The machinery for the 2026 Maspalomas International Carnival is already in motion. The San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council has officially published the regulations governing the Grand Parade on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Under the theme of 'The Circus', this edition features unprecedented technological and security measures to guarantee the splendor of a festival declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of the Canary Islands.
The deadline for entities and individuals to submit their applications has been set from today, Monday, January 19, until next Monday, February 2, 2026. The major change this year is the requirement to complete the entire process through the GESTICAB online platform. Those interested must first register as users to validate the homologation of their vehicles and, subsequently, as authorized users to complete the registration, including civil liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €300.000.
Regarding aesthetics, the city council requires that each float feature a colorful design that faithfully reflects the carnival spirit and circus theme. Vehicles whose sole purpose is commercial promotion are strictly prohibited; any advertising branding must be integrated as a secondary element within the overall artistic design. Furthermore, internal security will be reinforced by requiring each float to hire two private security guards, who will maintain order both inside the platform and in its surrounding area.
The technical requirements are exhaustive to prevent incidents during the parade. Floats, whether articulated vehicles or decorated buses, cannot exceed 4,50 meters in structural height to allow passage over the bridges in the starting area. Once on the course, and only after passing the obstacle course, participants will be allowed to reach a maximum height of 5 meters. Furthermore, the use of gasoline is prohibited; all electric generators must run on diesel and be equipped with automatic fire suppression systems and fire blankets.
On the day of the event, the Avenida de la Unión Europea will serve as a technical inspection zone from 09:00 AM. Local police officers and firefighters will conduct a final check of fire extinguishers, tires, and documentation. Only those floats that pass this inspection will be given the green light for participants to board. The parade route will start from El Veril and travel along main thoroughfares such as Avenida de Italia and Avenida Gran Canaria, culminating on Avenida Touroperador Tui after a day of rhythm, color, and strict safety protocols.
To participate in the 2026 Maspalomas Grand Parade, those interested must meet a series of strictly defined administrative requirements and deadlines. The registration period begins this Monday, January 19th, and will run until Monday, February 2nd, 2026, and must be completed exclusively through the GESTICAB online platform. Among the required documentation, a full-color design based on the theme of "The Circus" is essential, with commercial advertising as a secondary element. Furthermore, it is mandatory to have liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €300.000, as well as group accident insurance guaranteeing compensation of up to €15.000 per participant.
Regarding mandatory personnel, the regulations require key figures for event management. Each float must designate a Security Officer and a Representative, who must be different individuals and attend all technical coordination meetings. Furthermore, private security plays a crucial role, requiring the hiring of two professional security guards per vehicle. Control also extends to drivers, who must present a valid driver's license, and to the float members themselves, who must be listed on an official roster with their full name and national identity card number to ensure the permitted capacity is never exceeded.
The vehicle's technical requirements are another fundamental pillar for ensuring a smooth parade. Maximum dimensions are limited to 16,50 meters in length for articulated vehicles and 12 meters for rigid vehicles or buses, with a width of up to 2,60 meters. Special attention is paid to height, which cannot exceed 4,50 meters structurally to avoid collisions with the bridges at the start of the route. Regarding energy, only diesel or gas oil is authorized for generators; gasoline is strictly prohibited. Sound equipment must be directed towards the rear to minimize interference between floats.
Critical safety equipment is non-negotiable and will be inspected before departure. Each unit must carry at least two 6 kg fire extinguishers with current inspection certificates and two fire blankets to respond quickly to any fire. In addition, it is mandatory to install automatic fire suppression systems in the generator compartments and ensure that the perimeter is protected by rigid railings up to 110 cm high with safety toe boards. The use of ropes or straps as protective measures is strictly prohibited due to their lack of structural stability.
Finally, the City Council has established a series of strict prohibitions to protect both attendees and the urban environment. The use of glass cups is prohibited, and bottles are restricted to authorized personnel only. The use of fireworks, flamethrowers, and cooking on board with grills or gas is not allowed. Furthermore, littering or disposing of toilet waste in public areas will be severely penalized. These measures ensure that the Maspalomas International Carnival maintains its high standards of quality and safety as a Festival of Tourist Interest.
