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The Sitges Carnival ranks among Europe’s most spectacular celebrations, transforming this Mediterranean coastal town into a week-long festival of parades, costumes, and parties. Located just 40 minutes from Barcelona, Carnival Sitges attracts over 300,000 visitors annually with its inclusive atmosphere, elaborate floats, and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. This complete guide covers dates, parade schedules, transportation, and essential travel information for experiencing Spain’s wildest winter celebration.
Sitges Carnival 2026 Dates
The Sitges Carnival 2026 dates run from Thursday, February 12 through Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The festival begins on Fat Thursday (Jueves Lardero) with the arrival of King Carnestoltes and concludes on Ash Wednesday with the Burial of the Sardine ceremony.
Key dates for Sitges Carnival 2026 dates:
- Thursday, February 12 – Arrival of King Carnestoltes (7:00 PM)
- Friday, February 13 – Rua d’Abans historical parade (7:30 PM)
- Saturday, February 14 – Crazy Bed Race (12:00 PM)
- Sunday, February 15 – Rua de la Disbauxa parade (7:30 PM)
- Tuesday, February 17 – Rua de l’Extermini parade (9:00 PM)
- Wednesday, February 18 – Burial of the King (7:00 PM)
Carnival in Sitges: Main Events and Parades
Carnival in Sitges centers around two legendary parades featuring over 50 floats, 2,500 costumed participants, and hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the seafront promenade.
Rua de la Disbauxa (Debauchery Parade)
Sunday’s parade lives up to its name with risqué floats and daring costumes. Starting at 7:30 PM, the procession travels along the beach promenade before winding through Sitges’ medieval streets. This marks the second-biggest party night of the festival.
Rua de l’Extermini (Extermination Parade)
Tuesday’s parade represents the festival’s wildest night. Beginning at 9:00 PM, approximately 50 floats parade in reverse order from Sunday, giving spectators another chance to see favorite groups. This Mardi Gras in Spain celebration marks the final night before Lent begins.
Additional Events
- Crazy Bed Race – Teams race decorated beds on wheels through town streets on Saturday at noon, judged on creativity and speed
- Children’s Parades – Family-friendly parades on Sunday and Tuesday at 12:00 PM
- Burial of the Sardine – Ceremonial procession featuring drag queens dressed in black, marking Carnival’s end on Ash Wednesday
Sitges Carnival 2026: Complete Schedule
| Date | Day | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 12 | Thursday | Arrival of King Carnestoltes | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 13 | Friday | Rua d’Abans (Historical Parade) | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 14 | Saturday | Crazy Bed Race | 12:00 PM |
| Feb 15 | Sunday | Rua de la Disbauxa (Debauchery Parade) | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 17 | Tuesday | Rua de l’Extermini (Extermination Parade) | 9:00 PM |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Burial of the Sardine (Ash Wednesday) | 7:00 PM |
LGBTQ+ Celebration at Sitges Carnaval
Sitges Carnaval has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most inclusive celebrations. As one of the continent’s leading LGBTQ+ destinations, Sitges transforms during Carnival week with themed parties at gay bars and clubs centered around Plaza Industria and Calle Bonaire.
Popular themed nights include:
- Mantillas Night – Opening celebration at Parrots Pub and Comodin
- Touristas Night – Sunday festivities at Le Bar by Le Patio
- Pink Night – Monday celebration across multiple venues
- Widows’ Night – Wednesday mourning celebration with drag performers
Costumes are essential throughout Carnival week. Expect everything from elaborate drag outfits to Brazilian-inspired bodysuits, superhero groups, and fetish wear. While creativity is encouraged, February temperatures average 50-60°F, making warmer costumes more comfortable than minimal outfits.
Getting to Sitges Carnival from Barcelona
Sitges sits 40 kilometers southwest of Barcelona with excellent transport connections. Most visitors base themselves in Barcelona and travel to Sitges for parades and parties.
Train
Trains run frequently from Barcelona Sants or Passeig de Gràcia to Sitges station. Journey time is 35-40 minutes with tickets costing €4.60 one-way or €9.20 return. Extra services operate during parade nights, though trains fill quickly after parades end. Early arrivals for return journeys are recommended.
Organized Party Buses
Companies like Stoke Travel offer party bus packages including Barcelona pickup, Sitges drop-off at optimal parade viewing locations, and return transportation. Buses feature onboard bars, entertainment, and avoid post-parade public transport crowds. Prices typically start around €35-50 per person.
Car
Driving takes approximately 45 minutes via C-32 highway. However, parking is extremely limited during Carnival, and roads near parade routes close to traffic. Public transport is strongly recommended.
Accommodation and Planning Tips
Where to Stay
Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance as Sitges hotels fill completely during Carnival week. Recommended options include Hotel Calipolis and ME Sitges Terramar for waterfront locations, or Hotel Sabàtic for modern amenities. Barcelona accommodation offers more availability and lower prices, though you’ll need to arrange nightly transport.
What to Pack
- 2-3 costume outfits for different themed nights
- Comfortable walking shoes for parades and street parties
- Light jacket for February temperatures
- Small bag for essentials (large bags difficult in crowds)
- Cash for street vendors and smaller bars
Best Days to Visit
Sunday and Tuesday offer the biggest parades and wildest parties. Saturday features the entertaining Crazy Bed Race. Those with limited time should prioritize Tuesday’s Rua de l’Extermini parade for the most intense Carnival atmosphere.
Luggage Storage with Radical Storage
Traveling to Sitges for Carnival with luggage? Radical Storage offers secure storage locations in both Barcelona and Sitges, allowing you to explore and enjoy parades without carrying bags through crowded streets.
Benefits:
- Barcelona locations – Near Sants station, Passeig de Gràcia, and city center
- Sitges locations – Near train station and town center
- Flat rate – €5 per bag per day
- Security guarantee – Up to €3,000 coverage
- Easy booking – Reserve via app or website
Book luggage storage today at radicalstorage.com and enjoy Sitges Carnival 2026 hands-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Sitges Carnival is a free public event. Parades and street parties are open to everyone. Some private venue parties and organized dinners require tickets.
While not mandatory, costumes are strongly encouraged and enhance the Carnival experience. Most attendees wear elaborate outfits, especially during evening parades and parties.
Tuesday’s Rua de l’Extermini is traditionally wilder and more crowded. Sunday’s Rua de la Disbauxa offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere while still spectacular. Attending both provides the complete Sitges Carnival experience.
Final Thoughts
Sitges Carnival 2026 offers an unforgettable Mediterranean winter celebration combining spectacular parades, inclusive LGBTQ+ culture, and coastal Spanish charm. With convenient access from Barcelona, free public events, and a week-long party atmosphere, Sitges delivers one of Europe’s premier Carnival experiences.
Plan ahead by booking accommodation early, arranging Barcelona transport, preparing costumes, and securing luggage storage. Whether attending for a single parade or the full week, Sitges Carnival promises spectacular entertainment and memorable celebrations.