Carnival Madrid 2026

Description

From Carnival Friday to Ash Wednesday, Madrid surrenders year after year to the celebration of identity play, with parties, parades, musical performances, and many more activities. In 2026, it will be celebrated from February 14th to 18th. Don't forget to try the Carnival sardine!

In recent years, the Carnival festivities have been concentrated in and around Matadero Madrid. The festivities will kick off on Saturday, February 14th with a host of activities (workshops, a treasure hunt, circus acrobatics, magic, giants and big-headed figures...) followed by a speech from a celebrity (chef Alberto Chicote in 2025), the grand Carnival parade (1-3 pm), and the main Carnival party (6-10 pm).

On Sunday the 15th (Madrid Río Multipurpose Esplanade – Explanada Negra), two Madrid traditions will be revived: the tossing of a rag doll by the Arrabel Cultural Association, accompanied by a troupe of giants and big-headed figures, will transport children and adults alike back to the era depicted by Goya in his famous tapestry cartoons. Later, wit and satire will take center stage with the performances of the murgas and chirigotas (also at the Madrid Río Multipurpose Esplanade – Explanada Negra).

The Burial of the Sardine (Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026)

The Carnival festivities conclude, as they do every year, with the Burial of the Sardine, an event that Goya himself depicted in one of his paintings. With the act of returning the costumes to their trunks, silencing the fanfares, and burying the humble fish with full honors, the celebration comes to an end, allowing us to prepare for Lent.

In the afternoon, the brotherhood is accompanied by the Association of Giants and Big-Headed Figures on its final journey through the streets of Madrid, beginning in San Antonio de la Florida and ending at the Fuente del Pajarito (Little Bird Fountain) in Plaza de las Moreras in the Casa de Campo park, where the carnival comes to a close with the burial of the sardine.

On the morning of the same day, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Merry Brotherhood of the Burial of the Sardine parades through the Habsburg district of Madrid to Plaza Mayor, where its procession concludes with the reading of the proclamation and a short musical performance.

The Sardine Procession

Madrid is filled with flavor and tradition with the eagerly awaited Sardine Route, a gastronomic experience that invites us to explore markets, pastry shops, restaurants, and cafes in search of the most original and delicious Carnival Sardines.

From the irresistible sweet sardines prepared by artisan bakeries to the innovative savory versions created by some of the city's best restaurants, this route is the perfect plan for lovers of gastronomy and tradition. In addition, Madrid's markets join the celebration with unique offerings that showcase fresh produce and quality cuisine.