Facts for Kids

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a beautiful city in Spain 🌞! It is the capital of Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands. These islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Africa 🌍. Las Palmas is a vibrant city with sandy beaches, colorful buildings, and friendly people. It was founded in 1478, making it one of the oldest cities in the Canary Islands! 🏖

️ The city is known for its warm weather, delicious food, and exciting festivals. The population is around 380,000 people, making it the biggest city in the Canary Islands! 👧👦

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a rich history! It was founded by the Spanish in 1478 and became an important port for trade 🛳️. The city was a stopping point for ships traveling to the Americas. In the 16th century, it was attacked by pirates! 😱

The city built strong fortresses to protect itself. Las Palmas is also known for its cultural influence with events like the famous Carnival, which has been celebrated since the 19th century 🎉. The city played a key role in the Spanish Empire and has many historical sites to explore, like the Cathedral of Santa Ana ⛪.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has sister cities around the world! 🌍

These special friendships are meant to promote friendship and cooperation. One sister city is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, California, USA. They share similar names because both cities have sun and beaches 🌞! Another sister city is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, also in the Canary Islands, which is a great neighbor. ✈

️ These connections allow for cultural exchanges, making it exciting for residents to learn about each other's traditions and experiences! 😊

Many famous people come from or live in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria! 🎤

One of the most well-known is the Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz, who has won many awards for his music 🎶. Another notable resident is the comedian and actor Santiago Segura, known for his funny movies in Spain 😂. There are also talented athletes, like soccer players who play in professional teams! These residents make the city lively and inspire young people to follow their dreams in various fields! 🌟

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a strong economy ☀️. Tourism is a major part, with people visiting for the beaches, warm weather, and fun activities! Hotels, restaurants, and shops help the city's economy grow. Fishing is also important, and many fresh seafood dishes can be tasted here 🍽️. Additionally, Las Palmas is a free trade zone, meaning that goods can be imported and exported without heavy taxes. This helps businesses thrive! 🏬

Overall, the city's economy is diverse and supports a lot of jobs for its residents.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria loves to celebrate 🎉! The most famous event is the Carnival, held every February. This colorful festival includes parades, music, dancing, and fun contests! People from all around the world come to join in the celebrations 👯‍♂️. In July, the city hosts the "Festival de las Culturas," showcasing art and traditions from different countries 🗺️. The city also celebrates religious events, like Semana Santa (Holy Week) with processions and traditions. Overall, there’s always something exciting happening in Las Palmas that brings the community together! 🌈

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is situated on the northeastern coast of Gran Canaria 🏝️. It is surrounded by the ocean and has beautiful sandy beaches, like Las Canteras Beach 🌊. The city has a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 26°C (79°F) 🌡️. It hardly ever rains, so you can enjoy the sunny weather! The area is hilly, with mountains nearby, making it great for exploring nature 🚶‍♂️🌳. The city is also famous for its unique volcanic rock formations, which are very exciting to visit! 🗻

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is full of rich culture! 🎭

The city celebrates various traditions, like the famous Carnival of Las Palmas, which is one of the biggest in the world 🎊. People dress in colorful costumes, dance, and enjoy parades! They also have traditional music called "folklore," featuring drums and guitars. The local cuisine offers delicious dishes like "sancocho" (fish stew) and "papas arrugadas" (wrinkled potatoes) 🍠. Art plays an important role too, with local artists showcasing their work in galleries. The blending of Spanish and African influences makes the culture unique and exciting!

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is home to several schools and universities 🎓. The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers various courses, including science and arts, helping students gain knowledge. There are many primary and secondary schools focusing on learning languages and technology 📚. The city promotes research in areas like marine biology due to its amazing oceans and biodiversity 🧪. Students often have opportunities to engage in exciting projects and explore the rich environment around them, creating a bright future for the city! 🌱

Tourists love to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria! 🏖

️ One famous spot is Las Canteras Beach, known for its golden sand and clear waters. 🌊

People can swim, surf, and play beach sports there. Another must-see is the historic Vegueta district, where you can find the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Ana and many charming streets. 🏛

️ The city's markets offer yummy treats too! The Poema del Mar aquarium is an incredible place to visit, featuring colorful fish and sea life from around the world 🐠. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this fantastic city!

Getting around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is easy! 🚍

The city has a good public transport system including buses called "guaguas" 🚌. They take you to different parts of the city and nearby places. Las Palmas also has a harbor for ships and ferries, connecting it to other Canary Islands 🚢. The international airport, Gran Canaria Airport, is about 25 kilometers away, making travel convenient ✈️. Walkers can enjoy the city's pedestrian-friendly areas, with many shops and cafes to explore on foot. Overall, the transport system makes it fun to discover the city! 🌟