Discover the program of the founding festivities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2023, a celebration full of life and tradition to remember the birth of the capital on June 24, 1478. On the occasion of its anniversary, every year the city council organizes an extensive program of cultural and leisure activities to celebrate this historic event. The magic reaches its peak on the eve of the city’s anniversary, the night of San Juan, with a fireworks display on the beach of Las Canteras. This tradition gathers thousands of residents and becomes an attractive magnet for visitors. Below, we share with you the entire calendar of events.

Founding Festivities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2023: Celebrating the spirit of the city
Below, you can see the complete program of all the activities that will be held in the capital on the occasion of the founding festivities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this 2023. The calendar of events was inaugurated on June 17, 2023 and has scheduled activities until July 2, inclusive. I am afraid we do not have the program in English.


The most anticipated day is undoubtedly the eve of San Juan. So, if you go to the beach of Las Canteras on June 23rd in the afternoon/evening, don’t be surprised to see thousands of people grouped together celebrating on the sand. It is already a tradition to gather in Las Canteras to take a saltwater bath in the sea. On the other hand, if you want to see the fireworks show, you will have to wait until 00.00 at night. Of course, being a multitudinous event, this night we do not recommend going by car. If you can, go by public transport.
When was the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria founded?
On June 24, 1478, in a corner of Gran Canaria known today as Vegueta, Juan Rejón founded the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. At that time, the city was known as “Real de Las Tres Palmas”. Do you know why? Because it all started next to three palm trees. These palm trees are still standing, we can see them to the right of the hermitage of San Antonio Abad in the following image.

To be exact, they are located in one of the oldest streets of the city, Montesdeoca street. Here there is a tombstone like the one we show below with all the information we have just given you.

In short, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria celebrates its 545th anniversary this year with a program full of events to remember how it all began. So share it with whoever you want to go and close agendas.
Guides to Gran Canaria
On the other hand, if this is your first time in the capital, we invite you to take a look at our article with all the places to visit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. On the other hand, if you want to know more about the island and don’t want to waste your time looking for information, take a look at our guides and itineraries to discover Gran Canaria on your own.
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