Carnival Fever in February: Where to Celebrate in Spain

February in Spain is anything but gloomy—this is when the country explodes with color, costumes, and parades during Carnival (Carnaval in Spanish). From small coastal towns to world-famous hotspots, Carnival fever sweeps across the nation, drawing both locals and travelers into the festivities. If you’re planning a winter getaway, here’s your guide to the best Carnival experiences, plus a look at other vibrant events (like Santa Eulàlia in Barcelona) that make February a month of pure excitement.

Read the full Jan-March guide here

Location: About 40 km southwest of Barcelona
Why Go:

• Electric Parades: Sitges is famous for having one of the most flamboyant and LGBTQ+-friendly Carnivals in Europe. Expect elaborate costumes, dance music, and non-stop parties along the promenade.
• Easy Day Trip: You can reach Sitges by train or bus in under an hour.

Need tickets? Browse train & bus options for quick routes and schedules.
Top Tips:

• Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot for the main parades (usually happening Sunday night and Tuesday night).
• Dress up and join the fun—Carnival in Sitges is all about inclusivity and high-energy celebrations.

Location: Andalusia, in southern Spain
Why Go:

• Historic Setting: Cádiz is considered one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, and its Carnival tradition goes back centuries.
• The ‘Chirigotas’: Groups of locals perform satirical songs poking fun at politics and pop culture—sometimes spontaneously on the streets, sometimes in organized competitions at the Gran Teatro Falla.

What to Expect:

• Street performances, comedic costumes, and a festival atmosphere that spills into every plaza and alley.
• Seafood galore: Try the local fried fish and tapas as you wander.

Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Why Go:

• Grand-Scale Celebrations: Often touted as the world’s second-biggest Carnival (after Rio), Tenerife goes all out—massive parades, dance troupes, and a carnival queen election complete with breathtaking gowns.
• Weather Escape: Temperatures are mild or even warm in February, offering a sunny break from the mainland’s winter chill.

Highlight:

• ‘Coso’ Parade: The main parade on Shrove Tuesday is a dazzling display of color and music along the seafront.

When: Mid-February (typically around February 12th)
What It Is:

• Barcelona’s winter festival, honoring one of its patron saints.
• Expect castellers (human towers), correfocs (fire runs with sparklers and drummers), and various family-friendly performances across the Gothic Quarter.

Why It’s Worth Seeing:

• A more traditional, local vibe compared to the flashy Carnival parties, though still plenty of excitement and photo-worthy moments.

Tip: Combine Santa Eulàlia festivities with a Barcelona by Bike: Top Sights, Tapas & Local Insights Tour for a well-rounded winter experience.

Calçotadas:

• Even in the midst of Carnival, Catalonia’s famous grilled onions (calçots) remain a culinary highlight in February.
• Learn more about the tradition in our post on Everything You Need to Know about Calçots.

Pairing Tip:

• After a lively Carnival night, a calçotada feast is the perfect way to recharge—grilled spring onions, romesco sauce, plenty of local wine, and a friendly, communal atmosphere.

Accommodation:

• Lock in good deals while it’s still off-peak for many Spanish destinations. Check out cheap hotel deals to stretch your budget further.

Transport:

• Book train & bus tickets in advance, especially if you plan to hop from Barcelona to Sitges, or venture south to Cádiz.

February in Spain is a high-energy medley of costumes, parades, and community spirit. Whether you’re after the sunny spectacle of Tenerife, the street humor of Cádiz, or the coastal flair of Sitges, Carnival offers a brilliant escape from winter blues. Don’t forget to experience Barcelona’s Santa Eulàlia festival for a more traditional yet equally lively touch. And, of course, fuel your journey with a calçotada—because where else can you savor grilled onions as part of a must-do cultural ritual?

February never looked so festive—grab your mask, your appetite, and join the party!