If you’re in Spain in February 2026, Madrid's carnival is one of those weeks where the city drops its usual serious face and leans into costumes, brass bands and slightly chaotic street parties.
What is Madrid carnival 2026 and why it matters in Spain’s carnival season
Madrid’s carnival sits in the same pre-Lent window as the rest of Spain, but the vibe is a bit different to the classic seaside carnivals. You don’t have endless samba-style floats like in other top Carnival events in Spain, but you do get a big official parade, free concerts, neighbourhood activities and a distinct mix of locals, students and expats rather than wall‑to‑wall tourists.
Madrid carnival 2026 dates and key schedule
Carnival across Spain is tied to the Christian calendar and falls in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. In 2026, Ash Wednesday is on 18th February 2026, so Madrid’s programme is packed into that week.
Madrid carnival 2026 celebrations will take place from 14th to 18th February.
Saturday 14th February 2026 – parade day and concerts
Carnival Parade 2026, 1 pm–3 pm, from Puente de Toledo to the Explanada Negra. There'll be floats, bands and comparsas taking over the riverside stretch. Afternoon and evening concerts and DJ sets at key venues, likely including spaces such as Matadero Madrid and central squares.
Sunday 15th February 2026 – family‑focused events
Daytime activities for children and teenagers with a softer atmosphere than Saturday, with fancy dress spilling into parks and neighbourhood plazas.
Monday 16th/Tuesday 17th February 2026 – lower‑key carnival days
Smaller events in cultural centres and local theatres, plus talks, film screenings and workshops linked to carnival traditions.
Wednesday 18th February 2026 – Ash Wednesday/Entierro de la Sardina
The Burial of the Sardine closes the season. It's a quirky funeral‑style procession makes its way along the banks of the Río Manzanares before “burying” the sardine by the Fuente del Pajarito in Casa de Campo.
The route traditionally links to San Antonio de la Florida Chapel, tying in the more historic side of the celebration. Once the sardine is buried, carnival is officially over, and Madrid slides back into its usual late‑winter rhythm.
Where Madrid carnival 2026 will be held
The exact spots can vary slightly each edition, but Madrid tends to recycle its favourite locations.
- Central streets and squares
Main parade routes typically pass through emblematic areas like the city centre and nearby broad avenues that can cope with large crowds.
- Matadero Madrid
Matadero has become one of the main hubs. It’s a former slaughterhouse turned cultural centre on the banks of the Río Manzanares, in Legazpi.
- Neighbourhood cultural centres (centros culturales)
Smaller, local events in different barrios: kids’ parties, costume competitions, small parades.
- Indoor venues and nightclubs
Big carnival‑themed nights – like the usual student/young crowd “Universiparty”‑style events – tend to be held in major clubs on the outskirts and medium‑sized venues in central areas.
Is Madrid Carnival 2026 free?
One of the big plus points of Madrid carnival is that most of the core events are free. These events generally include the main carnival parade, concerts and performances organised by the city council, children’s workshops and activities in municipal cultural centres.
Ticketed events generally include indoor concerts and performances in theatres and auditoriums, big themed nights and carnival parties in clubs and large venues. Standard club entry with one drink is often in the €15–€30 range, depending on the venue and DJ.
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