Maspalomas Pride by Freedom launches its most diverse agenda yet: more than 40 acts of music, books, and fun.

 

SEE FULL PROGRAM HERE

 

The international event 'Maspalomas Pride for Freedom', one of the largest in the world, will offer a program of more than 40 events featuring music, entertainment, and cultural activities to demand respect, freedom, and continue advancing diversity, as more than 300.000 people from various countries did last year.

 

In this way, Maspalomas From May 1 to 11, it will become a unique global venue, known not only for its impressive sand dunes and idyllic beaches, but also for offering a vibrant nightlife space and which has established itself as the epicenter of LGBTQIA+ culture in Europe.

 

The presentation of this edition's program was attended by the president of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Antonio Morales; the first deputy mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Alejandro Marichal; the singer Soraya, who will celebrate 20 years in music; the manager of the publishing house Siete Islas, Ismael Lozano; Eva Pascual, an expert in supporting families with trans children and adolescents; the director of RTVE in the Canary Islands, Francisca González; and the director of Maspalomas Pride by Freedom, Fernando Ilarduya.

 

Antonio Morales highlighted the theme chosen for this edition, "Advancing in Diversity," which reaffirms "one of the absolutely essential values ​​for Maspalomas and Gran Canaria, recognized as international leaders in the LGBTI sector." The President of the Island Council recalled how in the 60s and 70s, "this island, through its cutting-edge and benchmark tourist destination—Maspalomas—and the crossroads of cultures fostered by the Port of La Luz and Las Palmas, the most important in the Mid-Atlantic, became a territory that normalizes and defends 'diversity' in the sexual orientations and gender identities of communities historically discriminated against for their sexual identity."

 

He added that "this space of freedom, diversity, and celebration is also a place of pride, a demand for rights, and equality for an ever-growing and constantly evolving group, thanks to the overcoming of prejudice and persecution. It is an achievement and a historic milestone, reflected in this event and in the massive celebrations that will take place in Maspalomas at the beginning of May." 

 

For Morales, this event will bring hundreds of thousands of people to the island, who will take advantage of the accommodations available to participate in the event's activities and discover our island. "Unfortunately, the consolidation of this Pride for Freedom doesn't mean that all obstacles have been overcome. It is now more necessary than ever to share with the world what this space of freedom, pride, vindication, affirmation, struggle, culture, and celebration defends." 

 

In his speech, he emphasized that "we are facing a widespread decline in these freedoms and an unprecedented reversal in the defense of public rights and freedoms, both in the European Union, with the rise of the far right, and in the United States with Trump's regressive and neo-fascist policies that seek to eliminate diversity in government and universities." Morales cited countries such as Hungary, Poland, Italy, Slovakia, and Romania, which prohibit discussion of homosexuality or gender identity in schools and in media aimed at minors, prohibit legal gender reassignment, restrict adoption to married heterosexual couples, make it difficult to access medical treatment, and reject same-sex marriage.

 

Given the growth of the reactionary and homophobic movement worldwide, "this edition must serve as a platform to show the world that diversity is a reality that will not disappear with repression and moral impositions, that its persecution will only bring suffering and frustration. We cannot go back to times of darkness and violence. It is a time for rights, dignity, and diversity. For pride and vindication. Therefore, Gran Canaria will once again welcome people from numerous countries, even from countries where their sexual orientation could be reason enough to be imprisoned. We will once again host the first and main international gathering of the year for the LGBTI world. It is also a way to diversify our tourism offering." 

 

Finally, Antonio Morales thanked Fernando Ilarduya and his team "for your commitment, your dedication, your personal sacrifices, in continuing this extraordinary initiative. He also thanked those who collaborated to make it possible: the city council, Gran Canaria Tourism, sponsoring companies, and the media."

 

Alejandro Marichal emphasized that Maspalomas Pride is an important event for San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Gran Canaria, generating more than €100 million. “LGBTQ tourism chooses Maspalomas, not because of our campaigns, but by choice and, among other things, because of the idiosyncrasies of the Canarian people, their tolerance, and for this reason, LGBT tourism has placed Maspalomas at the forefront of freedom and sexual identity.”

 

 

 

 

In his speech, he stated that "Maspalomas has become an oasis for people who believe in respect and sexual freedom, and today, more than ever, we must defend it with our efforts to continue fighting for freedom."

 

Fernando Ilarduya emphasized that, without a doubt, “we are going to experience the most important event in Europe, which has become a global benchmark, and we are the safest destination in the world for the LGBTI community. That's what happened to me 14 years ago when I arrived in Gran Canaria, where I felt happy because I started to be myself. We have the climate, the people, and the education of the population, which is why I am very proud to be in Gran Canaria and I hope to stay here forever.”

 

The director of Maspalomas Pride announced that in Maspalomas, "we're going to enjoy 11 days of celebration, but also of vindication, especially after the latest news we've received, like what happened a week ago in Colombia, where a trans person's arms and legs were broken and thrown into a river. This happens because some people only have hate speech. We were comfortable with normalization and the laws, but we're seeing that we're going back to how things were before, and it's scary." 

 

He announced that, starting May 1st, the Yumbo Shopping Center will be packed to capacity during Pride nights. With eleven galas and eleven parties, it will be the longest-running and most crowded event in the Canary Islands. He highlighted the popular High Heel Race as one of the most fun events; the pool party at the Yumbo, with a giant pool; and the party at Sioux City and the Ocean Club pool to celebrate Sundance, where Soraya will perform and present a song she composed that will be the Sundance anthem.

 

Soraya said she was in Gran Canaria for a "very important" reason and explained the story of the anthem's composition: "As an artist, I usually make tailor-made suits, with lyrics and emotions. One day, Fernando called me and told me he'd like me to write the anthem for the Sundance Festival and told me his love story with Maspalomas, his story of happiness. He gave me a series of symbols and important things he had experienced here, and with all of that, I made a song, but above all for Fernando and the entire collective, which is my people, my audience, and my life too. It was a very moving song and, at the same time, it came from my heart, very naturally. I know Maspalomas, the Canary Islands, this audience, your stories very well, and I am an ally in that fight, which is also mine."

 

Eva Pascual explained during her speech that this event is "more than just a party. At Maspalomas Pride, we can see people holding hands and kissing, and that's living in freedom. We'll have several cultural activities, especially the 'Interiores' exhibition of underwear for trans people, tailored to their needs, created by Gran Canaria designer Silvia Matos, entrepreneur of the brand 'Translingerie,' who will attend the opening of this exhibition, which will be on display at the Yumbo Tourist Information Center from May 2 to 11.

 

Additionally, Eva Pascual will give a training talk on Diversity for secondary school students in the municipality; a children's storytelling session for the whole family, featuring África Arencibia, a social worker, model, and activist; and a discussion with Bruno León, a trans influencer, who will present his book "Everything They Hid from Me Is Everything I Am."

 

Ismael Lozano emphasized that Maspalomas Pride by Freedom will host the announcement of the winner and finalist of the 2025 Diverse Literature Prize, organized by Siete Islas Publishing House, and the awards ceremony, which will take place at the Gala on Friday, May 9.

 

For the past three years, Siete Islas Publishing House has been holding the Diverse Literature Award to promote reading, contribute to raising awareness about the current challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community, and combat prejudice, hate speech, and any other form of discrimination. This literary competition has grown year after year and has become a benchmark within the LGBTQIA+ cultural scene in Spain. The award jury is made up of renowned activists and representatives from the worlds of literature, education, and culture.

 

There will be presentations and book signings at the Siete Islas publishing house stand in the Diverse Literature Tent in Plaza del Yumbo. The so-called "Diversity Chair" will feature authors such as Ismael Lozano, to present his work "Playa del Inglés"; Quico Marco, with his debut novel "Maricón de Libro"; and Gran Canarian writer Judith Fernández, a finalist for the 2023 Diverse Literature Award, with her work "Seis veces tu." 

 

Francisca González announced that Radio Televisión Española is joining the Maspalomas Pride events and will broadcast, for the first time, the Float Parade throughout Spain on the International Channel, "to give a voice to all those who don't have one, to share the fun and leisure activities, but above all to convey the message that we can't let our guard down." 

 

For the regional director, "we are seeing that rights that were consolidated may be in danger, and for that reason, at RTVE we want to remind everyone that we must continue the struggle, because there are thousands of people fighting for their very existence. Maspalomas presents itself as a tourist destination, but it is also a place of freedom, a word we must reclaim, not only for the collective, but also for ourselves as a society and for the society we will leave for the future."  

 

Program news

 

To celebrate its 24th edition, 'Maspalomas Pride for Freedom' has organized 20 galas in the Plaza del Yumbo, in the epicenter of Playa del Inglés, which for eleven days will become a meeting point to celebrate equality and respect through music, as well as cultural events, such as presentations and book signings with authors of works with LGTBIQA+ themes, as well as different festive events, such as the popular High Heel Race, the Foam Party or the Float Parade.

 

This year, for the first time, Spanish Television in the Canary Islands will broadcast the Float Parade live, which will take place on May 10th. 42 floats will participate, decorated with messages, flags, and colors demanding freedom, equality, and respect for all identities of the LGBTQ+ community. 

 

Soraya celebrates more than 20 years in music

 

Singer Soraya, a longtime participant in Maspalomas Pride for Freedom, will celebrate her 20th anniversary at the Sundance Party, which will be held on the pool stage at the Ocean Club in Maspalomas on Friday, May 9, with a capacity for more than 2.000 people.

 

As in previous editions, the packed Galas held on the Yumbo stage can be streamed from anywhere in the world. The dancers will shine thanks to designs by ASSETS by Lish, the official costume partner.

 

International artists such as Donna Marie (London), Fruela (Spain), Gio Box (Italy), Rebeka Brown (Spain), Senhit (Italy), Roxy Rosario (Spain), Absolute Britney (United Kingdom), Carla Frigo (Spain), Luis III (United Kingdom), Matthew Joseph (United Kingdom), Rubén Dizá (Spain), Nalaya Brown, Carla Frigo (Spain), Abba Abbasolutely, Glitter Girls will parade on the Yumbo stage.

 

Canarian talent will arrive with the voices of Agoney, Jia Miles, Dácil Suárez, Thania Gil, Neo Pinto, Mel Ömana, Free Vogue, Genene, Kimy Touw, Mel Ömana, Nalaya, Rainbow, and the Gospel Choir.

 

More than 20 international DJs will be in charge of selecting the music for the parties and galas, led by Bernal (Colombia), Bravat (Brazil), Anita Fermosel, Iván Pequeño (Spain), Adham (Brazil), Nuria Scarp (Spain), Carlos Salinas (Spain), Hixel (Venezuela), Exóticas DJs (Spain), Jonatan Tamayo (Spain), José Lagares (Spain), José Rendon (Ireland), Joseph Wolf (Colombia), Marc (Spain), Mars (Colombia), Melques Viber (Brazil), Paky Chulo (Italy), Romero (Brazil), San Keryton (Brazil), Santhox (Colombia), Sergio Tyler (Spain), Vanesa Fernández (Spain), Edu Vicentini (Brazil), Jonay BJ (Canary Islands), Bossio (Brazil). 

 

The varied program includes the fun "Heel Race," a foam party at the Yumbo, a drag queen competition, a fashion show, a Drag Race competition, and the presentation of the Freedom Awards to individuals and organizations recognized for their contributions to raising awareness and supporting the fight for LGBTQI+ rights.

 

This international event will bring more than 100.000 people to Gran Canaria, who will arrive at the destination of Maspalomas to enjoy the beautiful weather, the festive atmosphere, and the fun. This will result in hotel and non-hotel occupancy rates reaching up to 80%, with consequent economic benefits for the island. 

 

As every year, there will be information campaigns in several languages ​​to promote environmental protection in the Maspalomas Dunes and moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and avoidance of narcotic substances. Pride bars will not offer drinks in glass containers, reusable plastic cups will be used, and all products will be recycled. 

 

Maspalomas Pride by Freedom is sponsored by the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town Council, through its Department of Tourism; the Gran Canaria Island Council, through its Department of Tourism; and with support from RTVE, Sonocom, Absolut, Coca-Cola, and Music Meets Tourism. Several collaborating companies are also participating: Code22, Boxer Gran Canaria, Carpintería Aldaya, Viajes Canaria Europa, Rainbow Golf, Elorigami, Bar Agave, Luis Hoteles, Fahana Men Only, Villa Ragazzi, Nets Hotels, Wunder Bar, Yumbo Pharmacy, Santa Club Maspalomas, DUNAS Hotels & Resorts, Adonis Bar/Pub, Gran Café Latino, and Gio Restaurant.