Spain is the life of the party. Throughout the year, there are numerous festivals and celebrations giving everyone another excuse to let loose. Out of all of these festivals, one of the main ones you don’t want to miss is Carnival. The Carnival festivities that occur towards the end of February and beginning of March are the wildest ones yet. These celebrations are a Western Christian tradition in Europe, and Carnivals in Spain are known as the best and biggest out there.
History of the Holiday
The tradition of Carinval dates all the way back to ancient Rome, but the more modern festivities have visible roots in a fifteenth century Italy. Both celebrations served as a pre-Lent party before the people would give up certain dietary delights as a religious practice. The trend didn’t just take off in Europe either, with many Caribbean islands celebrating since the 18th century.
Though Madrid loves to celebrate Carnival today, the tradition was temporarily wiped out when dictator Francisco Franco took control of Spain after winning the Spanish Civil War in 1939. Around 40 years later, in 1976, Carnival was revived and the joyous celebration returned to the streets of Madrid!
Enjoying Carnival in Madrid Today
This year Carnival in Madrid will take place between the 10th – 14th of February and will offer a wide array of events around the city like the Grand Parade, the Juego de Identidades and live musical performances! The neighbourhood which hosts Carnival changes every year and The 2024 edition will return to the Madrid Rio (Manzanares).
Make sure to celebrate Carnival with our friends at Nightlife Madrid! They will be hosting Carnival themed events where you can party the night away in style in your best Carnival costumes! Keep an eye on their nightlife calendar for all their upcoming events!
More Articles on Spanish Holidays & Traditions :
October 12: The National Day of Spain
Your Guide to Semana Santa in Madrid!
December 8th: The Kickoff to the Spanish Holiday Season!
Los Reyes Magos: Spain’s Extended Christmas 2024
Chaos in Cádiz – The Tradition of Carnival!
Public Holidays in Madrid 2024: When & Why They’re Celebrated
Traditional Easter Food in Spain
Celebrating Easter in Spain
Your San Isidro Survival Guide!
Celebrating the Dead on DÃa de Todos los Santos
11 Things to do This Halloween in Madrid (2024)
7 Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day in Madrid
Leah Warner
Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!
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