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Tapa a TapaSitges 2026
February · One of Europe's best carnivals

Sitges Carnival 2027

The Sitges Carnival is one of the most spectacular in Europe. Ten days of parades, floats, comparsas and street parties in this coastal town near Barcelona.

250.000+
visitors
~10 days
days of celebration
Very inclusive
LGBTQ+ atmosphere
40 min
from Barcelona

When is the Sitges Carnival 2027?

The Sitges Carnival 2027 will take place approximately from 20 February to 2 March 2027 (exact dates to be confirmed by the Ajuntament). As every year, the highlights are the Dijous Gras (Thursday) and Sunday Gran Rua parades. Official dates are published at carnaval.cat.

What to see and experience at the Sitges Carnival

The Gran Rua

The main Carnival parade. On Sunday afternoon, thousands gather along the seafront promenade to watch the comparsas, floats and costumes. The most crowded and spectacular event.

Dijous Gras

"Fat Thursday" marks the official start of Carnival. A night-time parade with an intimate and festive atmosphere, before the big crowds arrive at the weekend.

La Rua de la Disbauxa

The parade featuring the most daring and creative costumes. Creativity knows no limits: from elaborate feathered outfits to conceptual proposals that surprise every year.

LGBTQ+ atmosphere

Sitges is one of the most recognised gay-friendly destinations in Europe. Carnival brings together a significant part of this community, making the event a particularly inclusive and colourful space.

Local comparsas

Sitges carnival groups spend months preparing their costumes and choreographies. The local comparsas compete for prizes and represent the Catalan carnival tradition.

The Burial of the Sardine

End of Carnival. On Ash Wednesday, the traditional burial of the sardine closes the festivities with an emotional night-time parade, marking the start of Lent.

Visiting Sitges outside Carnival?

Every spring, Tapa a Tapa Sitges brings together 40 restaurants with unique tapas at 4€. The perfect gastronomic plan for your visit.

See the tapas route

Practical tips

  • Book accommodation 3-4 months in advance. Carnival exhausts hotels and apartments throughout the region.
  • Costumes are almost compulsory among the audience — no one forces you, but the atmosphere is much better if you join in.
  • Come by train. Traffic and parking in Sitges during Carnival are chaotic. The R2 Sud from Barcelona Sants takes 40 min.
  • The Dijous Gras parades are more accessible (less crowded) than the Sunday Gran Rua.
  • Check the official programme at carnaval.cat — dates and times are published in advance.

Frequently asked questions about the Sitges Carnival

When is the Sitges Carnival 2027?

The Sitges Carnival 2027 will take place approximately between 20 February and 2 March 2027. The exact dates are confirmed by the Ajuntament de Sitges each autumn at carnaval.cat.

Is the Sitges Carnival an LGBTQ+ event?

The Sitges Carnival is an event for everyone, but it has a strong LGBTQ+ presence because Sitges is one of the most recognised gay-friendly destinations in the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is very inclusive and celebratory.

Do you need a ticket to watch the Sitges Carnival parades?

The main parades (Gran Rua, Dijous Gras, Burial of the Sardine) are free and take place on public streets. Some private parties or club events require tickets.

Where to stay for the Sitges Carnival?

Book 3-4 months in advance. Hotels in Sitges sell out quickly. Alternatives: Vilanova i la Geltrú (15 min by train), Castelldefels or even Barcelona (40 min by train).

Where to stay during Sitges Carnival?

Hotels sell out 3–4 months in advance. Book early to guarantee availability during Carnival dates.

Find hotels for Carnival

Keep planning your visit: how to get to Sitges, discover what to do in Sitges, explore the best beaches in Sitges, find hotels in Sitges or try the Tapa a Tapa food route.

Sitges is also Spain's top LGBTQ+ destination.

Tours y actividades durante el Carnaval

Tours guiados por el Carnaval de Sitges, excursiones desde Barcelona y experiencias gastronómicas durante el Carnaval.

Ver tours de Carnaval en GetYourGuide

Sitges travel tips + Tapa a Tapa 2027

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