HISTORY 

Several years ago we conceived the idea of periodically organizing a pigeon derby in which fanciers from regions all over the world could participate. Our purpose was that the Canary Islands fancier, so isolated from the rest of the world due to their geographical location, establish contact with fanciers from different places. This way, they could compete with world-renowned fanciers, allowing at the same time for us and the participants to see how the pigeons behave when they have to cross the sea.

The tough challenges that racing pigeons have to deal with when they fly over the ocean, across different islands until they reach the lofts, are known to all fanciers, and no one doubts of its dificculty. At the same no one doubts either the current quality of the Canarian pigeon, which are able to compete against the best. This has been proven not only in past editions of our Derby, but also when they participate in other Spanish and international competitions.

The Derby is celebrated in the island of Gran Canaria, which is considered by many a "miniature continent". Its capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is modern and cosmopolitan, and offers a great choice of attractions: beaches, museums, landmarks, golfing, watersports, etc. In the South of the island it can be found numerous leisure activities and spots, going from the Maspalomas Dunes to Palmitos Park where exotic birds fly freely. The center of the island, through roads or trekking paths, offers you tradition, folk music, religious offerings, centuries-old celebrations, and friendly down-to-earth villagers in all the towns that compose its orography.

The climate of the Canary Islands is near perfect, with temperatures ranging from 18º to 25º Celsius. Gran Canaria enjoys a spring-like weather all year round, acclaimed by the international scientific community. An exhaustive study run by the Syracuse University ,and published in the American newspaper "USA Today," places Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as the city with
the best climate in the world. The "miracle" of this phenomenon happens due to the alisios humid and fresh winds, coming from the Azores' anticyclone.

The climate is pleasant, mostly sunny and with littel rain, as it is traditional in the Canary Islands. The islands' spring climate throughout the year have inspired writers to define them as "Fortunate Islands", "the country with the Eternal Spring", as well as other allusive terms to their charm and natural beauty, such as where the lofts are located, just a few miles away from incredible beaches.

Since we enjoy an almost permanent mild sun as well as a very oxygenated atmosphere where the Derby is celebrated at a location 700 metres above sea level, below the mountains. Above you can see a satellite image taken today and that is updated several times during the day. In the middle part you can see the Canary Islands, showing the islands' geographical proximity to Africa.

Therefore, after several editions we celebrate the 7th edition of the Gran Canaria Classic Derby. We expect it to be a great success to be enjoyed by fanciers from different parts of the world.