The Carnival allegory centred on “Las Vegas”: the neon fantasy which evokes the famous desert city of Nevada, the synonym of entertainment and spectacle, was in tune with festivities which were celebrating the 50th anniversary of its modern phase. All the imaginarium relating to croupiers, vedettes and singing stars became the inspiration for costumes for the Carnival-goers, groups, and those competing for the crowns in the festivities and the openings of the galas.

A poster featuring a flirtatious sardine, the work of Néstor Santana Benítez, was the image of the “Las Vegas” Carnival. The minimalism of a carnival sardine on top of a pedestal, standing out against a skyline of neon lights which mixed Las Vegas hotels with emblematic buildings from the Gran Canaria capital. With poker chips for scales and dice for earrings, the sardine presided over a composition with an illuminated poster, in pure Las Vegas style, announcing the dates of the celebrations.

Easily recognisable locations in the city formed part of this work which, in the words of its author, “shows the sardine out on the streets at night time, which is where Carnival should indeed be”.

Votes for the selection of the poster were cast by SMS.

Once again, Carlos Santos was the architect in charge of staging the “Las Vegas” Carnival. Taking inspiration from the iconic poster “Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas”, the Santa Catalina Park venue was transformed into “Welcome to Hotel LPGC Palace”, reproducing the elements of the unforgettable neon sign in the reception area of a hotel directly connected to the show and the festivities, in red, black and gold tones, to evoke the luxury and glamour of Las Vegas.

40 metres wide, 20 metres deep, 20 metres high at the centre and with 296 square metres of screen, a thousand bulbs and LED technology, and a revolving section at the front, this stunning stage had two major catwalks to round off the space, linked to two spiral staircases leading to symbolic golden palm trees, water fountains and images of a city inextricably tied to entertainment.

Paco Mario, the unmistakeable voice of Carnival for more than 35 years, was in charge of summoning carnival goers to the start of the festivities. A figure who is inseparable from this celebration, and well-loved by all carnival goers for having lent his voice to its galas and competitions for over three decades. His presence, his iconic voice and his memories took over the venue in a very special opening event, to proclaim the 50th anniversary of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival.

With his long history connected to this fiesta which is all about irreverence and tolerance, Paco Mario, such a polyfacetic man, was all of a tremble as he took possession of an opening proclamation in which he highlighted the links tying him to it. He recalled anecdotes, he mentioned major figures from the Carnival’s stage whom he had been able to introduce, and he recognised the work of those who have brought the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to its current prominence.

Carla Benítez González, wearing “History”, the design by Kevin Rodríguez González for Capross 2004 S.L, became the 50th Queen of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival. On receiving her sceptre and tiara, Carla, in an unforgettable moment, was surrounded by the queens who had showed off the jewels of the crown before her.

Also proclaimed on the stage were the group of ladies who, as ambassadors of this Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, will accompany Carla Benítez González during her reign: Sarah Lomore, Evelyn Moreno Quintana, Norma Ruiz Brito and Ángeles Moreno Santana, have become, respectively, first, sceond, third, and fourth maids of honour.

The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival Drag Queen Gala gave the 50th anniversary throne to Drag Queen La Tacones, Kevin Doramas Jiménez Moreno. With his spectactle “Today I’m going to be me! Even though the world may not be ready for this”, a number which brought flamenco, copla, art and humour together with the current day, to revindicate, through the voice of the mythical Lauren Postigo, coexistence and union between cultures.

With the backing of Clínica de Fisioterapia PhysioÉlite and Carrozas José Halcón, and Nancy Henríquez’s design, Taco captivated the audience and jury and took the winner’s sash for a unique edition which had also recognised him on the Pre-Selection night with the prize for the best design.

The court brought together Drag Queens Shíky, Ácrux, Sequins and Ígnea, four drag personalities and four ways of interpreting the phenomenon.

Carmen Rosa Toledo López fue la vencedora en la noche de las veteranas. Con la fantasía «La suerte de reencontrarnos», de Jonás Hernández Toledo, en representación de Contenur, se hizo con el favor del jurado.

From among the eleven candidates for this edition, Elisa Domínguez Santiago, Paqui Guarda Diepa, Ángela del Rosario Tavío Medina and Sonia Acosta Díaz were chosen as maids of honour.

Elena Henríquez González, with her costume “I was waiting for you, tee hee”, a work by Masbe Creaciones for Asociación Cultural Adasat, was the first to ascend to the “Las Vegas” Carnival throne, taking the crown as Queen of the Junior Throne.

The gala, with its opening, parades by the contenders, the performance by Los Legañositos, the winning Murguita, brief performances by junior Comparsas and the much-anticipated KPOP tribute band Las Guerreras, filled Santa Catalina Park to bursting.

20 Murgas took part in a unique competition: 18 competed in rounds and in all the categories and one more, los Star, competed just for the costume category; the Afilarmónica Los Nietos de Kika performed as the support act for the Final.

The first prize for Performance in the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival Murgas Competition returned to Carrizal. The members of Los Legañosos ratified the position they also took in 2025 and were chosen as the best Murga of the Carnival celebrations, just as in 2016.

Their song “Einstein, yes indeed, is the best Carnival physicist” was also given the Tomás Pérez Prize for the best lyrics, awarded by Los Nietos de Kika to fellow Murgas whose lyrical, critical and ironic quality they value highest. Admiration from other groups reached this group via the prize given by Los Trapasones, called ‘Carmelo, “el Pariente”’, an award which celebrates the path it has followed.

The first prize for costume went to Agüimes, whose representatives, Los Serenquenquenes, achieved the award with the allegory “45 years at your service, no tips and all included”.

The comparsas offered a show in the same league as the city of “Las Vegas”. From amongst all of them, the staging and choreography of Baracoa took the group to first place with regard to performance. The first prize for costume was for the changes and the style of Kisamba.

The competition also awarded a prize to the Yoruba and Guaracheros Comparsas with the third prize for performance and for costume, respectively.

The Junior Comparsas had their special day too; they danced in an exhibition followed by their respective fan groups.

César Arévalo was the winner in the individual category with his own design, entitled: “Ace of Desire”. For groups, the first prize for costume was for the 33 members of Ama who also took third prize for choreography, thanks to their delightful staging and their costume “From the desert to Las Vegas in a warm dawn”, from ideas by Saray Medina and Pepi Blanco.

Arepa was the “Las Vegas” Carnival’s favourite pet with the costume called “Pero qué perra la tragaperra!” (What a fruity fruit machine!) The mongrel, since she first took part in the 2024 Dog Carnival alongside her companion Rosmi Quesada, hasn’t come down from the podium where she won first prize that first year, and also took third prize in 2025.