Carnaval de Madrid (Madrid Carnival) is a lively and creative pre-Lenten celebration that fills Spain’s capital with music, costumes, and colorful parades each February. Rooted in the city’s 16th-century traditions and revived in modern times, the festival features the spectacular Grand Parade, costume contests, and the playful Burial of the Sardine ceremony, which symbolically ends the revelry before Lent. Neighborhoods like Retiro and Matadero Madrid host open-air performances, concerts, and family-friendly events, showcasing the city’s blend of heritage and modern culture. Combining humor, pageantry, and urban energy, the Madrid Carnival captures the capital’s spirited approach to celebration and renewal.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Madrid or a Spain route—we’ll plan the Gran Desfile de Carnaval, murgas & comparsas, smart vantage points & timing, and a walkable stay near the route.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Exact 2026 details not yet published—check official site nearer the date: City news · City portal.
• Pattern: long Carnival weekend through Ash Wednesday, with free family activities at Matadero Madrid & Madrid Río, plus traditions like the Entierro de la Sardina on Ash Wednesday — see Program example.
• The exact timetable publishes annually — follow official listings on City news · venue updates on Matadero Madrid.
LOCATION
• Madrid city — main hub at Matadero Madrid and along Madrid Río; additional district events appear on the City news site.
• Central reference point: Matadero Madrid (Plaza de Legazpi) — Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Mostly free program: city‑organised outdoor activities are open access; some workshops or venue shows may need prior booking — details will appear in each listing on City news · Matadero Madrid.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Expect parades, workshops and concerts centred on Matadero Madrid, plus the traditional Entierro de la Sardina on Ash Wednesday — see Overview.
• Public transport: plan with the official EMT buses · Metro de Madrid journey info.
• The exact timetable publishes annually — watch the official pages above for day‑by‑day times.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Spain route that includes the Carnaval de Madrid at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.