Barcelona Carnival 2025:
History, Traditions and Key Dates
31 January 2025
Barcelona Carnival 2025: History, Traditions and Key Dates
Carnival is that time of the year when everything is filled with color, music and pure joy. It is as if for a few days the world forgets about problems and all that matters is to dance, laugh and enjoy. In addition, here in Catalonia is a tradition full of history and culture, in this article I show you their own way of celebrating it, with their music, their dances and their unique customs.
The Barcelona Carnival 2025 will be held from February 27th to March 5th, it is a week full of color, music, parades and typical gastronomy. This festival has medieval origins and has become one of the most expected celebrations of the winter in the city.
History and Origins of Carnival in Barcelona
Carnival has an interesting history. It turns out that its origins come from those pagan festivals that took place at the end of winter, when people celebrated that the cold weather was finally gone. But when Christianity arrived, they gave it another meaning and transformed it into a big celebration just before Easter, as a last excess before the time of meditation.
The most interesting thing is that in Barcelona this has been celebrated since the middle ages. There were dances, banquets and even mockery of the elite, a time when the people could laugh at the powerful without consequences. It was a party full of freedom and uncontrolled; however, during the Civil War, in 1937, they banned it. Imagine, years and years without Carnival! It wasn’t until 1980 that they brought it back, mixing ancient traditions with a more modern touch.

Tips to Enjoy Carnival
Choose your costume well: It is the best opportunity to bring out your most creative side.
Barcelona Carnival 2025 Key Events and Dates
- February 27th – Dijous Gras (Fat Thursday)
Carnival begins with the arrival of Rei Carnestoltes, the central character who symbolizes fun and irreverence. On this day it is traditional to taste butifarra d’ou (egg sausage) and coca de llardons (a pork crackling cake). - March 1st – Grand Rúas and Parades
Saturday is the most colorful moment of the Carnival, with parades and comparsas in different neighborhoods of the city. Some of the most important parades are held in Gràcia, El Born and Poble-sec, where creativity and costumes fill the streets with color and music. - March 2 – La Taronjada
This event revives an ancient medieval tradition with a battle of confetti and orange balloons, recalling the orange wars of centuries past. It is one of the most festive and joyful activities of the week. - March 5 – Burial of the Sardina: Carnival culminates with the Burial of the Sardine, a satirical parade representing the farewell to excesses and the beginning of Lent. Different neighborhoods organize humorous processions in which the end of the festival is “mourned” with sarcasm and fun.

Even though it is not as famous as those of Tenerife or Cadiz, the Carnival of Barcelona has a unique charm, with a more neighborhood and participatory approach. Instead of big competitions of murgas or comparsas, here the party is lived in the streets, with spontaneous parades and events organized by cultural associations. For 2025, it promises a week full of celebration, humor and tradition. If you are in town on those dates, don’t hesitate to join the party and enjoy one of the most vibrant festivities of the winter.

If you are as much of a carnival lover as I am, February will be full of unforgettable celebrations for us.