Singapore, 24 January 2024: The public is invited to join Carnival in Spain by exploring the spectacular festival celebrated across Spain.
Carnival is usually held in February or March, with dates varying from year to year, but in some locations as early as January. The festival is famous for its humor, parodies, and costumes that take place in the streets of Spanish towns and cities, all of which are steeped in tradition.
Spain’s Carnival is a cacophony of colorful costumes, dancing, music, and parties. The biggest celebrations are held in the Canary Islands of Tenerife, the coastal city of Cadiz, and the seaside town of Sitges near Barcelona.
Here are six of Spain’s great carnivals that are recognized as “international tourism festivals.”
Carnival of Cadiz
Cádiz, Andalusia is the carnival of “Comparsas”, “Colos” and “Chirigota”. These songs are full of irony and criticism, written by various groups participating in the festival. Explore the town center and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of unrestricted freedom and fun. The festival will be held from February 8th to 18th.
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The world’s largest carnival awaits you in the capital of Tenerife. Join the parade and marvel at the imaginative, flashy and eye-catching costumes of the potential Carnival queens. Immerse yourself in the music, rhythm and joy of this celebration with people from all over the planet. The festival ends on February 18th.
Carnival of Aguilas
Another of the most famous carnivals is Águilas (Murcia). The festival is full of color, with many parades and competitions featuring colorful costumes. Two of its traditions are particularly famous. They throw cascarone (confetti-filled eggs) and drink cuerva, a drink described by many as a “magic potion” that evokes the carnival spirit. The festival will be held from February 8th to 17th.
Shinzo de Limia’s Entroid
This Galician festival has the longest carnival program in Spain. It begins on Faleiro Sunday (three weeks before Carnival Sunday) and ends on Piñata Sunday. The parade of floats and troupes is led by a group of traditionally masked characters called pantala, who wear belts with bells. They are responsible for letting people dress up and are the top stars of this festival. Carnival Tuesday is the most important day. The festival ends on February 18th.
Carnival of Badajoz
Dozens of Carnival bands, known as comparsas, and thousands of people participate in the spectacular Carnival Sunday Comparsas Parade. The festival also includes the Murgas Music Competition and the Burial of Sardines. The festival will be held from February 9th to 13th.
Festivals during Carnival in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The city is filled with people, color and fun during this festival, which dates back to 1574. Highlights include the Great Parade, which draws tens of thousands of people and stretches over seven kilometers, and the Carnival Queen Gala. Contestants wear spectacular costumes of feathers and rhinestones. The Drag Queen Gala is also a highlight. The festival ends on February 18th.
All of Spain
However, this is not the only large-scale carnival held in Spain. There are many other locations as well, always full of originality and joy.
Highlights of the Belin Carnival (Galicia) include the “Fariñada” (flour battle) and the strange sight of masked cigarons. Other destinations for domestic tourists include Villarobledo, La Bañesa, Ciudad Rodrigo (Toro Carnival), Migueltura, Alcázar de San Juan (Carnivalcázar), Cebreros, Herencia and La Villanera in Cantabria. We recommend some popular carnivals.
For more information on travel experiences in Spain, please visit https://www.spain.info/en/.
For Spain’s annual events calendar, please visit https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/.
(Source: Spanish Tourism Board – South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand).
