Carnival in Barcelona 2025: Tradition, Fantasy, and Color
Photo source: mana75.es
The Arrival in Sants: The Beginning of the Magic
The celebration kicks off in the Sants neighborhood on February 27, Jueves Lardero. At 5:15 p.m., the streets of Sants come alive with an opening spectacle under the banner "Cosmic Carnival". During this inaugural act, the enigmatic Reina Belluga stars in a unique show, humorously trying to convince magnate Elon Muska Collonera to build a spaceship to take Carnival to outer space. Shortly after, at 6:30 p.m., the Reina leads the first parade through the neighborhood—marching along Calle de la Creu Coberta, les Cotxeres, Passeig de Sant Antoni, reaching the intersection with Plaza de Joan Peiró, and returning to the district headquarters.
Program by Districts
The 2025 Barcelona Carnival is celebrated across various districts, each with its own personality and charm. Here are some of the standout events:
Ciutat Vella
February 28:
Gòtic Children's Carnival at 5:30 p.m. in Plaza del Rei.
Ravalstoltada at 6:00 p.m. along Rambla del Raval.
March 1:
Carnival Ranch at 11:00 a.m. in Plaza del Pou de la Figuera.
March 9:
Barceloneta Carnival at 11:00 a.m. along the Maritime Promenade.
Eixample
February 28:
6th Carnival Street in Dreta de l’Eixample at 5:00 p.m. in Pasaje de Pla.
March 1:
Carnival Street at Fort Pienc at 5:00 p.m. in Plaza del Fort Pienc.
Sants-Montjuïc
February 28:
Carnival Street in Poble-sec at 5:00 p.m. in Plaza del Sortidor.
March 1:
Family Carnival in Sants at 11:00 a.m. in Cotxeres de Sants.
Children’s Carnival in La Marina at 11:00 a.m. in the Jardins de Can Farrero.
Carnival Street of Sants, Hostafrancs, and La Bordeta at 4:30 p.m. on Calle de Sants and La Creu Coberta.
Les Corts
February 28:
Arrival of the Carnival Queen at 4:30 p.m. in Plaza de Comas.
March 1:
Les Corts Carnival Street at 4:30 p.m. in the same plaza.
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
February 28:
Carnival Street in Sarrià and Comparsa Dance at 5:00 p.m. in Plaza de la Vila de Sarrià.
March 1:
Mountain Carnival at 10:00 a.m. in Plaza de Pep Ventura.
Gràcia
March 1:
Gràcia Carnival Street at 6:00 p.m. on Calle Gran de Gràcia (between Nil Fabra and Àgata Badia Puig-rodon).
Carnafoc at 7:45 p.m. on Avenida de la Mare de Déu del Coll.
Horta-Guinardó
February 28:
La Rueta Que Ho Peta! at 5:00 p.m. in Plaza de les Santes Creus.
March 1:
Carnival Street in La Teixonera at 11:00 a.m. in the Teixonera Civic Center.
Carnival Street in Carmel at 5:15 p.m. in Jardins de Juan Ponce.
Carnival Street of Horta at 5:15 p.m. at the Horta Viewpoint.
March 2:
Carnival Street of the Devils of Montbau on Calle de Vayreda.
Sant Andreu
March 1:
Sant Andreu Carnival Street and Party at Bon Pastor at 5:00 p.m. in Jardines de Isabel Domínguez Paniagua.
Carnival Street in La Sagrera at 4:45 p.m. in Mercado de Felip II.
Carnival Street in La Trinitat Vella at 6:30 p.m. in Plaza de Josep Andreu i Abelló.
March 2:
Congrés-Indians Carnival Street at 11:30 a.m. in Plaza del Rom Cremat.
21st Sant Andreu Carnival Street at 11:00 a.m. in Fabra i Puig.
Sant Martí
February 28:
Carnival Street in Ca l’Isidret in Plaza de Puigcerdà.
Procession for the 38th Carnival King at 7:00 p.m. in Mercado del Clot.
March 1:
Sant Martí Verneda Carnival Street at 11:00 a.m. in the Sant Martí Civic Center.
Poblenou Carnival Street at 4:00 p.m. in Fabra i Puig.
Besòs and Maresme Carnival Street at 5:00 p.m. in the Besòs and Maresme Civic Center.
March 2:
Carnival in La Pau at 12:00 p.m. in Plaza de la Pau.
The Burial of the Sardine
As a symbolic finale, The Burial of the Sardine marks the end of Carnival and the beginning of a new cycle. This deeply symbolic tradition gathers the community to bid farewell to the festive frenzy with an emotional parade in which a sardine figure is "buried," symbolizing purification and rebirth.
Date: Wednesday, March 5.
Activities in Other Catalan Cities
Beyond Barcelona, other Catalan towns join the celebration with their unique Carnival events. In Sitges, enjoy parades and beach parties, while Girona hosts cultural and gastronomic events that showcase its rich local traditions. These complementary activities offer a distinctive experience that enhances the vibrant festivities of the capital.
For more information and updates, please refer to the official Barcelona City Council website’s poster. May the magic of Carnival accompany you throughout the weekend!