Madrid Carnival 2025

Madrid Carnival, a highlight of spring calendar, is an explosion of color, music, and festivity. This vibrant event brings locals and visitors together to enjoy parades, performances, and traditional rituals. A great feast of ingenuity and humor takes place on the streets and squares of Madrid for several days before the Lent. The carnival begins with a grand opening and public address by one of the celebrities from the Casa de la Villa balcony.

The Proclamation

The grand opening ceremony is always led by a local celebrity or cultural figure. This event sets the celebratory tone with performances and humor. From the outset, visitors can enjoy parades where dancers in elaborate costumes move to the rhythms of lively music. Neighborhoods such as Lavapiés and Malasaña play a key role, hosting street parties and events showcasing the city's multicultural spirit.

Carnival Highlights

Madrid enjoys the holiday for several days—a grand game of dress up with events for the whole family, children and adults. Some of the most memorable performances of the Madrid Сarnival include the Grand Carnival Parade, the dance and competition of masquerade costumes in the Society of Fine Arts, the meeting of Murga (strolling musicians) and Chirigota (carnival music groups) in the Plaza de la Villa. A

A standout event is the Grand Parade, which winds its way through the city’s streets. Floats, musicians, and costumed participants create a spectacle of light and sound, leaving crowds in awe. Workshops, concerts, and theater performances are also part of the carnival, offering something for all ages.

The Funeral of the Sardine (March 5, 2025)

The Funeral of the Sardine is a traditional event and the grand finale of the Carnival. The highlights of this event, which usually occurs on Ash Wednesday, include the parade with the Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos Association through the streets of Madrid. The colorful procession starts in San Antonio de la Florida and passes the Fuente de los Pajaritos, the Plaza de las Moreras. The parade concludes at the Casa de Campo, where the sardine is being buried.

In addition to street parties, visitors can celebrate the Carnival at local restaurants and cafes. El Cortejo de la Sardina is a gastronomic route. It encompasses about a hundred joints, such as food trucks, restaurants, and shops, offering their original interpretations of the Burial of the Sardine.

Madrid Carnival captures the city's vibrant energy, blending historic customs with modern entertainment. Parades, street food, and witnessing the Burial of the Sardine offer an unforgettable glimpse into Madrid's lively cultural heritage.