What major festivals happen in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands host numerous festivals year-round including Carnival (February–March) — the second largest in the world after Rio — music festivals, food festivals, and cultural celebrations. Each island has its own unique festival calendar.

When is the best time to visit for festivals?

Carnival season (February–March) is the biggest festival period. Summer months (June–August) have numerous music festivals and outdoor events. Each island also celebrates its patron saint festival with unique traditions.

How do I book this activity?

Simply call the operator directly using the phone number on this page or visit their website. IslandSpots connects you directly with the local business — no booking fees for guests.

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Cancellation policies vary by operator. Please contact the featured operator directly to discuss cancellation and rescheduling options.

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IslandSpots is a listing and lead-generation platform. We connect you with trusted local operators. All bookings, payments, and service delivery are handled directly between you and the operator.

Festivals in Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island, Mabul

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About this experience

The Festivals in Sipadan Island are a series of cultural and marine-themed celebrations held on the island and its surrounding waters in Sabah, Malaysia. These events showcase local Bajau and Suluk traditions through dance, music, and ritual offerings, alongside conservation-focused activities. The festivals occur annually, typically during the dry season from April to June, and are open to all visitors.

What to expect

A three-day opening ceremony features traditional Bajau horse dances and silat performances on the main beach, starting at 10:00 AM daily.
Each festival includes a reef-cleaning dive where participants collect debris from the coral gardens, with equipment and dive guides provided for certified divers.
Visitors can join evening lantern processions along the jetty, where handcrafted bamboo lanterns are released into the sea as a tribute to sea spirits.
A local food fair offers grilled reef fish, coconut-based curries, and sago pancakes, prepared by village cooperatives from nearby Mabul Island.
The festival suits families and cultural travellers, with children's workshops on traditional boat-building and storytelling sessions held in a shaded pavilion.
A closing regatta features outrigger canoe races between village teams, with spectators watching from the shore or rented kayaks.