Barcelona bursts into life each year during Carnival season, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience the unique magic of Carnival in Barcelona. This festival, steeped in centuries of tradition, transforms the city into a living canvas of creativity, theatrical performances, and communal celebrations. Here we will delve deeper into the essence of Carnival, explore how it’s celebrated in Barcelona, and then journey through the time-honoured festivities of the rest of Catalonia.
Carnival in Barcelona
What is Carnival?
Carnival is a season of transformation. A break from the everyday where people unite to celebrate with passion, creativity, and joy. Rooted in centuries-old customs, this festive period marks the days leading up to Lent and unfolds over several days. Carnival in Barcelona usually takes place from late February to early March, beginning on ‘Fat Thursday‘ (this year on 27th February) with a variety of lively activities, including Arribos, tastings of the coca de llardons pastry, omelette contests, and more.
The festivities wrap up on ‘Ash Wednesday‘ (this year on 5th March) with the symbolic Burial of the Sardine, where locals say goodbye to the Carnival King/Queen and welcome Old Mother Lent.
Known for its extravagant costumes, theatrical parades, and a vibrant mix of music, dance, and street performances, Carnival allows participants to assume new identities with masks and imaginative outfits. The city will once again come alive with dynamic parades, while community centres, civic halls, and Cases de la Festa host costume contests, masked balls, concerts, and family-friendly workshops.
Carnival events in Barcelona
In Barcelona city centre, Carnival mixes old traditions with a modern touch. The city’s historic neighbourhoods are transformed into stages for colourful parades and spontaneous street performances.
L'Arribo (The Arrival)
This year, the Arribo of Barcelona moves to Sants, kicking off the Carnival with a dynamic drum performance in the Plaza de Bonet i Muixí, followed by the arrival of the Carnival King Elon Muska Collonera in the Cotxeres de Sants auditorium. The festivities continue with the appearance of Reina Belluga and concludes with the Taronjada (a playful act of throwing or distribution of oranges) in front of the Sants District Headquarters.
This year’s Arribo transforms Carnival into an interplanetary celebration, as Queen Belluga unveils a daring mission to extend the festivities beyond Earth. An audacious plan that even captivated tycoon Elon Musquito into constructing an interstellar Carnaval rocket. Welcome to the Cosmic Carnaval!
- Thursday 27th February
- More info
Enterrament de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine)
In Barceloneta, the symbolic Burial of the Sardine takes place. This is an event steeped in tradition, where the community bids farewell to the Carnival’s lively spirit. Similar ceremonies are held across different neighbourhoods, complete with street processions, communal meals, and theatrical farewells that mark the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent.
- Wednesday 5th March
- More info
Ongoing activities
Friday, 28th February: a day of neighbourhood magic
Imagine wandering through the vibrant streets of Sant Andreu, Sant Martí, and Ciutat Vella, where every corner bursts with life. On this day, the city’s diverse communities come together in a tapestry of lively parades, spirited costume contests, and mouth-watering food tastings. Why not treat yourself to local delights like truites (omelettes) and botifarres (sausages).
For those who love a hands-on experience, the ‘Mercat disfressat‘ in Mercat del Clot is a must-visit. This playful market turns shopping into an adventure, where quirky finds and festive treats await. Meanwhile, community centres across the city buzz with creativity as they host workshops on mask-making, innovative costume design, and even cooking demos that spotlight traditional Carnival dishes.
Enjoy street theatre performances, family-friendly storytelling sessions, and interactive displays that trace the rich history and evolution of Carnival traditions. Dive into displays like ‘La Vella Quaresma’, where history meets modern flair, showcasing the timeless traditions of Carnival. Each event offers a window into the vibrant culture that makes this festival so uniquely Barcelona.
Saturday, 1st March: the city comes alive
Saturday is all about full-blown festivities and family fun. The streets transform into a Carnival wonderland. Creative workshops, theatrical performances, and interactive contests fill the day, inviting everyone from toddlers to grandparents to join in the celebration.
Event Highlights
- 4:30 p.m.: Neighbourhood processions kick off in Sants, Hostafrancs, and La Bordeta. With music, dance, and dazzling costumes, these parades set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
- 9:30 p.m.: The day reaches a crescendo with a grand Carnavalada at Plaça de la Marina. Picture this: a spectacular dance performance, live music, and an energetic costume contest that turns the square into an impromptu dance floor under the stars.
- Friday 28th February & Saturday 1st March
- More info
Carnival events in the rest of Catalonia
While Barcelona stands as the cultural epicentre, Carnival in other parts of Catalonia boasts its own unique flavour. Other towns and villages across the region host celebrations that are steeped in local tradition and communal pride.
Sitges Carnival
Over 300,000 revelers descend on Sitges for a week-long carnival extravaganza steeped in tradition and rivalry dating back over a century. Now, the entire town transforms into one massive party, with every bar and club pulsating with music and revelry.
Sitges Carnival 2025 kicks off on on 27th February and wraps up on 5th March. The festivities feature parades, processions, parties, and countless events that have earned Sitges Carnival a spot among the top 10 in the world. Don’t miss the main events: rua de la disbauxa (the debauchery parade) on Sunday 2nd March, and rua de l’extermini (the extermination parade), on Tuesday 4th March.
Parade schedules are as follows:
- Sunday, 2nd March: 12:00 p.m. for children and 7:30 p.m. for adults
- Tuesday, 4th March: 12:00 p.m. for children and 9:00 p.m. for adults
Carnival events in Vilanova i la Geltrú
Just beyond Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú throws its own lively Carnival steeped in local traditions. The festivities kick off on the Saturday before Carnival weekend with the Ball de Mantons (Shawl Dance). Bars and restaurants burst into life with live music, inviting everyone to don a shawl and dance the night away.
On 27th February (Fat Thursday), locals feast on xató (a traditional salad made with endive, cod, olives, and anchovies) before the streets erupt into wild celebrations that include a midnight meringue fight (yes, you read that right!). Friday marks the arrival of the Carnival King, followed by the Ball de l’Arribo for those who want to party until dawn.
Saturday’s highlight is the Ball de Malcasats, where costumed characters wearing papier-mâché masks perform satirical acts reminiscent of primitive street theatre. Sunday sees the entire town come alive with brilliant colours and music as musicians parade through the streets.
Carnival events in Tarragona
Carnival events in Solsona, Lleida
In 1971, after a 30-year ban, the people of Solsona defied Franco to revive their cherished Carnival. Today, this celebration is one of Catalunya’s longest, spanning over a week of street parades, traditional dances, and concerts.
Community-driven and ever-evolving, Solsona’s Carnival mixes traditional customs with inventive twists.
Since 1978, the festival has featured the ‘crazy giants’, a playful variation of the traditional gegants, whose animated performances add an extra spark to the festivities. On Fat Thursday, revellers enjoy a lively afternoon treat of aiguardent, figs, coca, and white wine, followed by an electrifying correfoc (fire run) in the evening.
The schedule is packed with excitement:
- Thursday, 27th February: Kick off from Plaça Major with the arrival of Carnestoltes, a series of concerts, and vibrant street parties.
- Friday, 28th February: Daytime parades showcasing giants, the Children’s Carnival, and festive musical performances.
- Saturday, 1st March: Competitions, parades, and the much-anticipated Donkey Hanging ceremony amidst fanfare and community pride.
- Sunday, 2nd March to Wednesday, 5th March: A blend of morning parades, costume balls, fire runs, and a heartfelt farewell vigil that culminates in the Cremada and Castell de Focs.
Carnival in Barcelona Tips
- Plan ahead: Carnival can draw large crowds, so plan your routes and accommodations in advance.
- Dress up: Embrace the festive spirit by donning your own costume or mask.
- Stay hydrated: With so much excitement and dancing, keep a bottle of water handy.
- Explore local eateries: Don’t miss out on the regional specialties available at street stalls and local restaurants.
Podcast: Carnival time! – food (and food fights), parades and parties
In this episode, Filling the Sink visits the coastal towns of Vilanova i la Geltrú and Sitges, famous for their outrageous food fights and lively parades. Get ready for an adventure filled with tasty treats, playful battles, and unforgettable celebrations!
Listen now: Podcast – Carnival Time!
Add a comment