Origins and History

Carnival in Spain has historical roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It arose from the Christian tradition of celebrating Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance that precedes Easter. To mark the beginning of Lent, Christians held exuberant parties known as "Carnival", which means "farewell to meat" in Latin. The idea was to enjoy worldly pleasures before the period of abstinence.

Creative costumes and masks

Costumes are an essential element of the Spanish Carnival. People put a lot of time and effort into creating incredible and creative costumes. Often, the costumes are inspired by satirical or political themes, allowing participants to express their opinions in a humorous way.

Carnival parades in Spain are an impressive visual and auditory spectacle. Decorated floats, skilled dancers and talented musicians fill the streets with colour and energy. Music plays a key role in all Spanish Carnivals, with infectious rhythms that make everyone dance and have fun.

The "Entierro de la Sardina"

One of the most peculiar traditions of Spanish Carnival is the "Entierro de la Sardina" (Burial of the Sardine), which marks the end of Carnival. This event involves a mock funeral procession to "bury" a cardboard sardine, symbolising the end of the festival and a return to the abstinence of Lent.

Regional Diversity

One of the most remarkable features of the Spanish Carnival is its regional diversity. Each region of the country has its own unique interpretation of the celebration, resulting in a rich set of traditions and festivities.

Explore the main cities you can visit to enjoy Carnival in Spain in 2024:

1. Las Palmas

2. Malaga

Málaga Carnival 2024 will be held from 3 to 11 February in the capital of the Costa del Sol. Málaga Carnival is a festival of inversion and transgression, where authority is satirised and rules are broken. Disguises and masks are a symbol of camouflage and freedom. Among the most popular events are the Concurso de Agrupaciones, the Battle of the Flowers, the Arrival of the Carnival King, the Parade of God Momo and the Burial of the Boquerón.

3. Lanzarote

The Lanzarote Carnival 2024 will take place between February and March, with different dates and themes in each of the island's municipalities. The most eagerly awaited Carnival is that of Arrecife, whose allegory will be "The West Bank" and which will take place from 1 to 14 February. Other important carnivals are those in Puerto del Carmen, Haría, Teguise, Tinajo, San Bartolomé and Yaiza. The Lanzarote Carnival is undoubtedly an expression of creativity and popular participation.

4. Maspalomas

The Maspalomas Carnival 2024 will have the theme "Carnivals of the World" and will take place from 7 to 17 March on the island of Gran Canaria. Some of the most notable events are the election of the Carnival Queen, the Drag Queen Gala, the Carnival King Parade, the Taronjada and the Burial of the Sardine. The Maspalomas Carnival is one of the liveliest and most colourful in the Canary Islands.

5. Tenerife

This Canary Island has one of the largest and most spectacular Carnivals in the world, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. In 2024, the Tenerife Carnival will take place from 12th January to 20th February. The Carnival theme will be "The 80s", and the most important events will be the election of the Carnival Queen, the Coso Apoteosis and Cabalgata Anunciadora parades, Sardine Night and the Sardine Burial. There's also lots of music, dancing, colour and fun in the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

6. Sitges

This coastal town in Catalonia is famous for its gay-friendly Carnival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. In 2024, Sitges Carnival will take place from 8 to 14 February. The most anticipated events are the Fat Sunday and Shrove Tuesday parades, which feature more than 50 floats and around 3,000 participants dressed in extravagant and sensual costumes. There are also many parties, concerts, competitions and cultural activities throughout the week.

7. Barcelona

Barcelona Carnival 2024 takes place in the Catalan capital from 8 to 14 February. The Barcelona Carnival is a multicultural, colourful and spontaneous festival that invites everyone to take part. Some of the most significant events are the Disguise Contest, the Vegueta Carnival, the Dog Carnival, the Carnival Queen Gala, the Daytime Carnival in Triana, the Carnival King Parade, the Traditional Carnival and the Drag Queen Gala. The Carnival ends with the Burial of the Sardine and a fireworks display.

8. Cádiz

This Andalusian city is considered the capital of humour in Spain, and its Carnival is one of the oldest and most famous in the country. In 2024, Cádiz Carnival will take place from 8 to 18 February. The distinctive element of this Carnival is the "chirigotas", groups of singers who perform social and political satire with clever and amusing lyrics. The chirigotas compete at the Falla Theatre, but also perform in the streets and squares of the city. Other events include parades, comparsas, choirs, the burning of the dolls and the grand finale on Sunday.

9. Benidorm

Carnival in Benidorm in 2024, which will take place from 10 to 13 February, will be a big party as it coincides with Benidorm Fest, Spain's national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. As well as Benidorm Fest, Carnival in Benidorm in 2024 will also have many other attractions, such as parades, parties, balls, fancy dress competitions, street shows, entertainment and the famous Burial of the Sardine. The Benidorm Carnival is known for its joy, creativity and diversity, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

10. Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura Carnival 2024, which takes place between 4th February and 10th March, will be celebrated all over the island, from Corralejo to Caleta de Fuste, Puerto del Rosario, Morro Jable and Costa Calma. Each town and city can choose to change the dates and themes of the Carnival, but there is usually a big parade in the streets. The most eagerly awaited Carnival is in Corralejo, which is usually very lively and colourful. Other notable carnivals are those in Gran Tarajal, Antigua, Pájara and La Oliva. The Fuerteventura Carnival is a festival of participation and joy, which reflects the island's culture and identity.