The jewel of Christmas in Gran Canaria, the sand nativity scene on Las Canteras beach

Las Canteras, the jewel of the Gran Canaria Christmas

Las Canteras beach is the favorite beach of the residents of the city. More than three kilometers long, it is considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe. With good weather conditions practically all year round, Las Canteras beach has a promenade full of entertainment venues that fill the city with life. Its waters meet the perfect conditions to carry out any water sport, especially surfing, where its high-quality waves are recognized by surfers from all over the world.

It seems like a good place to set up a gigantic sand nativity scene for Christmas. More than 200,000 people visit it every year from its opening at the beginning of December, until it closes, after the arrival of the Three Wise Men. The nativity scene Las Canteras beach, promoted by the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, occupies more than 1,000 square meters near the Saulo Torón square, in the La Puntilla area. To create the various scenes that they usually represent, some of which are five meters high, 2000 tons of sand are used, which with the water and the hands of the artists end up becoming ephemeral works that, however, remain forever etched in the memory of the visitors. Its open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (except on December 24 and 25 and January 5, which can only be visited until 8:00 p.m.), with free admission until full capacity is reached.

Solidarity Character

The sand nativity scene on Las Canteras beach not only has a religious and artistic motive. It is also organized on a charitable basis: financial and material donations provided by visitors are delivered to soup kitchens in Las Palmas Gran Canaria. Collections far exceed 20,000 euros year after year and thousands of kilos of food are also collected.

Family Activity

This nativity scene has an added attraction: not only do they welcome visits from schoolchildren during their school hours, but workshops are given so that all family members can learn to model in sand. A great way to involve parents and children in a fun joint activity.

In any case, whether visiting the nativity scene or participating in a workshop, sooner or later anyone can take a bath or lie down in a hammock to sunbathe in a swimsuit in the middle of the festivities christmas! Something difficult, if not impossible, anywhere else in Europe.

If we have encouraged you to enjoy this part of Gran Canaria Christmas, you can join us with our Las Palmas and Las Palmas Express tours.