Kids in Barcelona - Family and parents guide to activities, shopping, holiday apartments, events, health, schools and nurseries, babysitting and childcare, and playgroups in Barcelona.

Barcelona Carnival

Carnaval in Barcelona begins with Fat Thursday marks the beginning of a week of celebrations and parades before the austere period of Lent. The celebration of Carnaval almost certainly has its routes in pagan rituals and festivals. Today, it is yet another colourful tradition to enjoy. 

From local parades to nurseries, schools and local Civic Centre parties, there is plenty of opportunity to get into the Carnival spirit.  The main Barcelona city parade takes place on Saturday 13th February at 8.30pm along the Av. Paral-lel.

The first Carnaval in Barcelona most probably took place in 1333. Despite the many changes to this event has over the years, the celebration still holds on to ideals of permissiveness and "anything goes" in terms of costumes and behaviour. 

Carnaval itself marks a time of fun and celebration that comes before the austere period of Lent begins in the Christian calendar. 

The end of the festival is marked by an unusual tradition referred to as the Enterrament de La Sardina, The Burial of the Sardine, on Ash Wednesday (17th February). Subject of a Francisco de Goya painting c.1816, this odd ceremony literally takes place as a mock funeral procession.

For costume shops see Party Shops and Fancy Dress in Barcelona

For full details of Carnaval events see What's on for Kids