The party, colors and music return to celebrate the Carnival in Barcelona 2026, one of the most beloved festivals for adults and children. The city fills with parades, costumes, and traditions. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
From February 12 to 18, 2026, Barcelona experiences seven days of fun with parades, activities, and events that fill the streets with music and costumes. Among the must-sees are Fat Thursday, the Arrival of the Carnival King, the traditional Taronjada, neighborhood parades, and the Burial of the Sardine. If you're coming with family, the metro lets you reach all the events and make the most of every party day.
If you plan to visit Barcelona for several days during Carnival, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card allows unlimited trips so you won't miss any activity!
Fat Thursday with kids: traditions and popular snacks
Fat Thursday kicks off the gastronomic side of Carnival with popular snacks, omelette sandwiches, and other traditions in neighborhood squares and streets. It's a great day to enjoy the party and discover local culture.
In Gràcia, there will be children's activities and hot chocolate, plus a costume contest. In Poblenou, you'll also find costumes, music, and dancing for all ages.
How to get there by public transport:
For Gràcia activities (Jardins Manuel Torrente):
Metro: L3 - Lesseps / L4 - Joanic
For Poblenou activities (Casal de Barri Vila Olímpica - Can Gili Nou):
Metro: L4 - Llacuna
If you plan to make the most of the weekend with more Carnival activities and city visits, we recommend the Hola Barcelona Travel Card 72 h.
The arrival of the Carnival king: the start of the party
The Arrival, held on Fat Thursday, marks the beginning of the festivities: the arrival of the Carnival king and his entourage. It's an ideal family spectacle with parades, music, giants, and a festive atmosphere. For the second consecutive year, the Arrival moves to Sants.
How to get there by public transport:
Metro: L1 / L5 - Plaça de Sants
The Taronjada: orange rain to start the Carnival
To end Fat Thursday with fun, the Taronjada is celebrated: a rain of confetti and orange balloons symbolizing the burst of fun and carnivalesque satire in Barcelona.
The main event takes place in Sants, but there will also be a special event at Sant Jaume square, coinciding with the Passejada de les Laies of the Santa Eulàlia festivals.
How to get there by public transport:
For the Sants Taronjada (Sants-Montjuïc district headquarters):
Metro: L1 / L5 - Plaça Sants
For the Sant Jaume square Taronjada:
Metro: L4 - Jaume I
Weekend of parades and shows
During the Carnival weekend, many Barcelona neighborhoods organize their own parades with music, and costumes. These are highly participatory parades where local families take center stage.
On Friday, Eixample has a parade and children's closing party; Raval features the Ravalstoltada with a final batucada; and the Gothic quarter has a children's parade with hot chocolate.
On Saturday morning, Ciutat Vella offers a children's animation show.
How to get there by public transport:
For Eixample activities (Bruc street):
Metro: L3 / L5 - Diagonal
For Raval activities (Rambla del Raval):
Metro: L3 - Liceu
For Gothic quarter and Ciutat Vella activites:
Metro: L4 - Jaume I
Remember that with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card you can hop on and off metro and buses as many times as you want to explore different neighborhoods in a parade day.
The Burial of the Sardine: say goodbye to Carnival with tradition
On Ash Wednesday, the Burial of the Sardine is celebrated, a symbolic ceremony marking the end of Carnival with the burial, popular snack, and parade. It's perfect for families wanting to experience the most traditional and satirical side of Carnival.
How to get there by public transport:
Metro: L4 - Barceloneta
Live Carnival, move around by public transport!
Parades and parties fill Barcelona for Carnival, and public transport is your best ally for getting around easily and making the most of every moment. Avoid traffic and parking hassles and enjoy the party!
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card allows you unlimited trips to enjoy all the parades, activities, and events: perfect for experiencing Carnival 2026 with family!
