The Barcelona Carnival is one of the city’s most anticipated and iconic festivals. This lively celebration, which blends tradition, entertainment, and a touch of extravagance, has deep historical and cultural roots in Barcelona. Marked by the lunar calendar, Carnival transforms the city into a week-long festival of parades, costumes, and street performances, where people embrace creativity and collective freedom without limits.
Are you ready to discover the magic of Barcelona Carnival 2025?
The Origins of Barcelona Carnival
Barcelona’s Carnival has a documented history dating back to the 14th century. The first known reference appears in 1333, when the Council of One Hundred regulated the use of masks and banned the throwing of oranges in certain settings, a sign that this festival was already associated with mischief and revelry.
By the 16th century, public authorities began organizing Carnival to channel the energy of this extravagant festivity. This period saw the institutionalization of traditions that have survived to this day, such as L’Arribo, La Taronjada, and the Burial of the Sardine. In the 19th century, the popularity of costumes and the era’s fashion trends gave the celebration a new flair, while satirical literature flourished in Carnival-themed publications.
However, it hasn’t been an uninterrupted tradition—during Franco’s dictatorship, Carnival was completely banned in Barcelona. It wasn’t until 1980 that the city reclaimed this festival, restoring its festive and participatory spirit.
Why Do We Celebrate Carnival?
Carnival has its roots in the Roman festivals of Saturnalia, Lupercalia, and Matronalia, which were characterized by indulgence and a reversal of social norms. With the advent of Christianity, these celebrations evolved into a period of excess and revelry before the strict Lenten fast.
During the Middle Ages, Carnival became a satirical outlet against authority and a break from everyday monotony. Costumes and masks allowed people to express themselves freely, without fear of judgment or social restrictions. Though it has faced bans throughout history, especially under dictatorial rule, Carnival has endured as a symbol of joy, freedom, and creativity.
Barcelona Carnival 2025 Schedule: A Celebration for Everyone
Today, the Barcelona Carnival is a truly inclusive event that brings together people from all parts of the city. From lively parades to traditional performances, this festival showcases the city’s rich history, diversity, and love for celebration. Check out the official **Barcelona Carnival 2025 schedule**!
Thursday, February 27, 2025 – L’Arribo & Taronjada
- All day: L’Arribo.
Carnival officially kicks off with the traditional “Dijous Gras” (Fat Thursday). Throughout the day, the city comes alive with energy, and locals indulge in traditional foods such as Spanish omelet and butifarra d’ou.
- 6:00 PM: L’Arribo Parade.
King Carnestoltes makes a grand entrance at Plaza Real, accompanied by seven ambassadors representing the city’s historic districts. From there, the parade winds through the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and the Boqueria Market, ending at the Palace of La Virreina, where the King declares seven days of revelry and excess.
- 6:45 PM: King’s Parade & Taronjada.
At the Palace of La Virreina, King Carnestoltes delivers a satirical speech, reflecting on the year’s biggest events with humor and social critique. The event concludes with an explosion of confetti and symbolic oranges, officially marking the start of the festivities.
Friday, February 28, 2025 – Carnival Parades
- Citywide parades.
Barcelona’s neighborhoods transform into colorful, festive arenas with traditional Carnival processions. The seven ambassadors lead the parades in their respective districts: Barcelona, Gràcia, Sant Martí, Sarrià, Les Corts, Sant Andreu, and Horta, inviting everyone to join in the music, costumes, and street party atmosphere.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – The Burial of the Sardine
- The Burial of the Sardine (Ash Wednesday).
Carnival concludes with the symbolic burial of King Carnestoltes, marking the beginning of Lent. Throughout Barcelona, neighborhoods host a mock funeral procession accompanied by traditional feasts, where sardines take center stage. This tradition represents a farewell to indulgence and a return to normalcy.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the Barcelona Carnival 2025 in all its splendor!
Top 5 Carnivals Near Barcelona You Can’t Miss
If you love costumes, lively parades, and extravagant celebrations, there are five must-visit Carnivals near Barcelona that will make your trip unforgettable. From Fat Thursday to Ash Wednesday, towns like Vilanova i la Geltrú, Vilafranca del Penedès, Sitges, Sallent, and Torelló celebrate Carnival with unique local traditions. Here is a tour of the towns near Barcelona for these unique festivals:
1. Sitges Carnival
Famous for its extravagance and inclusivity, Sitges hosts some of the most iconic Carnival events in Spain.
- The Madness Parade and the Extermination Parade: Elaborate floats and thousands of costumed revelers flood the streets.
- Bed Race: A wacky race where participants push decorated beds through the town.
- Unique Costumes: Creativity takes center stage, blending tradition with modern themes in a spectacular seaside setting.
2. Vilanova i la Geltrú Carnival
With over 300 years of history, this Carnival is one of the most symbolic in Catalonia. Here’s what you can expect:
- Fat Thursday (Dijous Gras): A gastronomic feast featuring the famous xatonada and a fun-filled meringue battle.
- Friday: The arrival of King Carnestoltes, kicking off the celebrations alongside the children’s monarch, King Caramel.
- Sunday: The city center is filled with colorful comparsa groups, leading to the legendary candy battle.
- Monday: Traditional satirical songs and the Vidalot Ball, a lively music and costume event.
- Ash Wednesday: The farewell to the King with a grand funeral parade.
3. Vilafranca del Penedès Carnival
In Vilafranca del Penedès, the King of Carnival arrives on Fat Thursday with a group of eccentric characters, taking over the town hall to proclaim a temporary reign of joyful anarchy.
- Traditional Feast: The celebration kicks off with a delicious serving of butifarra d’ou (egg sausage).
- Saturday: The King and his court visit the marketplace, playfully interacting with locals and “buying” produce.
- Tuesday: After the sardine burial, the Resurrection Parade brings the celebration to a spectacular close, filling the streets with dazzling costumes and music.
4. Sallent Carnival
This small town surprises with unique events rich in humor and tradition.
- The 69th Parade: Held on Friday night, it honors an exuberant “Virgin” figure and ends with a massive calçotada (grilled spring onion feast).
- Saturday: The Grand Costume Parade and Dance gathers the entire community in a festive atmosphere.
- Ash Wednesday: The farewell to King Carnestoltes concludes with the traditional Burial of the Sardine.
5. Torelló Carnival
Known as the “Carnival of Inland Catalonia”, Torelló offers a unique experience with some truly original traditions:
- The Rua del Carnaval de Terra Endins: The highlight of months of preparation, featuring over twenty themed floats and costumes with impressive creativity. More than 20,000 people flood the streets of Torelló to witness this grand spectacle.
- The Falatell: A ceremonial staff with supposed “mystical powers” that plays a key role in the festival.
- The Night of Ladies and Gentlemen: A gender-swapping event where participants switch traditional roles, creating an inclusive and fun-filled celebration.
From deeply rooted traditions to the most extravagant celebrations, Barcelona Carnival offers a unique mix of gastronomy, satire, parades, and costumes. Are you ready to experience this vibrant festival?
