Barcelona Carnival 2026

In every corner, Barcelona turns into an authentic spectacle of striking costumes and dazzling parades. Both Barcelonans and visitors from around the world join in a shared feeling to celebrate this tradition, carried away by the frenetic rhythm of samba and taking part in various Carnival activities.

L’Arribo of the Carnival Kings

Carnival will begin with the welcome for the Carnival Kings. King Carnestoltes and the beautiful, eccentric and extravagant Queen Belluga will rule Barcelona in the coming days. They will be accompanied by seven ambassadors, who wear costumes in specific colours and correspond to the city’s seven historic villages: Les Corts, Gràcia, Horta, Sant Andreu, Sant Martí, Sants-Montjuïc and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.

In 2025, the Arribo began on 27 February at 17:45 in Plaça de Bonet i Muixí. There will be an entertaining ceremony welcoming the principal Carnival characters.

Likewise, bars and restaurants fill with a crowd eager to celebrate with delicious food and refreshing drinks, creating an unparalleled festive atmosphere. Undoubtedly, Barcelona Carnival will be a unique and unmissable experience for those who decide to visit the city from 12 to 18 February. Food is closely connected to Carnival celebrations. During this time, we recommend trying traditional dishes: egg butifarra, coca de llardons, greixoneres dolces and others.

The noisy, bright festival will end on Ash Wednesday. On this day Lent begins in Christian tradition, when there is no place for wild fun, only thoughts of God. Barcelona will say goodbye to the Carnival Kings and the traditional Burial of the Sardine will take place.

You will find ideas on how to spend Carnival in Barcelona in our special selection.

See the programme and learn more about all Carnival traditions on the official website.