Festivals
Sitges Carnival
Seven days of parades, costumes and partying, from Dijous Gras (Fat Thursday) to Ash Wednesday. When it is, what happens each day and how to enjoy it, with official information.
When is it?
2027
Dates to be confirmed
The Town Council has not announced them yet. Going by the calendar, Carnival would run from Thursday 4 to Wednesday 10 February 2027; we’ll confirm once the programme is published.
2026
12–18 February
The latest edition, which marked 50 years since the parades returned to the streets.
Every year
Fat Thursday to Ash Wednesday
Since 1980 Sitges Carnival has run from Dijous Gras (Fat Thursday) to Ash Wednesday.
Sources: Sitges Town Council (sitges.cat) and the official Carnival website (sitgescarnaval.cat).
What happens each day
Thursday
Arrival of King Carnestoltes
The “Arribo” of the Carnival King and his “Predicot”, a satirical speech. In the evening, xató dinners at local clubs.
Friday
Rua d’Antes
A walking parade with no floats, starting at Cap de la Vila. Held since 2018; anyone in costume can join.
Saturday
Bed race and dances
A bed race at midday and dances in the afternoon on the Passeig de la Ribera and Plaça de Catalunya.
Sunday
Rua de la Disbauxa
Children’s parade at midday and, in the evening, the big parade with floats and dance groups.
Tuesday
Rua de l’Extermini
Children’s parade at midday and the second big parade in the evening, with the same groups in reverse order.
Wednesday
Burial of the Carnestoltes
Lying-in-state at the Town Hall, funeral procession to La Fragata, reading of the Testament and the arrival of the Vella Quaresma (Lent).
In 2026 the Rua de la Disbauxa started at 7.30 pm and the Rua de l’Extermini at 9 pm. Times change every year: check the official programme at sitgescarnaval.cat.
Sources: sitgescarnaval.cat (“Els actes actuals”, 2026 programme); Sitges Town Council news on Carnival 2026.
A little history
The first written reference to a Carnival dance in Sitges dates from 1586. Carnival was banned in 1937, and in February 1976 the El Retiro club took the first float back onto the streets: 2026 marked 50 years since that return.
In the 2026 Rua de la Disbauxa, 38 floats and around 2,200 people took part. The Town Council expected around 250,000 visitors during the week.
Sources: sitgescarnaval.cat (“Visió històrica”, “Fets històrics”); Sitges Town Council (news, February 2026).
Practical information
Getting there
Come by train
In 2026 the Town Council announced special trains for around 45,000 passengers. Roads are closed on parade days: if you come by car, check where to park.
Traffic
Road closures
Avinguda Sofia, where the floats line up, closes from 10 am on Sunday and Tuesday. In 2026 access to the station was restricted from 5 pm to 7 am and the taxi rank moved to the Oasis.
Safety
Over 1,000 staff
Police, emergency services and private security. The CAP health centre stays open all night on parade nights. Emergencies: 112.
Punt Lila
Against harassment
Support points against sexist and anti-LGBTI aggression on the Passeig, plus roaming teams during the parades.
The Carnival proclamation asks for respectful behaviour and responsible drinking, and reminds everyone that firecrackers affect people sensitive to noise and animals. Watching the parades is free. If you’re staying for the party, see Sitges by night.
Sources: sitgescarnaval.cat (2026 security plan, bus changes and proclamation); Sitges Town Council. Checked on 13/10/2026.