with the traditional Christmas lighting, on Sunday, December 8, at 20:00 p.m. in the Parque Sur Maspalomas. This was announced by the Councilor for Public Lighting, Araceli Armas, who explained that this year the Christmas lights will be centralized at this point in the municipality, where the public will find a lighting project with elements in 2D and 3D format ranging from 1,5 meters to 12 meters high, such as walkables and photocalls, with more than 80 elements for the enjoyment of young and old," said Armas.
On the day of the lighting there will be complementary activities such as inflatable mattresses, face painting, workshops, a concert and a parade from 17:00 p.m. to 22:00 p.m.
In addition, Avenida de Italia, in the tourist area of Playa del Inglés, will have more than 500 metres of Christmas lighting, with a curtain of RGBW technology lights. The councillor highlighted the interest generated by the 1st Roundabout Decoration Competition, a proposal from the Public Lighting area that already has numerous entries from companies and businesses. “With their participation, we will be able to illuminate and decorate practically all of the most important roundabouts in the municipality,” said Araceli Armas.
Christmas around the world: a cultural and festive journey
The Department of Culture, headed by Elena Álamo, is organizing 'Christmas Around the World ,' which will take place in the South Urban Park from December 21st to January 04th. It will feature a 200 m² ice rink and a themed route exploring Christmas traditions from Germany, England, Italy, Spain, the United States, France, and Finland.
Visitors can enjoy a mini-train that will travel through the park and its strategically placed Christmas decorations, as well as daily parades featuring Christmas characters portrayed by dancers, circus performers, and giant puppets. For younger children, there will be a photo wall with children's characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Sonic, Mario Bros, and the Disney princesses.
There will be a visit from Santa Claus on December 23 and from the Royal Page on January 4 to collect the children's letters.
Two performance spaces will enhance the cultural offerings: The Christmas Theater , for small-format shows with an emphasis on circus acts, and The Grand Christmas Theater , where major events such as the Santa Claus Musical, the Disney Christmas Concert, the Umiaya Christmas Concert, the children's show Coco and Pepe , the Maspalomas Talent Show, and performances by the group Vocal 7 will be presented. The park will also host, on December 28 and 29, a Performing Arts and Urban Culture Festival organized in conjunction with the Catalan production company La Urbana , which will include a dance competition and masterclasses with renowned teachers.
The program also includes a charity run, "1 km, 1 toy ," to collect new toys for families at risk of social exclusion; a pet meet-up to promote responsible pet ownership; the Parrandas Gathering organized by the Maspalomas Music School; and a charming Christmas market outside the park. To complete the experience, there will be a funfair, food trucks with local and international cuisine, and the "Navirritmo" stage, which will offer live music every day, showcasing the talent of local artists.
Outside of Parque Sur, Álamo noted that some established events in the municipality will continue, such as the 10th Annual Solidarity Lyric Gala with Judith Pessoa, which this year moves to the ExpoMeloneras Auditorium on December 27. On December 28, the El Tablero Pre-New Year's Eve celebrations will take place, featuring a tribute to El Canto del Loco , Ochentour , and a performance by the local band Con Poco Band . The New Year's Concert returns on January 1 at the iconic Mirador de las Dunas, with Olga Cerpa and Mestisay.
Children's New Year's Eve Parties and the Three Kings' Parade
The Department of Festivals and Events, headed by Yilenia Vega, is complementing the program with three highlights: the Children's New Year's Eve Party, which will be held on the morning of Sunday, December 28th, on the beach at the Anexo II Shopping Centre in Playa del Inglés. This event will include water inflatables, children's shows, a special New Year's Eve party , and a mock New Year's Eve countdown at noon. Vega highlighted the success of last year's event and assured that this year's celebration will be a safe and fun space for children.
The New Year's Eve celebrations will be centered around San Fernando Park Square, Romeral Castle, and Tunte, with live music, DJs, orchestras, and surprises starting at 00:15 a.m. on January 1st. Vega indicated that the artists and groups will be confirmed in the coming days. Finally, the Three Kings Parade will take place on January 5th, where the Three Wise Men will travel through the streets of Maspalomas in a magical procession with themed floats and street performers. The event will culminate in San Fernando Park with the symbolic presentation of the Key to the City to Their Majesties and a family-friendly show.
Vega added that this year, as a new feature, the youngest residents of the municipality will enjoy a very special visit: “the arrival of the Royal Pages in the neighborhoods and villages to collect the letters with the wishes of the children of San Bartolomé de Tirajana.” The 'Royal Path of Wishes' will offer children a workshop to create their letters to the Three Kings and children's entertainment from December 22nd to January 5th, “each day in a different village in the municipality,” the councilwoman explained. To conclude the celebrations, the eagerly awaited Three Kings Parade will take place on January 05th, with the Three Kings traveling through the streets of Maspalomas in a magical procession. The event will feature themed floats, street performances, and activities that will culminate in the symbolic gift-giving and conclude in San Fernando Park with the presentation of the 'Key to the City' to Their Majesties, an entertainment show for the whole family. Previously, on January 4, the Royal Page will collect the children's letters in San Fernando Park.
The mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez, highlighted that the program seeks to strengthen the festive spirit and promote both community cohesion and tourism in Maspalomas Costa Canaria. "These activities reflect our commitment to offering inclusive and exciting events that bring residents and visitors together," concluded Pérez.
