Colours, music, dances and crazy costumes: Carnival in Spain is one of our favourite celebrations that takes place in this amazing country. At the end of February Spaniards set up some wild and fun street festivals, turning the carnival in Spain into one of the biggest in Europe!

If you are living an experience abroad in Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia, you can’t miss this incredible Spanish fiesta! Discover everything about Carnival in Spain, its origins and the different local celebrations around the country.

Which is the history behind Carnival in Spain?

The origins of the Carnival celebration hide something esoteric: it has its roots in a primitive and pagan festival which honoured the rebirth of nature and the beginning of the new year. Its history also involves the pre-Christian traditions of Ancient Rome, such as the Bacanales and Saturnales festivals.
Interesting fact about the most recent history: Carnival in Spain was banned for around 40 years during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. But afterwards, people came back to the celebration with more energy than ever! 

*COVID-19 information: Carnival in Spain street festivals are suspended in 2021 due to the worldwide pandemic restrictions.

How to celebrate Carnival in Spain? 

The beauty and spectacularity of Carnival in Spain is well known all over the world. Here, there are plenty of festivals throughout the country: from Cadiz to Canary island, from Sitges to the main cities such as Madrid or Barcelona. Spaniards dress in colorful, traditional or extravagant costumes, organizing street parties which involve music and dancing. 

Carnival in Cadiz

In Cadiz, off the southern coast of Spain, you’ll run into a quite original kind of Carnival. The keyword here is “music”: streets are so crowded and filled with musical groups stationed in corners, squares or open-air carts. They play satirical songs and dress up with satirical costumes: politicians, celebrities, extravagant characters. Here also come many internationals to have fun in the fun street parties, to experience the concerts at Plaza Catedral and amazing fireworks shows.

Carnival in Canary Island

Carnival in the Canary Island, especially in Tenerife (in the city of Santa Cruz) is the closest to the Latino versions of Carnival (like the Brazilian or Colombian one). This makes it possibly the biggest carnival party in Europe (beside the beautiful traditional celebration that takes place in Venice). In Tenerife you will be amazed by great parades, with many dancers and models in outrageous costumes, with satine, feathers and sparkles! Open air parties (called ‘Mogollones’ by the locals) are great and so fun but if you want to see the traditional beauty competitions you need to purchase tickets in advance.  

Carnival in Sitges

Located only 30 minutes away on the southwest of Barcelona you will find Sitges, hosting beautiful Carnival celebrations (even though they’re smaller than the ones in Cadiz or Tenerife). It is preferred by the LGBT community; therefore it displays many drag shows (considered among the best ones in Europe!). Moreover you can check out some street parades showing off amazing carriages and costumes, such as Rua de la Disbauxa and Rua de l’Extermini.

Carnival in other locations in Spain 

If you won’t be able to visit any of these locations, no worries, Carnival in Spain is a serious thing. Basically every city hosts parties in bars or clubs where you will be able to dress up with your friend and have the best time. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia have fancy parties where you can fully live the Carnival spirit!

Are you ready to join the celebrations? Pick up your favourite, plan your trip and get dressed!