Three Kings Cavalcade
Gibraltar’s first festival of the year takes place the day before Epiphany, on 5 January, and ends the winter festive season.
The Three Kings Cavalcade includes floats, fancy costumes marching bands, carol singing, and more. In addition, sweets are handed to spectators and the children dress as Kings. Normally the parade leaves Casemates Square and winds down Main Street.
Gibraltar Chess Festival
Every year in January and February, the hotel Caleta hosts one of the world’s most renowned chess tournaments. About 60 Grand Masters participate in the Gibraltar Chess Festival, whose final event boasts around 240 players from all over the world.
Gibraltar International Boat Show
Luxury yachts are the main attraction of this April event but automobiles, fashion, dance, and music are also main draws. Gibraltar’s police and navy display their latest vessels, while the water zone at the Ocean Village Marina offers dolphin watching tours, canoe races, and scuba diving classes.
Gibraltar Spring Festival
Occurring over a three-week period between May and June, the Gibraltar Spring Festival celebrates the arrival of summer with dance shows, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and concerts, and ends with the Food Festival.
Gibraltar National Day
10 September is National Day and is one of the main events in Gibraltar. It commemorates the sovereignty referendum of 1967, where voters chose to remain under British Sovereignty. Activities take place at Casemates Square and the party includes street dancing, food stalls, concerts, marching bands, and the reading of the Gibraltar National Day Declaration. A food fair showcasing some of Gibraltar’s tastiest dishes takes place at the John Mackintosh Square, while Grand Casemates offers a children’s corner filled with amusement rides. Fireworks are held over the Bay of Gibraltar and 30,000 red and white balloons representing Gibraltar’s total population are released into the sky.
Polar Bear Swim
Gibraltar is generally not that cold at Christmas, but the waters of Catalan Bay are frigid for this Boxing Day event where dozens of brave people take the plunge during the city’s annual Polar Bear Swim. Warm mulled wine and mince pies help bathers warm up once they return to dry off.
New Year’s Eve
Gibraltarians celebrate the arrival of the New Year in Casemates Square. The celebrations include live music, food stalls, and a fireworks display. Come and enjoy ringing in the next calendar year!
