PHOTOS: Feathers, Muscles, and Pride in Gran Canaria

Above: Ahoy, sailors! Costumed revelers enjoy the perfect weather.

Topping the list of one of the more exotic places to experience Gay Pride, Gran Canaria is by area the third largest and by population even the second largest of the Canary Islands. One of the seven main Spanish Canary Islands, Gran Canaria sits off the west coast of Africa, less than a hundred miles from the Sahara, so it enjoys summer-style sunshine all year round. Miles of golden-sand beaches (and famous Maspalomas sand dunes), scorching summer heat with beach weather all through the winter, dozens upon dozens of gay bars, restaurants, shops, and clubs, most situated side by side in two large commercial centers in Playa del Ingles. The men of the Mediterranean are perhaps the main attractions here, but the island has so much more to offer.

C'mon, boys, give us a smile -- it's Pride!

It's always a good time for a mid-Pride selfie.

Wait, huh? Is this Comic-Con, Gran Canaria?

Going green for Pride.

Rainbow butt pride #1.

This? Oh, this is what I wear when I don't care what I look like.

A rainbow-lipped Hansel and a very stern Gretel.

An older, distinguished member of the LGBT community.

Sweet sailors sailing down the parade route on a float.

Rainbow butt pride #2.

It is the responsibiity of all Pride participants to stop and pose for anyone with a camera.