Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine)
Mourners (often in costume) enact a mock funeral march through town. The festival ends with sardine-eating dinners and last masquerade dances before the somber Lenten season begins.
Barcelona Carnival
Carnaval de Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Feb 4 - 10, 2027ExpectedSource
Each year before Lent, Barcelona gives itself over to Carnestoltes, a week of costumes, parades, and playful rituals led by a mischievous carnival king. Neighborhoods hold their own parties and processions, in a celebration with roots reaching back through medieval and even Roman spring feasts.
Key moments
Neighborhood Carnival Parades (Rues de Carnestoltes)
Residents and visitors line the streets in full costume to watch or join dozens of block-parties and street parades through each district. Many workshops and family events accompany these parades.
Arribo del Carnestoltes (Opening of Carnival)
Spectators gather at the route’s start (Casa del Mig cultural center in Parc Espanya Industrial) to receive masks and watch the giants. The ceremony culminates in the traditional Taronjada (confetti-orange battle) with music and fireworks.
Around 18:00
Where it happens
Plaça de Sant Jaume
Barcelona, Spain
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Costume
Read the local rhythm
Face paint
Keep the visit respectful
Masks
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Barcelona Carnival
Carnaval de Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Each year before Lent, Barcelona gives itself over to Carnestoltes, a week of costumes, parades, and playful rituals led by a mischievous carnival king. Neighborhoods hold their own parties and processions, in a celebration with roots reaching back through medieval and even Roman spring feasts.
AnchorCultural anchor
Feb 4 - 10, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Barcelona’s Carnival traces its roots to ancient pre-Lenten festivals (Saturnalia and other Roman-era inversion feasts) and medieval Christian carnivals. It is a traditionally rowdy and participatory communal celebration, historically marking a final period of license before Lent.
Key moments to know
Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine)
Mourners (often in costume) enact a mock funeral march through town. The festival ends with sardine-eating dinners and last masquerade dances before the somber Lenten season begins.
Neighborhood Carnival Parades (Rues de Carnestoltes)
Residents and visitors line the streets in full costume to watch or join dozens of block-parties and street parades through each district. Many workshops and family events accompany these parades.
Around 18:00Approximate
Arribo del Carnestoltes (Opening of Carnival)
Spectators gather at the route’s start (Casa del Mig cultural center in Parc Espanya Industrial) to receive masks and watch the giants. The ceremony culminates in the traditional Taronjada (confetti-orange battle) with music and fireworks.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Costume
Read the local rhythm
Face paint
Keep the visit respectful
Masks
Respect local boundaries
Visitors are welcome to join parades and dances; wearing a mask or costume is customary. Remain courteous (e.g....
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 4 - 10, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Barcelona
Catalonia
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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