On the Last Minute Transfer and First Minute Excursions blog, we have talked several times about the carnival celebrations in both Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. One of the most important aspects of Canary Islands’ carnival folklore is the murgas. So, today we talk about murgas in the Canary Islands’ Carnivals.

Murgas in the Canary Islands’ Carnivals

Murgas are a fundamental part of the Canary Islands’ carnivals, representing a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century. These musical groups are characterized by their satirical and critical lyrics, often focusing on political and social issues, performed with humor and irony.

Origins of the Murgas

The origins of murgas trace back to the late 19th century, when groups of young people began gathering to sing satirical and burlesque songs during carnival celebrations. These early murgas, inspired by the chirigotas from Cádiz, used music and humor to critique the social and political issues of their time.

The introduction of murgas in the Canary Islands can be traced back to the 1917 Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, when the crew of the Spanish gunboat “Laya” from Cádiz brought the concept of chirigotas to the island.

Throughout the 20th century, murgas became a key component of Canary Islands’ carnivals, growing in popularity and evolving into the cultural phenomenon we know today. Currently, murgas are an essential part of the carnival festivities across many towns in the archipelago, with competitions and performances attracting thousands of spectators every year.

Since then, this carnival expression has spread across the archipelago, including Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

Murgas in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote

In Gran Canaria, murgas enjoy great popularity and are a key element of the carnival celebrations. Gran Canarian murgas are known for their diversity and creativity, surprising audiences every year with original performances and witty lyrics. Some of the most famous murgas in Gran Canaria include:

  • Los Serenquenquenes
  • Los Golisnionas
  • Las Traviesas

In Lanzarote, murgas also hold a strong tradition and are an essential part of their carnivals. Lanzarote’s murgas are recognized for their sharp humor and biting criticism, often addressing social and political issues relevant to the island. Some of the most well-known murgas in Lanzarote include:

  • Los Simplones
  • Los Desechables
  • Los Enchufados

Murga Competitions and Festivals

Murgas in the Canary Islands’ Carnivals participate in various competitions and festivals held across the archipelago. These events provide a stage for murgas to showcase their talent and compete for prestigious awards granted by expert juries. Some of the most important competitions include:

  • The Murga Contest of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival
  • The Murga Contest of the Arrecife Carnival