Carnival in Barcelona 2014

The Carnival time in Barcelona is the time of joy and celebration. It ends with the Ash Wednesday and is traditionally known as the “last celebration” before the 40-day period of the Lent, run up to Easter. “El Carnaval” in Spanish, starts on the 27^th of February with the “Fat Thursday”.  As the name itself tells, this day is all about eating and drinking. The first parades are celebrated with the arrival of the King of the Carnival and this celebration also opens the whole Carnival celebration week.

On the following days there are also many parades held in different areas of Barcelona where many decorated and colorful  carriages and carnival groups move down the streets of the city. It is usual to dress up; there are different markets where people can try food in the local places, listen to the music, dance and simply have fun. It is also common to have food competitions in these areas. The Carnival ends with the Ash Wednesday on the 5^th of March, when the “burying of the sardine” takes place, symbolizing the end of the fun and the carnival. It will be held in the Park of Ciutadella.

In Catalunya the most famous Carnival celebration, though, takes place in a nearby town called Sitges, which is also known as the gay capital in Europe. The Carnival in Sitges can be also described as a huge and colorful party parade which is about 40 km from Barcelona. However, who decides to stay in the city has a great choice of special party events offered by the clubs all around Barcelona.