DE 
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ES Have you ever heard of a carnival where thousands of people dress entirely in white and throw talcum powder at each other?
When you think of a typical carnival, you probably imagine colorful costumes, samba music, or masked parades. But on the Canary Island of La Palma, there is a celebration every year that turns all these ideas upside down: Los Indianos in Santa Cruz de La Palma. This extraordinary event transforms the island’s capital every year on Rosenmontag (Carnival Monday) into a white sea of people, talcum powder, and pure joy.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about the origins of this special tradition, its customs, the famous Polvesera, the meaning behind the talcum powder, and what the schedule of the 2026 festival will look like.
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The history of Los Indianos – A look back in time
The origins of Los Indianos date back to the 19th century. At that time, many Palmeros left their homeland in search of a better life in the “New World,” especially in Cuba. These emigrants were later known as “Indianos” – a term generally used for Spaniards who returned from the Americas (the so-called “Indias”).
Many of these returnees came back wealthy and proud – dressed in fine white clothing, wearing straw hats, gold jewelry, and carrying suitcases filled with exotic goods. They became symbols of success and social advancement.
Over time, this evolved into a humorous and festive parody: the local population began imitating the pompous returnees – and Los Indianos was born.
Thus, the festival is not only a lively carnival celebration but also an ironic homage to the history of emigration, the dream of prosperity, and the deep connection between the Canary Islands and Latin America.
Traditions and customs: White, talcum powder, and joy for life
Anyone visiting Los Indianos for the first time will immediately be struck by the white clothing. Every participant wears elegant, historical garments – from white linen suits and summer dresses to lace hats, parasols, and nostalgic accessories.
This clothing symbolizes the refined appearance of the returning emigrants of the past, but today it is worn with plenty of humor and a wink.
However, the most striking feature is not the clothing, but what fills the air: talcum powder.
The Polvesera – The white spectacle
One of the central moments of the festival is the so-called Polvesera, a massive talcum powder battle. Thousands of people throw powder at each other until the streets and faces are immersed in a misty white haze.
The powder symbolizes purity, equality, and joy – there is no longer any distinction between rich and poor, tourist or local. Everyone becomes part of one big, joyful game.
Music, dance and caribbean flair
The Polvesera is accompanied by Cuban music and live bands. Everywhere, rhythms such as Son Cubano, Mambo, and Guaracha fill the air.
Many participants dance through the streets, swaying their hips to Latin American beats, enjoying the day with rum cocktails and local cuisine.
The main character: La Negra Tomasa
Another highlight of the festival is the arrival of La Negra Tomasa, a cult figure symbolizing the connection between La Palma and Cuba.
La Negra Tomasa — portrayed by a male performer in traditional clothing and black makeup — arrives in the port of Santa Cruz in the morning, accompanied by music groups, dancing, and cheers.
With her arrival, the Fiesta de los Indianos officially begins. From that moment on, the entire city celebrates — with parades, dancing, and of course, plenty of talcum powder.
Los Indianos 2026 – Date and schedule
In 2026, Carnival Monday falls on February 16th. On this day, Santa Cruz de La Palma once again transforms into a white sea of music, talcum powder, and pure joy. Early in the morning, the streets fill with people dressed in white clothes, straw hats, and nostalgic accessories — ready for the most extraordinary carnival celebration in the Canary Islands.
Here’s an overview of the day’s schedule:
Morning (around 10:00 AM): The arrival of Negra Tomasa
The day begins at the port of Santa Cruz, where the legendary La Negra Tomasa arrives — accompanied by drums, congas, and Latin American rhythms.
With her arrival, the city comes alive: shouts echo through the streets, music fills the air, and people begin to dance in anticipation. From here, La Negra Tomasa, followed by an ever-growing crowd, makes her way through the old town toward the city center.
Midday (around 12:00 PM): Celebration at Plaza de España
By noon, the festive procession reaches the Plaza de España, the heart of Santa Cruz. Here, the symbolic welcome of the Indianos takes place — a moment full of music, humor, and emotion.
The figure of La Negra Tomasa dances with the visitors as the first clouds of talcum powder rise into the sky. Now it’s official: the White Carnival has begun.
Afternoon (from around 1:00 PM): The start of the Polvesera
Shortly after, what everyone has been waiting for begins — the famous Polvesera. The streets around Calle Real and Calle O’Daly fill with a white mist of talcum powder. Everywhere, people laugh, dance, and celebrate. Strangers playfully toss powder at one another, friends embrace, and all of Santa Cruz is bathed in a cloud of joy.
The talcum battle is the heart of the festival — exuberant, humorous, and unlike anything else in the world.
Afternoon (around 3:00 – 6:00 PM): The grand parade of the Indianos
In the afternoon, the grand Indianos parade begins. Men and women dressed in elegant white suits and dresses, adorned with hats, parasols, and nostalgic accessories, stroll through the old town. Music groups with Cuban rhythms — Son, Mambo, and Guaracha — create a truly Caribbean atmosphere.
It’s a scene from another time: full of humor, elegance, and pure joy of life.
Evening: Music, dance and white nights
As the sun slowly sets behind the mountains, the second half of the celebration begins: Live concerts echo across the squares, dance groups perform, and everywhere, bars invite you to enjoy a glass of rum or a freshly mixed mojito.
Talcum powder still floats through the air — a sign that the Polvesera lives on. Late into the night, locals and visitors dance side by side, surrounded by Caribbean rhythms and smiling faces.
Late evening: A peaceful white farewell
Around midnight, the festivities gradually come to an end. The old town lies wrapped in a gentle white veil — as if the day itself had left behind a trace of joy. What remains is the feeling of having been part of a truly unique moment: a celebration that blends history, humor, and warmth in an unforgettable way.
Tip: If you want to experience the festival, make sure to arrive early and book your accommodation well in advance, as Los Indianos is one of the most popular events in all the Canary Islands.
Tips for visitors
If you’re planning to join in 2026, here are some practical recommendations to help you make the most of your day:
Clothing: Dress all in white! Linen fabrics, hats, gloves, and parasols are ideal. Make sure your outfit is comfortable — there’s lots of dancing and celebrating!
Protection: Wear sunglasses or regular glasses to protect your eyes from talcum powder. If you’re sensitive, you can also use a light scarf or mask.
Talcum powder: Only use skin-friendly talcum powder. Many shops on La Palma sell special varieties that are pleasantly scented and easy to wash off.
Getting there:
By car: If you’re coming by rental car, arrive early. Many streets in the city center are closed off by late morning, and parking spaces fill up quickly.
By bus (Guagua): On Los Indianos, the island government traditionally provides additional bus services. These so-called Guaguas especiales run frequently from all major towns on the island — such as Los Llanos, El Paso, Breña Alta, Breña Baja, and Mazo — directly to Santa Cruz de La Palma. Use these connections to reach the city center comfortably and stress-free. Return journeys start late in the evening, so you can enjoy the festival at your own pace. Timetables are usually published a few days before the event on the official website of Transportes Insular La Palma (TILP).
Join in: Get involved in the Polvesera! It’s all about fun, community, and joy.
Food & drinks: Many bars and stalls offer mojitos, Ron Miel (honey rum), and small snacks. But don’t forget to bring some water — the day can get quite warm.
Conclusion: Los Indianos – An unforgettable experience
Los Indianos is much more than a carnival parade. It’s a living piece of history, a celebration of remembrance, and a symbol of joy. The combination of traditional clothing, Cuban music, playful parody, and the unique talcum powder battle makes this day one of the most spectacular experiences in the Canary Islands.
If you’d like to experience carnival in a truly unique way — with style, humor, and plenty of white — mark February 16, 2026 in your calendar. Because on that day, Santa Cruz de La Palma once again calls out:
“¡Que viva Los Indianos!” – Long live the white Carnival!
If you’d like to dive deeper into the topic, visit the website Losindianos.info, where you’ll find more information about the carnival, great photos from past years, and fascinating articles about the history and traditions of Los Indianos.
Are you ready for the most extraordinary carnival in the Canary Islands?
Then start planning your trip to the white Carnival in Santa Cruz de La Palma now! Our dedicated team will support you with personal advice and tailor-made offers perfectly suited to your wishes.
Since we know La Palma inside out and work directly with local hosts, we can recommend exactly the accommodation that matches your style – close to the action, in a quiet location on the outskirts, or with a sea view for relaxing after the festivities.
Whether you’re looking for a charming apartment, a cozy holiday flat, or a stylish holiday home – we’ll help you find the ideal place to stay for your visit.
Contact us today and take advantage of our experience to make your carnival on La Palma unforgettable – full of music, joy, and plenty of white!
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