Sitges Carnival

Carnaval de Sitges

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Carnival & ParadeSitges
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration7 daysListed event span
CrowdMediumAbout 300,000 people
Best forMasks, paradesSitges Carnival's defining feature is its
LanguageSpanish and regional languagesCurrency: EUR
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Sitges Carnival in Sitges

Sitges stages one of Spain's most flamboyant carnivals each February, anchored by the Rua de la Disbauxa and Rua de l'Extermini costumed night parades and closely tied to the town's prominent LGBTQ community and drag culture, opening with the arrival of King Carnestoltes and closing with the Burial of the Sardine on Ash Wednesday.

Sitges Carnival has grown into one of Spain's most flamboyant celebrations of the pre-Lenten season, anchored by two signature nighttime parades, the Rua de la Disbauxa (Debauchery Parade) and the Rua de l'Extermini (Extermination Parade), both drawing elaborate costumed floats and performers through the town's narrow streets to large, dense crowds.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Sitges Carnival's defining feature is its fusion of traditional carnival structure, the arrival of King Carnestoltes, costume contests, and the closing Burial of the Sardine, with a modern nightlife and drag culture identity that has made it one of Europe's most prominent LGBTQ-associated carnival destinations

02

The mystery stays covered

Its two signature night parades, the Rua de la Disbauxa and Rua de l'Extermini, showcase elaborate costume and float artistry through the town's compact historic streets, drawing a scale of international attendance uncommon among Spain's more traditionally folkloric carnival towns

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The arrival of King Carnestoltes

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the Rua de la Disbauxa and Rua de l'Extermini parades

The sacred route

Living ritual

and the Ash Wednesday Burial of the Sardine are documented

The local code

Living ritual

established elements of Sitges Carnival

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

Sitges Carnival is easier when the venue, route and way back from Sitges are chosen before the day starts.

What to wear

Costume or fancy dress is widely worn and part of the atmosphere; a warm layer is useful for cool late February evenings by the sea despite the high energy of the crowds.

Safety

Sitges Carnival is easier when valuables are secure and the group knows where to meet if separated.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Sitges.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map41.24 N, 1.80 EOpen in Google Maps

Sitges, Catalonia, Spain

Nearest airportBCN — Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat
TransportSitges Carnival is easier when the venue, route and way back from Sitges are chosen before the day starts.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Sitges.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Sitges via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Sitges, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearCostume or fancy dress is widely worn and part of the atmosphere; a warm layer is useful for cool late February evenings by the sea despite the high energy of the crowds.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Spain and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Sitges Carnival?

Sitges Carnival is listed for Past edition: 12–18 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Sitges Carnival take place?

The festival is listed in Sitges, Spain. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

7 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Sitges, Catalonia, Spain

How big is it?

Medium: 300000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsitges.cat
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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