Carnival in Spain is one of the most colourful and anticipated events of the year, attracting tourists from all over the world. Spain is famous for its colourful festivities, but Carnival holds a special place here. It's a time when cities are filled with music, dancing and endless fun.
These days are full of humour, parodies and costumes. Don't miss the opportunity to see the carnival with your own eyes and feel the special atmosphere of the holiday!
History and Traditions of Spanish Carnival
The roots of the holiday go back to the Sumerians, who danced in masks around a bonfire at harvest time. For the ancient Romans, it was the time of Bacchae, a time of jocular and lavish feasts in honour of the god Bacchus.
The first mention of carnival in Spain dates back to the 15th century, when the tradition of masquerades was born in Cadiz, thanks to merchants from Italy. This led to the organisation of festivities before Lent with masks, which was the beginning of the traditional and important carnival in the country.
During Lent, which is 40 days long, Christians abstained from certain pleasures, including meat and entertainment. To maximise their enjoyment before Lent, they organised days of fun and feasting. Over time, this evolved into the carnival as we know it today.
Nowadays, for many, this holiday symbolises a farewell to winter and a welcome to spring, filling the streets of Spanish cities with colour and joy.
Main Cities to Celebrate Carnival in Spain
Cadiz: The Carnival in Cadiz is one of the most famous not only in Spain, but in the whole of Europe. The city turns into an endless stream of music and laughter thanks to the many satirical performances, masquerades and parades. This is a unique opportunity to see real Spanish culture in action.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: This carnival is considered the second largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro Carnival. For ten days, the streets of Santa Cruz are filled with an extravaganza of colours, costumes and music. Carnival in Tenerife will attract you with its parades, queen's coronation and pageants.
Sitges: This place is perfect for lovers of fun parties and freedom of expression. Sitges Carnival, known for its LGBT-friendly events, offers a unique atmosphere and a real show! 
Carnival in Spain 2025
This year, 2025, Carnival in Spain will begin on Thursday 27 February and run until Wednesday 5 March. The last day of Carnival is called Ash Wednesday, which will mark the end of the celebrations.
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting. It is the beginning of a tradition going back to the year 325, when this period was used as preparation for the rite of baptism.
Carnival in Madrid 2025
In 2025, the capital starts celebrating Carnival on 1 March. But how! All 5 days will be very noisy and busy for residents and guests of the city. Usually all carnival celebrations take place in the Plaza de Matadero in Madrid. And this time without exception: it starts on Saturday with an opening speech by a celebrity (sometimes local, sometimes more popular) who opens the programme. This is followed by workshops, theatre, music and a spectacular parade to celebrate the end of the festival with huge figures. This parade ends with a big bonfire and a procession with the burial of a sardine.
The Sardine Burial Procession symbolises an unconventional procession with the sardine as the key element, mocking Lent by using the traditional symbol, the fish. Participants in this peculiar ceremony vary from place to place, including widows, officials, clergy, military and others. Regardless of their composition, they all dress in strict black robes, symbolising mourning. The event also reflects the tradition of burial with special honours.
The meaning of this tradition is to leave behind the past and all its excesses, including those allowed during Carnival, and thus prepare for the more restrained weeks before Easter.
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