Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and it's quite a busy town, where not many tourists venture during their holidays.
But the carnival in Arrecife is a large and animated event, popular among locals and a great way to experience a night of fiesta among the island's residents.
The carnival is organized each year usually between the months of February and March and lasts for around 2 weeks. There are several events organized throughout this period, from the usual parade to the Burning of the Sardine and if you're in Lanzarote during this time we recommend that you attend the party if you have the occasion (or you can participate in some of the other carnivals in Lanzarote, if it's more convenient to you). The carnival in Arrecife usually starts first and then the festivals in the resorts will follow.
During the carnival events Arrecife becomes a colorful town and each year you can see lots of colorful costumes and a wonderful display of comparsas - organized groups, which put in play a really interesting parade, according to each year's theme.
Arrecife Carnival 2019 Dates: 22 February - 9 March 2019
The 2019 carnival in Arrecife is dedicated to Cesar Manrique, as a homage to the fact that 2019 marks 100 years since the birth of the famous artist.
The image on the carnival poster represents a mask created by Cesar Manrique in 1987 and the Foundation in its name have allowed the use of the image in the creation of this year's poster.
The carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife also used the image of a mask created by Cesar Manrique in the 1985 edition of the event.
