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Carnival in Spain, like everywhere else in the world, marks the start of Lent, a Christian religious observance. Carnival is held on Sundays and is similar to the Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) celebrations in the United States. These events honor life, fun, and excess before the beginning of the somber Lenten season. The Carnival Sardine. Carnival is one of the city’s most well-known traditions, and the Burial of the Sardine is a particularly popular event. As a tribute to the deceased sardine, for the past few years the city’s main bakeries, restaurants and markets have served up original Carnival Sardines which you can purchase throughout the festivities. Of all the crazy Spanish fiestas that take place throughout the year there is nothing wilder than the Carnival celebrations in late February. The week leading up to Lent is a time for wild partying in some parts of Spain when the country plays host to Europe’s biggest and best Carnival festivals. Like New Orleans’ or Sydney’s Mardi Gras, some Carnivals in Spain have become closely associated with the LGBTQ+ community, and this is particularly true with the Carnival in Sitges, which features lots of gay-friendly parties and drag queens. The Carnival takes place over seven days and there's variety of lively events. Cádiz The Cádiz Carnival is one of Spain’s oldest and most enduring carnivals, dating back to the 16th century when Cádiz was a major port for trade. Influenced by Italian carnivals, particularly those from Venice, the Cádiz Carnival evolved to include humor, satire, and lively musical performances that have become its signature elements. Mardi Gras (UK: / ˌ m ɑːr d i ˈ ɡ r ɑː /, US: / ˈ m ɑːr d i ɡ r ɑː /; [1] [2] also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the final day of Carnival (also known as Shrovetide or Fastelavn); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. [3] This is the whole idea of the Barcelona Carnival, Mardi Gras or Carnestoltes - whatever you may choose to call it. It is one last blowout party before the period of suffering and will-power (or lack of it) begins. In the UK this is celebrated by clearing out the pantry of all things tasty and making pancakes. The carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the largest event of this kind happening in the Canary Islands and in Spain as well. It is actually the second largest carnival in the world and it is considered by many the best carnival, with the best atmosphere and friendly street parties. Dijous Gras (Fat Thursday) at Sitges Carnival Event date: 27 February 2025 This is the opening of festivities. King Carnestoltes - the King of the Carnival arrives in a flourish of colour and activity. Like other carnival celebrations in southern Spain, Malaga has several essential parts. The music and song. Malaga Carnival is best-known for its groups of singers and musicians who perform over the 10 days. The groups compose original music and songs, usually poking fun at politics, sport and current affairs to compete in the annual competition. How Did Mardi Gras Start. Mardi Gras, also called Carnival, is a festive season that occurs before the Christian season of Lent. The word “mardi” means “fat” in French, and “gras” means “fatty.” Mardi Gras is thus a celebration of fat and indulgence before the period of fasting and abstinence that Lent represents. Spain is also well-known for its food, wine, and flamenco. Mardi Gras, or Carnival, is a festive season that occurs before Lent. Lent is a religious period of fasting and repentance that begins on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is a time of celebration and indulgence before the austerity of Lent. In Spain, Mardi Gras is known as Carnaval. Along with Christianity, Mardi Gras spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and England. What Does Mardi Gras Mean? Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and The name Mardi Gras comes from the French words “mardi” (Tuesday) and “gras” (Fat). The concept of “Fat Tuesday” refers to the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. The 40 days of Lent that follow are meant to be a period of penance and fasting that culminate on Easter Sunday. In Spain Carnival celebration start early: on the last Thursday before Lent. We call it “Dijous Gras” in Catalan or Jueves Lardero in Spanish, so you might want to translate it as Fatty Thursday, or Lardy Thursday, because that day you are still allowed to eat fatty foods such as pork sausages, eggs and lard, of course! Santa Cruz de Tenerife (The Canary Islands) and Cádiz are the two largest celebrations of in Spain, although there are many lesser celebrations around Spain. The rest of the world might focus on food on the Tuesday marking the end of Carnaval , called Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday, but the Spanish chose a different day of the week. The October 16, 2025 cruise on the Carnival Mardi Gras departs from Barcelona, Spain. On this 14 Night Westbound Transatlantic - Carnival Journeys (Barcelona To Port Canaveral) sailing, the ship will visit a total of 6 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. Mardi Gras History. Mardi Gras, a term originating from the French meaning 'Fat Tuesday', celebrates the final day of indulgence and celebration before the somber 40-day period of Lent leading up to Easter. It is characterized by extravagant parades, colorful costumes, vibrant music, and generally jubilant gatherings. The King Cake is an iconic symbol of Mardi Gras, a tradition deeply rooted in culture, religion, and celebration. With particularly to France and Spain. Its roots are linked to the Feast of It’s also known as Mardi Gras (in New Orleans), Fat Tuesday, or Pancake Day. It is always 47 days before Easter Sunday. Wednesday, March 5th 2025: Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lisbon, Portugal: 18 May 2019: Jarramplas at the Iberian Mask Festival Parade in Lisbon
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