Sitges Carnival 2026

Inicio: 12/02/2026
Fin: 18/02/2026

OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF EVENTS

SITGES CARNIVAL 2026

Until February 18

Exhibition “50 anys de rues al Carnaval de Sitges. Mig segle de festa, llibertat i identitat compartida”
Monday to Friday, from 5 pm to 8 pm, Joan Tarrida municipal venue

The Sitges Carnival still has many challenges ahead, but in 2026 it can proudly celebrate 50 years since the first modern parade of floats. Half a century of celebration, freedom, and shared identity made possible by institutions, entities, carnival groups (collas), and individuals who have shaped the Carnival. The exhibition reviews this journey that has turned the Sitges Carnival into a true benchmark.

Saturday, January 31

Presentation of the Casino Prado Children’s Queen
5.30 pm (1st show) and 7 pm (2nd show) – Teatre Casino Prado

A show of lights, dance, and color led by the Children’s Queen Colla, with the collaboration of the Casino Prado Dance Group.
Free admission. Limited capacity.
Tickets at: www.casinoprado.cat
Organized by: Casino Prado Suburense and Colla Infantil Reina Prado.

Presentation of the Carnestoltes Comic and Pre-Carnival Tardeo
6 pm – Mambo Nightclub

Discover the story behind the arrival of His Majesty Carnestoltes through our comic!
We will explain the storyline and theme of Carnestoltes 2026, from the beginning up to just before the Arribo. You will also receive a copy of the comic.
Organized by: Colla Érem Pocs.

Sunday, February 1

Pre-Carnival Vermouth
11.30 am – Gardens of the Societat Recreativa El Retiro

The official pre-carnival warm-up event of El Retiro returns. Carnival music, last-minute nerves, and the famous free-bar minute. Until 3 pm!
Organized by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro with the collaboration of Retiro Carnival collas.

Tuesday, February 3

Children’s Workshop – Let’s Make a Xató!
5.30 pm – Assembly Hall, Societat Recreativa El Retiro

Led by Carme Arce.
Minimum age: 5 years (accompanied by an adult).
Required materials: mortar, pestle, apron, and knife.
Limited places.
Children who are members of El Retiro: free.
Non-member children: €10.
Organized by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro.

Thursday, February 5

Workshop – How to Prepare a Proper Xató
8 pm – Assembly Hall, Societat Recreativa El Retiro

Masterclass by chef Carles Montserrat Eroles with final tasting.
Members: free.
Non-members: €15.
Organized by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro.

Friday, February 6

Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Return of Carnival to the Streets
7 pm – El Retiro Gardens

A tribute to the Carnival of Democracy and the beginning of the current festive model.
Organized by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro.

Saturday, February 7

Presentation of the Queen of Sitges Carnival 2026
7 pm – Plaça de l’Ajuntament

A show full of light, ritual, symbolism, and cosmic energy from planet Valúriah.
Organized by: Colla Salsa del Xató.

Live Broadcast of the Queen’s Presentation
6.30 pm – Teatre Prado de Sitges
Free admission. Limited capacity.

Royal Cocktail
Until 11 pm
With the Queen of Sitges Carnival and her entourage.
Organized by: Colla Salsa del Xató.

Sunday, February 8

23rd Mestres Xatonaires Competition
11 am – Casino Prado Gardens

A festive gastronomic event with prizes and tasting.
Free registration. Limited places.
Organized by: Casino Prado.

Great Carnival Bingo of El Retiro
6 pm – Societat Recreativa El Retiro
Price: €8 per card.
Organized by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro.

Thursday, February 12 – FAT THURSDAY

Arrival of His Majesty Carnestoltes I
7.15 pm – La Fragata

Event with fireworks. Music, costumes, and a symbolic battle for the fate of the Universe.
Proclamation from the Town Hall balcony.

Fat Thursday Xatonada
9 pm – Societat Recreativa El Retiro
Official start of Sitges Carnival 2026.

Xatonada and Carrusel at Teatre Prado
9.30 pm – Xatonada
11 pm – Carrusel: Tornem a casa!
Organized by: Casino Prado.

Friday, February 13

Visits to Schools and Care Homes
From 9 am

The Carnival reaches every corner of Sitges with His Majesty Carnestoltes and the Carnival Queen.

Rua d’Antes
7 pm – Cap de la Vila

The most nostalgic, free-spirited, and laid-back parade of the Carnival.
Music and entertainment until 10.30 pm.

Saturday, February 14

Costumed Bed Race
12 pm – Casino Prado

One of the most anticipated and outrageous Carnival events.

Ball del Fardo
3.30 pm – 8 pm – Plaça Catalunya

The true essence of Fardo Saturday, with live music and DJs.

Tequereque Festa
6 pm – Cap de la Vila

Percussion and street party through Sitges.

Sunday, February 15

Children’s Parade
From 12 pm

Route: from the end of Avinguda Sofia, Passeig de la Ribera (seaside) to the Greco statue (Sant Pau Street area), returning via Passeig de la Ribera (mountain side), Bassa Rodona, Plaça del Pou Vedre, Espalter, Sant Francesc, and Cap de la Vila.

Carnival Dance before the Rua de la Disbauxa
From 3 pm to 6.30 pm – Passeig de la Ribera (Swing Area)

Animation before the Rua de la Disbauxa
6 pm – Along the parade route

During the lead-up to the Sitges Carnival Parade, the batucada Markatú will perform a festive street procession through the town. The performance will begin at a central point, Plaça Can Bota, and continue through the streets to the parade starting area (zona gronxadors), energizing the crowd with percussion rhythms and creating a celebratory atmosphere before the parade begins.

Rua de la Disbauxa
From 7.30 pm

Route: from the end of Avinguda Sofia, Passeig de la Ribera (seaside), La Fragata, Passeig de la Ribera (mountain side), Bassa Rodona, Plaça del Pou Vedre, Espalter, Sant Francesc, and Cap de la Vila.

Ball de la Disbauxa
12 am – Teatre Prado

Tuesday February 17

Children’s Parade
From 12 pm

Route: departure from the end of Avinguda Sofia, Passeig de la Ribera (seaside) to the Greco statue and return via Passeig de la Ribera (mountain side), Bassa Rodona, Plaça del Pou Vedre, Espalter, Sant Francesc, and Cap de la Vila.

Animation before the Rua de l'Estermini
7.30 pm – Along the parade route

During the lead-up to the Sitges Carnival Parade, the batucada Markatú will perform a festive street procession through the town. The performance will begin at a central point, Plaça Can Bota, and continue through the streets to the parade starting area (zona gronxadors), energizing the crowd with percussion rhythms and creating a celebratory atmosphere before the parade begins.

Rua de l'Extermini
From 9 pm

Route: departure from the end of Avinguda Sofia, Passeig de la Ribera (seaside), La Fragata, Passeig de la Ribera (seaside), Bassa Rodona, Plaça del Pou Vedre, Espalter, Sant Francesc, and Cap de la Vila.

Ball de l'Extermini
From 12 am – Teatre Prado

Wednesday, February 18

Coffee, Drink, and Cigar!
4 pm – 5 pm – El Retiro

Burial of His Majesty Carnestoltes I
From 7 pm

Arrival of Mrs. Quaresma
Official end of the Carnival with the Manifest de la Verdura.

Ash Wednesday Xatonada
9 pm – El Retiro

Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21

Show “Carrusel: Tornem a casa!”
9.30 pm – Teatre Prado

Closing Dinner of the Independent Carnival Group
Independent collas bid farewell to Carnival with their traditional final dinner.

 

 Check the full official program here