Enjoy the Carnival throughout Catalonia

Carnival is a festival celebrated according to the lunar calendar. In Catalonia, the highlight of the Carnival celebration begins with the arrival of Fat Thursday and the Carnival King, and ends on Ash Wednesday, the day of the Burial of the Sardine, just before the beginning of Lent, which traditionally involves fasting and penance.

It's a festival of transgression and fun. People dress up, dance, sing... although the experience can vary depending on the municipality.

Carnival is a festival celebrated all over the world— in Brazil, Venice, Colombia, Cádiz, Tenerife... but each of these celebrations is unique.

Currently, in Catalonia, Carnival can be divided into two types. Carnival is influenced by Brazilian festivals; where music, dance, and costumes are more important, as is the case with the famous Sitges Carnival.

And the more traditional carnivals place greater emphasis on satire, as is the case in Vilanova i la Geltrú and Solsona. One has adopted a more showy aspect, while the other has a more mocking and critical approach. However, both the satirical and showy carnivals feature a figure known as King Carnestoltes, who goes by various names depending on the town. He rules the municipality during the days of this celebration.

When is 'CarnESTOLTES' or Carnival 2026?

Carnival 2025 begins on Thursday, February 12 (called Fat Thursday or Jueves Lardero), and ends on Wednesday, February 18, Ash Wednesday, the day of the burial of the sardine and the burning of King Carnival, which will usher in the beginning of Lent, the 40-day countdown to Easter.

So get your costumes ready, the party's starting!