The Canaries are known for being especially gay friendly, offering up lots of special festivities and activities catering to the alternative lifestyle.
The main event being Gay Pride, taking place each May, with the next one scheduled for May 6-12 2013. The huge celebration features live music acts, foam parties and other activities including crowning Miss Lesbian Gran Canaria or Mr Gay Gran Canaria.
Watch the king and queen of the festival as they are crowned on the beach alongside the thousands of visitors who make the journey every year, and don't forget the parade, where you can go all out with your costumes. In fact, it's encouraged.
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.
Another island that hosts lots of celebrations in support of gays is Tenerife. There's a carnival that takes place every March, which is often described as the second Rio de Janeiro as every town on the island partakes in the festival, which mainly occur in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz. With plenty of opportunities to dress up and be openly homosexual, it's the perfect trip abroad for those who are perhaps a bit hesitant to travel. Not only are the Canaries an accepting atmosphere, but you'll have plenty of fun while there are meet lots of people in the friendly holiday environment.
The main event being Gay Pride, taking place each May, with the next one scheduled for May 6-12 2013. The huge celebration features live music acts, foam parties and other activities including crowning Miss Lesbian Gran Canaria or Mr Gay Gran Canaria.
Watch the king and queen of the festival as they are crowned on the beach alongside the thousands of visitors who make the journey every year, and don't forget the parade, where you can go all out with your costumes. In fact, it's encouraged.
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.
Another island that hosts lots of celebrations in support of gays is Tenerife. There's a carnival that takes place every March, which is often described as the second Rio de Janeiro as every town on the island partakes in the festival, which mainly occur in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz. With plenty of opportunities to dress up and be openly homosexual, it's the perfect trip abroad for those who are perhaps a bit hesitant to travel. Not only are the Canaries an accepting atmosphere, but you'll have plenty of fun while there are meet lots of people in the friendly holiday environment.
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 .
