Carnival in Spain 2026 promises a spectacular celebration full of colour, music, and festive traditions. Across the country, cities and towns come alive with parades, street parties, and cultural events. Participants don elaborate costumes, masks, and intricate designs, while the streets echo with music, dancing, and laughter.
From the high-energy parties of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to the historic traditions of Verín, or the world-famous spectacle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain offers a wide variety of unforgettable Carnival experiences. With festivities taking place in February and March, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy Spanish culture, taste regional delicacies, and immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most exciting pre-Lenten celebrations.
Read on to discover the best Carnival destinations in Spain 2026, including dates, highlights, and travel tips.
When is Carnival in Spain 2026?
Carnival dates in Spain vary annually, as they are linked to Lent and Easter. In 2026, Carnival will be celebrated from 21st February to 9th March. Festivities can last up to two weeks in some cities, offering parades, concerts, costume competitions, and street parties.
Carnival is a time of fun, indulgence, and cultural celebration before the solemn period of Lent. Each region of Spain adds its own unique traditions, creating a diverse and unforgettable experience.
Why visit Spain’s Carnivals in 2026?
Spain’s Carnivals are renowned for:
- Vibrant street parades filled with music, dancers, and extravagant costumes.
- Traditional events and satire, from masked performances to comedic choruses.
- Local gastronomy, offering regional treats like pork dishes, pastries, and local wines.
- Cultural immersion, blending centuries-old traditions with modern creativity.
Whether you’re seeking a lively street party, a family-friendly festival, or a visually stunning parade, Spain has a Carnival for everyone.
Top Carnival destinations in Spain 2026
Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Dates: 23rd January - 1st March 2026
Highlights:
- Drag Queen Gala: Extravagant performances in towering heels and elaborate outfits.
- Grand Parade (Gran Cabalgata): Streets flood with colour, floats, dancers, and music.
- Annual themes, 2026: Las Vegas
Las Palmas combines tropical climate with festive energy, making it one of Spain’s liveliest Carnival celebrations.
Verín Carnival, Ourense
Dates: 5th – 17th February 2026
Highlights:
- Cigarróns: Masked figures who play traditional instruments and interact with the crowd.
- Parades and floats: Colourful troupes, brass bands, and festive street performances.
- Local gastronomy: Traditional dishes like cachucha (pork head), lacón, and desserts such as bica blanca and torta de cigarrón.
- Traditional events: Flour battles (fariñadas) and the lively Corredoiro Sunday.
Recognised as a National Tourist Interest event, Verín Carnival is a culturally rich and entertaining festival.
Cadiz Carnival
Dates: 12th - 22nd February 2026
Highlights:
- Chirigotas: Comedic musical groups offering witty and satirical performances.
- Parades and street music: Family-friendly festivities alongside adult-oriented satire.
- Grand finale: Street parties, concerts, and dancing into the night.
Cádiz is famous for its humour and creativity, offering a unique Carnival experience in southern Spain.
Badajoz Carnival
Dates: 13th - 22nd February 2026
Highlights:
- Concurso de Murgas: Competitive musical performances.
- Grand Carnival Parade: Dozens of groups and thousands of participants.
- Entierro de la Sardina (Sardine Burial): Traditional Shrove Tuesday ceremony to close the festivities.
Badajoz Carnival is a Festival of International Tourist Interest, known for its lively street celebrations and festive energy.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
Dates: 11th - 22nd February 2026
Highlights:
- Opening Gala: Crowning of the Carnival Queen with elaborate performances.
- Grand Parade: Massive floats, dancers, musicians, and performers.
- Sardine Burial: Symbolic event marking the end of Carnival.
- Street parties and music: Celebrations in bars, clubs, and public spaces.
- Costumes: Intricate and colourful outfits worn by participants in Murgas and Comparsas.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the largest in Spain and the second-largest in the world, blending Canary Island traditions with global Carnival influences.
Tips for visiting Spain’s Carnivals 2026
- Book accommodation early—popular Carnival cities fill up fast.
- Check local schedules for parades, concerts, and themed events.
- Dress in warm layers for northern Spain and lighter clothes for the Canary Islands.
- Try regional foods and drinks unique to each Carnival, from pastries to local wines.
Plan your Carnival trip to Spain 2026
Spain offers a rich variety of Carnival experiences, from tropical island festivities to traditional northern celebrations. Whether it’s the glamour of Las Palmas, the humour of Cádiz, or the spectacle of Tenerife, Carnival in Spain 2026 is a celebration of colour, music, and culture not to be missed.