Spain is a country of great parties, whatever the season, and whatever region we are in. But if we have to talk about big festivities, some of the most emblematic and international take place during the carnival season.
That's why we bring you this list with the 10 best Carnival festivals in Spain, which stand out for the spectacularity of their parades or their ancient and curious traditions.
The best Carnival festivals in Spain
These are the carnivals in our country that you don't want to miss to experience this festivity.
one. Santa Cruz of Tenerife
No one doubts that it is one of the best Carnival festivals in Spain. And even in the world, since it is considered one of the most important carnivals, behind the very famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
This is the only festivity in the Canary Islands that has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, and for years it has been waiting to be declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity. And it is that its carnival is a whole display of spectacular parades of costumes and floats.
The humorous social criticism of the comparsas and murgas lasts for several days until reaching Shrove Tuesday, which culminates with the Gran Coso Apotheosis, an ancient parade and the highlight of the parties.
2. Cadiz
El Cádiz is another of the considered best Carnival festivals in Spain. Like the one in Tenerife, this festival also holds the title of Festival of International Tourist Interest.
These carnivals stand out for the famous chirigotas, in which the people of Cádiz display all their sense of humor and sharpness expressed through original and fun couplets, all related to current affairs.
3. Badajoz
Another of the best Carnival festivals in Spain is the one held in Badajoz, where the massive party in the streets of the city stands out, in which it is estimated that more than 80,000 people come together in costumes . The comparsas and murgas also take part in these festivities, who celebrate their contest every year.
The festivity is so important that it even has the first museum in our country dedicated to these festivities, and is also one of the most important in the world.
4. Vinaros
The one in Vinarós is another of the best Carnival festivals in Spain, due to the spectacular floats and costumes, especially those of the Queens. Being one of the most important carnivals in the country, it aspires to be declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
The battle of the confetti, the Queens Gala and the parades stand out, which unlike other years this year will be held in an open circuit.
5. Sitges
The carnival of Sitges is another of the most emblematic of the Mediterranean coast. Some parties that under the motto For Carnival anything goes! They give their all to offer the greatest show and fun. Their long parades stand out with spectacular costumes, in which glitter and feathers are the protagonists.
For those who prefer something less lavish and looking for something more original, there is also a fun costumed bed race, in which participants roll down the street on cots as floats.
6. Pontevedra
This Galician city celebrates one of the most outstanding Entroido festivals, one of the best Carnival festivals in Spain. The festivities begin with the arrival of King Urco, a character who is accompanied by a pack of dogs. It is followed by days of parades and costume contests, murgas and filloas.
Everything culminates in the most representative day of Carnival in Pontevedra, Carnival Friday, in which the emblematic Ravachol parrot is symbolically burned and buried, replacing the classic burial of the sardine.
7. Laza, Xinzo and Verín
And another of the places where the traditional Galician festivity of Entroido is best celebrated is in these three cities of Ourense, better known as the Entroido Magic TriangleIts authenticity and tradition make it one of the best Carnival festivals in the country.
These rural festivities are far from the parades of elegant costumes and feathers to which we are accustomed: masked dances simulating demons, peculiar Peliqueiros or Cigarrones that stoke everyone who crosses their path... Without a doubt, they are shows worth visiting.
8. Haro Wine Carnival
The Haro Wine Carnival is another of the best Carnival festivals in Spain, both for maintaining the tradition of classic period costume parties , as if to add to the allure of a wine festival.
Similar to the carnivals of Venice, this town in La Rioja dresses up from the period to celebrate its festivities, which become a tribute to Bacchus, the God of Wine.
9. Eagles
This Murcian town is another essential visit during Carnival in our country.Also in 2015 was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, due to its impressive floats The Águilas carnival has a long history and features such emblematic characters as Don Carnal, Doña Cuaresma , the Mussona or the Muse.
10. The Gran Canarian palms
And you could not miss another of the best Carnival festivals in Spain and one of the most recognized, that of Las Palmas. At the height of Tenerife, this spectacular display of colorful floats and lavish costumes is one of the most emblematic. Its galas and costume contests are popular, including the election of the Grand Dame, the Queen's Gala or the now legendary Drag Queen Gala.