The Canaries are known for being especially gay friendly, offering up lots of special festivities and activities catering to the alternative lifestyle.
The Gay Pride festival takes place in Gran Canaria in May every year and features performances for everyone to enjoy. From concerts to other events, there's also a pageant for Miss Lesbian and Mr Gay Gran Canaria, which is well worth a watch.
Thousands of people turn up to enjoy the festivities, all donned in rainbow colours to represent gay rights and celebrate freedom of expression. Of course there is a huge parade, which sees everyone dress up to the max, adorning themselves in Mardi Gras-esque outfits and hoping to win one of the accolades such as 'Drag Diva of the Gay Pride'.
In 2012, there was also a charity gala which raised money for the fight against AIDS. It was the seventh annual gala, so is likely to be running again next year and is worth visiting as it's fun and goes towards a good cause. At the end, there is a ceremony where candles are lit to form a figure in the shape of the AIDS awareness ribbon to honour the memory of those who are suffering from the disease or those who have died from it.
Although Gran Canaria has the biggest gay scene and boasts brilliant carnivals, festivals and events, neighbouring island Tenerife can still hold its own, and is a very popular holiday destination. So don't forget Gran Canaria isn't the only gay friendly island, and there's plenty of opportunity to hop around. Even if you're not up for the parades, there are plenty of places that cater to gays and lesbians throughout the Canary Islands, so don't be afraid to take a trip and see the beautiful scenery for yourself.
The Gay Pride festival takes place in Gran Canaria in May every year and features performances for everyone to enjoy. From concerts to other events, there's also a pageant for Miss Lesbian and Mr Gay Gran Canaria, which is well worth a watch.
Thousands of people turn up to enjoy the festivities, all donned in rainbow colours to represent gay rights and celebrate freedom of expression. Of course there is a huge parade, which sees everyone dress up to the max, adorning themselves in Mardi Gras-esque outfits and hoping to win one of the accolades such as 'Drag Diva of the Gay Pride'.
In 2012, there was also a charity gala which raised money for the fight against AIDS. It was the seventh annual gala, so is likely to be running again next year and is worth visiting as it's fun and goes towards a good cause. At the end, there is a ceremony where candles are lit to form a figure in the shape of the AIDS awareness ribbon to honour the memory of those who are suffering from the disease or those who have died from it.
Although Gran Canaria has the biggest gay scene and boasts brilliant carnivals, festivals and events, neighbouring island Tenerife can still hold its own, and is a very popular holiday destination. So don't forget Gran Canaria isn't the only gay friendly island, and there's plenty of opportunity to hop around. Even if you're not up for the parades, there are plenty of places that cater to gays and lesbians throughout the Canary Islands, so don't be afraid to take a trip and see the beautiful scenery for yourself.
About the Author:
Cathy Mack is a travel writer who regularly goes to the Canaries on her holidays . For great deals on places to stay from MyTravel, click here .
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