Los Indianos on La Palma – history, schedule and carnival highlights 2026

The term “Indianos” originally referred to Palmeros who emigrated to Cuba and other parts of Latin America during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of them later returned to the island, some having accumulated considerable wealth. Dressed in white, carrying suitcases, cigars and displaying exaggerated luxury, they showcased their newly acquired social status.

Los Indianos is a satirical homage to these returnees. The festival playfully caricatures wealth, exoticism and social differences, always with a wink of irony. The white clothing symbolises elegance and distance, but this symbolism is humorously broken with the very first throw of powder.

Los Indianos is celebrated every year on Carnival Monday and takes place mainly in Santa Cruz de La Palma. From the morning onwards, the capital begins to fill up, reaching its peak in the early afternoon.

Especially around the harbour, the Avenida Marítima and the narrow streets of the old town, there is no escape: music, dancing, large crowds and fine white powder everywhere.

One of the most special highlights of Los Indianos is the figure of La Negra Tomasa, a fixed and emotionally charged moment of the festival that attracts thousands of people every year.

La Negra Tomasa was created in 1992 by Víctor Lorenzo Díaz Molina, known as Sosó, and has since become the iconic character of Día de Los Indianos on La Palma. Contrary to what some might expect, it is not a musical tradition, but a living character full of humour, charm and carnival exaggeration.

Every year, Sosó is carefully made up and costumed early in the morning, before being welcomed at the harbour of Santa Cruz de La Palma in colourful, eye-catching dresses. From there, La Negra Tomasa dances through the streets towards the Plaza de España, which on this day is symbolically renamed “Plaza de La Habana”. For many, her arrival marks the official beginning of the carnival state of exception.

Carnival day begins early in the morning in Santa Cruz de La Palma. From the first hours of the day, the streets fill with people dressed in white, while visitors and locals gather around the harbour. The official start traditionally takes place with the arrival of the “Indianos” at the harbour, symbolically recalling the return of emigrants from Cuba.

A central moment of the day is the appearance of La Negra Tomasa. After arriving at the harbour, she dances through the streets of the capital towards the Plaza de España, which on this day is symbolically renamed “Plaza de La Habana”. Accompanied by music, applause and an ever-growing crowd, this procession marks for many the true beginning of the carnival atmosphere.

From there, the festivities spread throughout the entire city centre. Along the Avenida Marítima, in the streets of the old town and on the main squares, Caribbean rhythms, brass bands, spontaneous dance groups and live music dominate the scene. Many bars open already in the morning, contributing to a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

As the afternoon progresses, the celebration reaches its peak. The use of baby powder increases noticeably, visibility is sometimes reduced, and faces, clothing and streets turn completely white. Despite the large crowds, the atmosphere generally remains peaceful, joyful and communal.

Towards the evening, the crowds gradually begin to disperse. Some visitors leave the city centre, while others move on to bars, squares or private gatherings. Well into the late evening hours, music, conversations and a relaxed atmosphere continue to shape the city.

Although Santa Cruz de La Palma is the main centre of Los Indianos, carnival is celebrated across the entire island of La Palma. Each municipality sets its own focus and traditions, spread throughout the whole month of February. Carnival is therefore not a single event, but an island-wide celebration with regional character.

The island’s most famous carnival day, featuring celebrations in white, baby powder battles and a unique atmosphere in the capital.
Carnival period: 12–22 February 2026 (parades, concerts and further events).

A traditional and humorous closing event of the carnival in this municipality. Wearing black is a deliberate part of the staging for many participants.

The most important rule for Los Indianos is simple: everything in white.
White shirts, dresses, hats, suspenders, wigs or colonial-style accessories – anything is allowed as long as it stands out and fits the Caribbean flair.

Important tips for visitors:

• Only baby powder is used – no paint
• Avoid contact lenses, sensitive cameras and new shoes
• A scarf or face covering can be useful in dense powder clouds
• Showering after the event is essential – preferably more than once ?

Those who are well prepared can enjoy Los Indianos in a relaxed way and experience Carnival on La Palma to the fullest.

Anyone wishing to experience Carnival on La Palma, and Los Indianos in particular, should plan their accommodation well in advance. During the carnival period, holiday homes are in high demand, both in Santa Cruz de La Palma and in the western parts of the island.

On Clariso you will find holiday homes, apartments and villas spread across La Palma in various regions and locations. This allows visitors to combine the lively carnival atmosphere with quiet retreats or nature-based accommodation.

View holiday homes on La Palma