Maspalomas Massive

Fancy a bit of winter sun, with a gaggle of LGBTs? An estimated 50,000 vistors will converge upon Maspalomas this month for the annual Winter Pride week, seven days of pool parties, galas and boat excursions.

Calling it ‘Winter Pride’ is somewhat misleading. It takes place during the winter, obviousy, but the average temperature in Maspalomas is at that time of year is around 23 degrees, so you won’t be needing ski-parkas and layers of figure-hiding clothing.

The event itself, now in its fourth year, is a mixture of free Pride parties, live shows as well as premium events, like the XXX Pirate Boat Trip (November 9). Ahoy, mateys! There’s also a Wet & Hairy Bear event (November 7) for the hirsute homies.

There are tons of half-remembered novelity performers on the live bill. Corona (Rhythm of the Night), Sonique (pictured), and more than a handful of former reality TV show contestants all singing their hearts out around Maspalomas’ Yumbo Square.

If you’re the monied sort, you can opt for a VIP Lounge experience, which provides free access to the premium events and many other fancy perks, like front row access to the live events, VIP Bar Service and even private VIP restrooms (so you don’t have to slum it with the hoi polloi). VIP tickets cost between €119 and €149, depending on how fancy you want to get.

Winter Pride, Maspalomas runs from 6 to 12 November, winterpridemaspalomas.com for information and bookings