While La Palma is the smallest island in the Canarian archipelago, its carnival festivities are nothing short of extravagant. Attracting visitors from all over, the Fiesta de Los Indianos (Party of the Indians) kicks off the island's carnival season in the capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, showcasing the influence of Latin America culture on the island.

Taking place on the 12th of February 2018, the cultural festival is characterised by thousands of people in white clothing, parading down the cobbled streets, throwing talcum powder by the kilo to represent the return of the local island men with riches from Latin America. Locals gather in the Plaza de España to await the protagonist of the festival 'La Negra Thomasa'. Usually a man dressed up as a woman in brightly coloured Caribbean clothing, to symbolise the huge influence of Cuban culture on the Canarian Island.

Many locals gather at the Plaza de La Alameda, which during the festival is referred to as Plaza Cubana, the centre of the party, where revellers flock in their white outfits, some carrying suitcases and bird cages to illustrate the historic return of Palmerans to the island.

The unique carnival experience is a long-standing Palmeran tradition, with its roots based on the 19th century ships arriving into La Palma's port bearing riches from Cuba and Latin America. The small island's individual quirks, including the dousing of flour, the all-white dress code, and the iconic La Negra Thomasa, set the Canarian island apart from the rest of the archipelago's carnival festivities.

Flights to La Palma are available with EasyJet from London Gatwick and with Thomson from Manchester and London Gatwick.

For more information on La Palma, please visit http://www.visitlapalma.es/en/

For high resolution images, please click here. 

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For more information, contact Kate McWilliams or Camila Holden-Ayala at LOTUS: 020 7953 7470/ LaPalma@wearelotus.co.uk.

Turismo de La Palma is part of the Ministry of Planning and Tourism of the Insular Cabildo of La Palma, the island's highest representative body. Among other functions, is dedicated to the external promotion of the destination La Palma, Isla Bonita, in international markets. Turismo de La Palma concentrates its efforts in luring potential visitors of other Canary Islands, the rest of the Spanish territory and international tourists.