Carnavalcázar
Dec 25 - 28, 2025ConfirmedSource
Each December, the town of Alcázar de San Juan throws Carnavalcázar, the only carnival in Spain held before Christmas rather than before Lent. Going strong since 1813, it fills the winter streets with costumes, parades, and music, in a custom born from an old spirit of festive defiance.
Locals and visitors gather in the theater to hear the humorous carnival proclamation (pregon), see local dignitaries and masked characters speak, and attend the accompanying costumed performance or music acts.
~19:00
Alcázar de San Juan, Spain
Open in MapsFestive costume
Warm clothing for evening
Visitors are welcome to line the streets or join in costume. During processions, stay with...
Crowd level: high.
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Carnavalcázar
Alcázar de San Juan, Spain
Each December, the town of Alcázar de San Juan throws Carnavalcázar, the only carnival in Spain held before Christmas rather than before Lent. Going strong since 1813, it fills the winter streets with costumes, parades, and music, in a custom born from an old spirit of festive defiance.
This carnival emerged from a historic local tradition of defiance at Christmas. In 1813 the commoners of Alcázar de San Juan held a festive "pagan" dance on Christmas Eve, deliberately breaking with tradition to satirize the nobility. Over the 19th century it became institutionalized into the town’s calendar. Carnavalcázar is now celebrated every Christmas season, blending popular parody, Hidalgo-era motifs and holiday merrim...
Locals and visitors gather in the theater to hear the humorous carnival proclamation (pregon), see local dignitaries and masked characters speak, and attend the accompanying costumed performance or music acts.
first-timer tips
Festive costume
Warm clothing for evening
Visitors are welcome to line the streets or join in costume. During processions, stay with the crowd and follow...
Dec 25 - 28, 2025
Confirmed
Alcázar de San Juan
Castilla-La Mancha
Free public events available
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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