Forget grey skies and thick jumpers. Lanzarote’s biggest party kicks off at the end of February and into early March just when you need the sunshine most. Carnaval de Arrecife is a riot of colour, music, masks and madness – a two-week celebration that brings the island’s capital to life and delivers one of the most vibrant, affordable winter breaks in Europe. Think Rio – but much more affordable!
Here’s everything you need to know about Lanzarote’s iconic carnival – how it works, what not to miss, and how to join the celebration when you fly to Lanzarote this winter with London Southend Airport.
So, what is Carnaval de Arrecife?
Drag queens. Floats. Sardine funerals.
This is a traditional Canarian carnival with a distinctly local flavour. The dates have yet to be announced, but will be centred around March 3rd. The festival centres around Arrecife, usually peaking the week before Ash Wednesday. It kicks off with pre-carnival events like murga singing contests, and builds towards key showpieces like:
- The Carnival Queen Gala, a dazzling fashion-meets-theatre extravaganza.
- The Drag Queen Show, full of sparkle, satire, and show-stopping moves.
- El Coso, the main parade on Carnival Monday, where dancers, bands, and wild floats take over the seafront.
The festival is capped off with the wonderfully weird Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine), a hilarious mock-funeral procession to wrap it all up on Ash Wednesday. And don’t miss La Parranda Los Buches, a revived marine-themed folk tradition featuring masked musicians and inflated bladders (yes, really) dating back to the 19th century.
How to get involved
All you have to do is show up (and bring your costume A-game).
Fly from London Southend Airport to Lanzarote and book accommodation in Arrecife for front-row access – or stay in Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise and hop on the Arrecife Bus network, which runs across the island and is great value.
From the opening galas to the final sardine send-off, the vibe is welcoming, inclusive, and fun for all ages. Expect late-night parties, street dancing, themed nights, and plenty of opportunity to join in.
There’s no need to book specific tickets for most events – just check the 2026 programme closer to your trip (Carnival listings usually go live around December). And yes, the costumes really are encouraged. Whether you go full drag, fantasy creature, pirate, or just a glittery mask, you’ll fit right in.
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Ready for Carnaval?
Warm weather. Cheap flights. Party atmosphere. What more could you want in winter?
This is Lanzarote in its off-season, which means mild sunshine (expect highs around 20°C), fewer crowds, and brilliant hotel deals – often with ATOL‑protected packages or all-inclusive options. You don’t need a hire car either: buses and taxis connect the airport to the action in under 15 minutes.
It’s the kind of break where you can hike a volcano in the morning, hit the beach in the afternoon, and dance in the streets all night. With street food, music, and an unbeatable community vibe, it’s more than a holiday – it’s a celebration.
Carnaval de Arrecife is one of Europe’s most joyful, unique, and sun-soaked winter festivals. Whether you’re drawn by the parades, the drag, the murgas, or just the chance to escape the UK chill, it’s an unforgettable way to shake off the winter blues.
Get your glitter on and join the party. We’ll see you there – sardine and all.
Fly to Lanzarote with London Southend Airport.
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