Las Palmas

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It really is worth seeing the Spanish ‘roots’ of the island with a visit to the capital. You’ll notice the vastness of the place – the new town bustles with a cosmopolitan feel and plenty of shops whereas the old town will take you back to the Christopher Columbus era.

The island is populated with 1.1 million inhabitants; half of these live in Las Palmas.

There’s nothing as joyous or colourful as the carnival and in 2008 it took place on Saturday 2nd February in the new town. Everyone gathered around Santa Catalina Square and this year’s theme was Greek Mythology’. The late Latin expression ‘Carne Vale’ means farewell to meat.

There were so many decorated Lorries, full of Greek costumed people enjoying themselves. Being one of the gay capitals of Europe, so many drag queens were on the scene.