Experience the Magic of Carnival 2025 in Spain

Carnival is one of the most exciting and vibrant celebrations in Spain. It takes place every year in February or March, depending on the date of Easter. In 2025, Carnival is taking place in many Spanish cities from February 27th to March 5th, bringing joy, music, and color to the streets. Keep reading to learn more!

What Is Carnival?

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Carnival is a festival that happens before Lent, the 40 days of fasting and reflection in the Christian tradition. It is a time for fun, costumes, parades, and parties. People dress up in creative and sometimes extravagant costumes, dance to lively music, and enjoy delicious food. In the weeks leading up to Carnival, you’ll see people buying costumes all over Spain just like Halloween!

Although Carnival is celebrated all over Spain, some cities have especially famous festivities. Let’s explore some of the best places to experience Carnival in Spain so you can plan your future trip.

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The Best Places to Celebrate Carnival in Spain

1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest and most famous in the world and is rivaled only by the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro. The festival starts with the election of the Carnival Queen, a competition where women wear spectacular and elaborate costumes. There are also parades, live music, and street parties that last all night. The highlight of the celebration is the Gran Coso Apoteosis, the grand parade on the last day of Carnival.

2. Cádiz (Andalusia)

The Carnival of Cádiz is famous for its humor and satire. People form groups called chirigotas, which sing funny and ironic songs about politics, celebrities, and daily life. The streets are full of music, performances, and comedy. It is a great place to enjoy the Spanish sense of humor and the relaxed Andalusian atmosphere.

3. Sitges (Catalonia)

Sitges, a coastal town near Barcelona, has one of the most lively and diverse Carnivals in Spain. It is famous for its spectacular parades, beach parties, and inclusive atmosphere. The town is known for its large LGBTQ+ community, making Carnival in Sitges a colorful and welcoming event for everyone. The two main parades, Rua de la Disbauxa and Rua de l’Extermini, are the highlights of the festival.

4. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)

Another incredible Carnival takes place in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. This festival includes the election of the Drag Queen of Carnival, a unique and spectacular event where participants wear extravagant costumes and perform impressive choreographies. This is actually a relatively new addition since it first started in 1998. There are also parades, concerts, and fireworks that make this Carnival one of the most exciting in Spain.

Whether you visit Tenerife for the glamorous parades, Cádiz for the witty songs, Sitges for its lively parties, or any other city in Spain, you will have an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to wear a costume and enjoy the incredible atmosphere of this unique celebration!