Carnival season is here! During Carnival, cities and towns across Spain come alive with colourful processions, street parties, and cultural events. Participants don elaborate costumes, often featuring masks and intricate designs, adding to the festive atmosphere. The streets are filled with music, dancing, and a sense of joy as people gather to celebrate.
Join in the festivities by attending one of the top carnivals in Spain in 2025, and let your inner desire to dance, sing, and dress up run wild. But where is the best carnival in Spain? And what are the dates for carnival 2025?
If you're planning a trip to Spain in 2025, don't miss these incredible carnivals that showcase the country’s rich cultural traditions and festive spirit. These are Spain's best carnivals in 2025.
When is Carnival in Spain?
The carnival date in Spain and across the world varies annually due to its association with Lent and, consequently, Easter. Nonetheless, it consistently falls on the 7th Tuesday preceding Easter Sunday, meaning that Carnival will consistently occur in either February or March. When is Carnival in Spain 2025? Celebrations take place across Spain and dates vary depending where you choose to enjoy the festivities. Celebrations can last up to 2 weeks.
Why is carnival celebrated in Spain?
Carnival in Spain is celebrated as a pre-Lenten festival, rooted in both Catholic traditions and ancient pagan customs. It serves as a final opportunity for indulgence before the solemnity of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. Over time, the festival has evolved into a vibrant and extravagant celebration filled with music, dance, parades, and satire. Each region in Spain adds its own cultural flair, blending historical influences with modern creativity to create unique and unforgettable festivities.
Why visit Spain’s carnivals in 2025?
Spain’s carnivals offer an incredible mix of tradition, creativity, and fun. Whether you're looking for a high-energy street party, a cultural experience, or a visually stunning parade, there’s something for everyone. Plan your visit to secure the best accommodation and fully immerse yourself in Spain’s most exciting festivities.
Which is the best carnival in Spain?
Planning to spend carnival in Spain? These are our top picks of where to visit!
Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Carnival in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the most vibrant and famous celebrations in Spain, particularly renowned for its lively atmosphere and spectacular events. Each year, the carnival adopts a specific theme that sets the tone for the festivities, and in 2025 the theme is "the Olympic Games" and will take place from 8th February until 16th March.
This carnival is famous for its dazzling Drag Queen Gala, where performers put on spectacular shows in towering heels and extravagant outfits. The event also includes parades, concerts, and the Gran Cabalgata, a massive parade that floods the streets with colour and music.
Verín Carnival, Ourense
The Verín Carnival, known locally as "Entroido," is a vibrant and traditional festival celebrated in Verín, Ourense, Galicia, Spain. In 2025, the festivities are scheduled from 20th February to 4th March.
Key highlights of the Verín carnival include:
- Cigarróns: A central feature of the carnival is the "Cigarróns," masked figures who roam the streets, play traditional instruments, and encourage public participation. Their distinctive costumes and lively presence are emblematic of the event.
- Parades and Floats: The carnival includes parades featuring colourful floats, troupes, and brass bands, creating a festive atmosphere throughout Verín.
- Gastronomy: Visitors can indulge in local culinary delights such as "cachucha" (pork head), "lacón" (cured ham), and desserts like "bica blanca" and "torta de cigarrón." The Monterrei Denomination of Origin wine and coffee liqueur are also popular during the celebrations.
- Traditional Events: The carnival features traditional events like "fariñadas" (flour battles) and the "Corredoiro" Sunday, where participants engage in lively activities to the sound of rockets and brass bands.
The Verín Carnival is recognised as a National Tourist Interest event, attracting both locals and visitors to experience its rich cultural heritage and festive spirit.
Cadiz Carnival
Famous for its satirical and humorous performances, the Carnival of Cádiz is a must-visit. The streets fill with chirigotas (comedic musical groups), live music, and vibrant parades. This carnival stands out for its witty and entertaining approach, offering a unique experience compared to other Spanish carnivals.
Cadiz Carnival 2025 will take place from 27th February until 9th March. While the carnival is known for its adult-oriented satire and humor, there are also family-friendly activities and events, making it an inclusive celebration for people of all ages.
The carnival culminates in a huge celebration on the final weekend, with street parties, concerts, and dancing that stretch late into the night. It's one of the most important cultural events in southern Spain, drawing thousands of people every year.
Badajoz Carnival
The Badajoz Carnival, recognised as a Festival of International Tourist Interest, is a vibrant street party like no other. Known locally as "Carnaval de Badajoz," it stands as one of the most significant and lively carnival celebrations in Spain's Extremadura region. Taking place in Badajoz, the capital of the province, the city transforms into a colourful spectacle, with parades, costumes, music, and an undeniable festive energy. Dressing up is a must—don’t risk blending in with the crowd!
So, what should you not miss at the Badajoz Carnival? The festivities span from 28th February until 9th March, offering over a week of of non-stop entertainment. Among the highlights are the "Concurso de Murgas" (Murga competition) on Friday, the Grand Carnival Parade featuring dozens of groups and thousands of participants, and, to say a final goodbye to Don Carnal, the traditional "entierro de la sardina" (burial of the sardine) on Shrove Tuesday. Year after year, Badajoz continues to attract growing national and international participation, making it a truly joyous and unforgettable celebration.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is renowned as the largest carnival in Spain and the second-largest in the world, following Rio de Janeiro's. In 2025, the festivities are scheduled from 28th February to 9th March, with the theme "Secrets of Africa."
Key highlights of the Carnival of Tenerife include:
- Opening Gala: The carnival kicks off with a glamorous gala where the Carnival Queen is crowned, a significant event involving intricate costumes and performances.
- Grand Parade: The main parade features enormous, ornate floats, dancers, musicians, and performers, all showcasing incredible costumes. The parade takes place through the streets of Santa Cruz, drawing thousands of spectators.
- Sardine Burial: A unique and symbolic event that marks the end of the carnival. It involves the procession of a giant sardine effigy, which is then ceremoniously "buried" in a large bonfire.
- Street Parties and Music: Throughout the carnival, the streets are filled with parties, music, and dancing, with both locals and visitors taking part in the festivities. Many bars and clubs host special events, and the atmosphere is electric.
- The Carnival Costumes: One of the most iconic features of the Tenerife Carnival is the extravagant costumes. Many people take part in the "Murgas" (musical performances) or "Comparsas" (dance troupes), showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colours.
The Carnival of Tenerife is a fantastic cultural experience, blending traditional Canary Island customs with global carnival influences, creating an unforgettable celebration of life, music, and community.
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