Are you ready for an unforgettable experience? Mark March 3, 2025, on your calendar! On this day, as is tradition, Santa Cruz de La Palma will host its Carnival Monday, which coincides with the Day of Los Indianos, one of the most iconic celebrations on the island. Los Indianos 2025 promises, as always, a burst of lively music and a festive atmosphere filled with Cuban influences, drawing in a large crowd of visitors to enjoy this vibrant and white Carnival in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Los Indianos Festival in La Palma: A Unique Spectacle of Talcum Powder, Music, and Tradition that Draws Crowds
During Los Indianos, the port of La Palma comes alive as several cruise ships arrive, bringing over 7,000 tourists. In addition to them, more than 60,000 visitors from nearby islands, Spain, and other parts of Europe gather to enjoy the Carnival of Los Indianos. Due to the popularity of this event, it's advisable to book your trip and accommodation well in advance. And don't forget—there’s a simple yet essential dress code: everyone must be dressed in white.
While the carnivals of Tenerife and Gran Canaria might be more widely known, the Indianos of La Palma stand out for their unique character and rich cultural significance. Dating back to the 19th century, this celebration honors the Palmeros who emigrated to Cuba in search of fortune and returned with newfound wealth. The White Carnival Los Indianos keeps the historical ties between the island and Cuba alive, celebrating this important connection.
The event is filled with music, traditions, and local flavors, with talcum powder, an iconic element, turning the streets white, creating a magical atmosphere. Participants enjoy the rhythm of congas, güiros, and maracas while savoring local treats like beer, freshly pressed sugarcane juice, rum, and cigars, fully immersing themselves in the festive spirit of Los Indianos.
Discover the Program for Los Indianos 2025: A Fascinating Journey Through Culture and Traditions
The celebration kicks off in the morning with the arrival of the iconic Negra Tomasa at the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma. Almost simultaneously, in the Plaza de España, the performance of La Espera begins. In this act, the descendants of the Cabrera family, founders of the Los Indianos parody, alongside Antonio Abdo and Pilar Rey, founders of the Municipal Theatre School, reenact the traditional welcome of the returning indiano.
Next, in the Plaza de España, local authorities and the Honorable Consul of the Republic of Cuba in the Canary Islands unveil a plaque that, for a day, renames the plaza as Plaza de La Habana. This gesture honors the many Palmeros who, through hard work in Cuba, built prosperous futures, and also serves as a reminder of the old Rambla de Cuba, which gave its name to the first stretch of Avenida El Puente. Finally, the much-anticipated moment arrives when Negra Tomasa makes her appearance in the plaza, dancing and celebrating the highlight of the festival.
The festive atmosphere fills the entire historic center, with Cuban music echoing through the streets and typical drinks like mojitos, beers, and freshly pressed sugarcane juice adding to the fun. The scale of the event is impressive, with the city’s population swelling from around 15,000 to 70,000 during the celebration.
Don't miss the chance to experience the Carnival of La Palma in all its glory. Discover why the Fiesta de Los Indianos has captivated visitors from all over the world. Join this special celebration and immerse yourself in the magic for a truly unforgettable experience!
Who is Negra Tomasa?
Negra Tomasa is the symbol of Carnival in La Palma, embodying the women who were brought back from Cuba by emigrants to work as domestic servants. This character, which has been part of the festival for over 30 years, was created by Víctor Lorenzo Díaz Molina, better known as Sosó. At 83 years old, Sosó remains in excellent physical condition and assures that he will continue portraying the iconic Negra Tomasa for as long as his body allows
In 2018, Sosó was honored by the City Council of Santa Cruz de La Palma, receiving the prestigious Gold Insignia in recognition of his contribution to local culture and traditions.
Outfits for the La Palma Festival Los Indianos: Style Guide for the Carnival of La Palma
To fully enjoy the Carnival of La Palma, it’s essential to dress in line with tradition. Los Indianos attire symbolizes elegance and sophistication on this iconic day. The dominant colors are white, beige, and soft pastels, reflecting the refined style of the indianos who returned from the Americas. Weeks before the grand event of Los Indianos 2025, shop windows are filled with options for the celebration, especially in stores offering clothing, accessories, and footwear. These shops present a wide selection of outfits and accessories to suit every style and budget, ensuring that each participant looks impeccable.
Women’s Indianos Outfit:
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- The Indianos costume for women is characterized by elegant dresses with refined details such as lace and trims. Essential accessories include flower-adorned hats, gloves or mittens, and elegant fans. Additionally, a key part of the women’s attire is an abundance of jewelry, adding a touch of distinction and sophistication to their look.
Men’s Indianos Outfit:
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- The Indianos outfit for men consists of elegant frock coats or full suits that evoke the style of former emigrants. Key pieces of the male wardrobe include cotton vests, classic guayaberas, and Panama hats, all essential for the celebration. An important finishing touch is the gold chain, or leontina, decorating the jacket, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the men’s attire.
Regardless of gender, trunks and old suitcases filled with jewelry, gifts, and money are traditional elements carried by many during Los Indianos Day. The most fortunate, reflecting their success abroad, may even be accompanied by their servants.
History of the Fiesta de Los Indianos: From its Origins in the 19th Century to the Celebration of Los Indianos 2025
The Festival of Los Indianos in La Palma dates back to the 19th century, when the arrival of ships from Cuba and Latin America at the island’s port was celebrated. During these festivities, a parody of the wealthy families who returned from the Americas was performed. This tradition soon incorporated the custom of throwing flour, known as “To get covered in dust” or “To get covered in flour”.
According to historian María Victoria Hernández, as early as the 17th century, there are records mentioning the act of “to get covered in dust.” This practice was not limited to Carnival Monday but extended throughout the entire celebration. It is believed that this tradition has its roots in Cuban rituals of whitening the skin.
Although this custom was banned by authorities in the early 20th century for "disturbing public order," it was revived in the latter half of the century, with talcum powder replacing flour.
In the 1960s, the Cabrera Santos family and a group of friends passionate about Carnival decided to humorously imitate the emigrant who returned from "Las Américas." These characters would come back to the island in grand style, dressed in white and with an air of elegance. In 2003, the City Council of Santa Cruz de La Palma honored them for their contribution to the Carnival.
In the 1980s, the combination of the Indiano parody and the talcum powder created the Fiesta de Los Indianos as we know it today. This celebration is unique because it requires no rehearsals or scripts: all participants are part of the spontaneous spectacle, making the Fiesta de Los Indianos a fun and one of a kind experience for everyone.
Experience the Magic of Santa Cruz de La Palma’s Carnival Beyond Los Indianos: Wig Party and Los Indianitos Festival
The charm of La Palma’s Carnival doesn’t just shine in the iconic Fiesta de Los Indianos; it also includes other key events that take place leading up to this grand celebration.
During the weekend before Los Indianos Day, several must-see activities unfold. On Friday, for example, the fun-filled Wig Party takes place. This event invites participants to dance and enjoy themselves all afternoon and evening, with a wig contest where friends and coworkers compete for the most extravagant hairstyle.
The Sunday before the big Monday is the Día de Los Indianitos, a children’s version of La Palma’s Los Indianos. Held in Plaza de España, kids enjoy themselves with talcum powder, games, workshops, music, and dancing, capturing the essence of the Fiesta de Los Indianos in a way that’s tailored for the little ones. In this way, La Palma’s Carnival offers a full experience for all ages, with activities that set the festive tone ahead of the big event.
Tips and Recommendations for Indianos 2025
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- Make sure to book your flight and accommodation well in advance. Check how to get to La Palma and plan your trip accordingly.
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- This event is extremely popular, so tickets and accommodations sell out quickly. You can check availability for places to stay in La Palma here. Keep in mind that prices tend to be higher during these dates.
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- If you’re staying outside of Santa Cruz, avoid bringing your car, as parking can be challenging. The guagua (bus) service is an excellent option for getting around. Be sure to check bus lines and schedules to make your travels easier.
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- On the Day of Los Indianos, most restaurants have closed doors and only accept guests with a reservation. However, along the Avenida Marítima, you’ll find chiringuitos (food stands) and food trucks where you can grab something to eat.
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- If you don’t have talcum powder with you, don’t worry—it’s available for purchase all over the city.
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- We recommend protecting your phone in a waterproof bag to avoid damage from the powder. If needed, you’ll find bags and other useful accessories in souvenir shops.
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- Don’t miss the chance to try an authentic Mojito Palmero, made with freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, Aldea rum, lime, and fresh local mint.
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- And don’t forget: It’s essential to dress in white!
Curiosities About the Los Indianos Carnival
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- The Carnival of Santa Cruz de La Palma has been nominated in the Best Cultural Heritage category in the first-ever +HISTORIA Awards, presented by Historia National Geographic magazine and voted on by readers. These awards, launched for the first time, aim to highlight the efforts made to promote history, culture, and heritage. This nomination recognizes the dedication of the Carnival of Los Indianos organizers in keeping this unique cultural tradition alive and celebrated.
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- Every year, the airline Binter gifts thousands of bottles of talcum powder and Panama hats to passengers arriving on the island during the Sunday and Monday of the Day of Los Indianos.
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- The Indianos celebration has been declared a Regional, National, and International Tourist Interest Event.
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- In the year 2000, the unique charm of the Carnival of La Palma began to gain recognition on the Spanish mainland through media outlets like El Viajero from El País, National Geographic, and the renowned British newspaper The Guardian, which listed it among the ten best carnivals in Europe.
Weather in La Palma in February
Although temperatures typically range between 13 and 21 degrees, February is known as one of the colder and rainier months of the year. However, this doesn’t stop the enthusiastic celebration of the Carnival of Los Indianos. When packing, it's important to consider the weather. Even though the capital usually has pleasant conditions, the weather can change suddenly, so it’s a good idea to bring something warm, like a jacket or shawl, just in case.
Videos from Previous Editions of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de La Palma
Take a look at the videos from the previous edition of the Los Indianos Day in La Palma, filmed in the early afternoon on Monday in Plaza de España and Plaza de La Alameda. You can see the crowd having a great time, with Cuban music filling the air and creating a lively, joyful atmosphere.