Monday, 09 February 2015 11:13

What's On In Gran Canaria In January

Gran Canaria is covered in almond blossom in January Gran Canaria is covered in almond blossom in January

January may be the height of winter across Europe but here in Gran Canaria there's plenty of outdoor events in the sunshine. If you're on the island this month, here's the top things to see and do.

 

Three Kings Parades

In Spain, it's the three wise men or three kings that bring the kids their presents rather than Santa. Most towns celebrate with a procession, featuring the three kings on camels and tonnes of sweets, during the day of January 5th: fun for the kids, especially the local ones who know to bring umbrellas to catch as many sweets as possible.

The actual day of the three kings, known as Reyes, is on January 6.

Almond blossom festivals

Gran Canaria's almond trees all flower at the same time in January. For a few weeks the highlands are veiled in pink and white blossom. It forms drifts, covers windscreens and makes the whole place pretty.  

Almonds are still an important part of the rural economy in Gran Canaria as they are used to make bienmesabe paste (so delicious it is literally called "tastes good to me") and lots of other sweets. That's why the main hill towns celebrate the blossom every year.

Head to San Bartolome village for the annual almond tree festival (23rd-25th January in 2015) or to Tejeda right at the end of the month for the island's biggest celebration of the blossom.

If you'd rather stay closer to sea level drive up the Guayadeque Valley for almond blossom without the steep drop offs. 

Gran Canaria Marathon

The annual Gran Canaria marathon takes place at the end of January in Las Palmas. It's fast becoming an international event with sponsors such as Paula Radcliffe and Haile Gebrselassie. Whether you want to win it or watch it, come to Las Palmas for the day and join in. 

Romerias

The only traditional fiesta or romeria in Gran Canaria in January is during the last week of the month. It's big day is the last Sunday of the month when the locals dress up in traditional dress and parade through the streets with decorated floats and farm animals. Ingenio romeria isn't a famous one but they are all fun to visit.

International Music Festival

During January and February the Canary Islands host the FIMC International Music Festival: The first classical music festival on the European circuit. Concerts are mostly in the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Las Palmas but smaller towns also host events. Check the program here.

Maspalomas football tournament in January

The annual friendly football tournament at Maspalomas is 30 years old and still attracts big teams like Celtic, PSV Eindhoven and Sparta Prague. It's held every year at the Maspalomas Municipal Stadium. 

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  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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