The Carnival centres around Shrove Tuesday.. February 21st 2012, February 12th 2013, March 4th 2014. Cádiz celebrates the carnival with processions from the weekend before, to the weekend after Dates for Shrove Tuesday Shrove Tuesday 2012 – 21st February Shrove Tuesday 2013 – 12th February

When are Carnivals held; dates of carnivals in Spain
The starting day of Carnival and the length and complexity of carnivals varies from town to town, the festival usually ends on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
What is Lent?
Lent is a Christian Festival where believers give up all rich food. The day before Lent starts is known as Shrove Tuesday.
The Carnival centres around Shrove Tuesday February 21st 2012, February 12th 2013, March 4th 2014). Cádiz celebrates the carnival with processions from the weekend before, to the weekend after. In general the carnival season in Spain begins on Septuagesima, the third Sunday before Ash Wednesday. In some places it starts as early as Twelfth Night (January 6). The most important celebrations are generally concentrated during the last days of the season before Ash Wednesday and centred on Shrove Tuesday.

Every year, crowds of people come to experience this fiesta where everything is allowed and you have only one obligation: to have fun.
Rhythm, colour, flamboyance, luxury and of course the most brilliant spectacle. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the most “Brazilian” of all the Spanish carnivals, and it is famous all over the world for its popular flavour. For fifteen days, the streets of the city come alive with joy, freedom and extravagance.

Events: Children’s games and walks through the streets – Fancy-dress ball and contest – hot chocolate drinks at daybreak.
German Carnival
Organised by the Club Carnaval Calpe, a group made up of Germans living in Calpe and Calpe natives who have strengthened their traditions in the town and the relationship between both cultures through these festivals and other popular activities.
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Events: Big parade of folk groups and music bands – International Music and Folklore Contest.

Carnival of Xinzo de Limia (Ourense)
The great parade in on Carnival Tuesday.
It is the longest carnival celebrated in Spain. The fiestas begin three Sundays before the actual carnival on 'Fareleiro' Sunday, a comic battle in which the entire townspeople get covered in flour. This is followed by 'Oleiro' Sunday, a tradition which involves throwing water into the air from earthenware pots onto people gathered below, until someone falls to the ground and is consequently soaked. Next 'Corredoiro' Sunday, a popular festivity in which the 'comparsas' begin to invade the streets of the town, which marks the threshold of O Entroido.
Of interest are the 'pantallas', characters armed with 'vejigas' and wearing curious masks.
Dates
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 ( check dates)
Location
Xinzo de Limia (Ourense)

Carnaval de Verín (O Entroido) -
Carnival of Verín (O Entroido)
The “fariñadas” (flour fights) and the masked figure of the “Cigarrón”
are the most typical elements of the Verín Carnival (Ourense).
The festivities begin on the morning of what is known as “Corredoiro Sunday”, with the sound of fireworks, bands of street musicians and the first groups of cigarrones (masked men who run through the town encouraging people to join in the fun). That same day in the afternoon-evening, the first masked ball and the first “fariñada” or flour battle, is held in the Plaza Mayor square. However, the official start of the Carnival takes place on the “jueves de comadres” (women’s Thursday), when the women leave the men behind at home, put on their disguises and go out for dinner. When midnight comes, the crowd takes to the streets to receive the Carnival cortège and to hear the official proclamation which opens the general revelries. And throughout the days of the festivities there are flour fights, masked balls, processions of carnival groups and bands, competitions, the chance to sample typical local products, etc… The most intense day is on Sunday, as the great Parade of Floats, Bands, Masks and Cigarrones takes place at midday.
Verín (Ourense)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
( check dates) Read More

Santiago de Compostela ,
in Galicia, celebrates this age-old fiesta where masks and fancy dress combine with carnival floats and typical cuisine.
O Antroido is the name given to Carnival in Galicia. It is a deep-rooted tradition in this Region, especially in its capital, Santiago. Here, masks and fancy dress fill the city streets. On the Tuesday there is a parade with floats and carnival groups formed by local residents and friends. On Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the end of the celebrations and the beginning of lent, there is a satirical procession that ends up with the burning of "Meco", a doll that represents the Carnival, in Plaza de O Toural Square. The celebrations can also be felt on these days through the regional gastronomy, with dishes such as Galician stew, filloas (like pancakes), shoulder of pork and cacheiras (type of potato omelette).
Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña)
From Feb 13, 2011 to Mar 13, 2011( check dates)


Puebla de Lillo Torchlight Carnival
skiing descent
 Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Location
Estación de esquí de San Isidro
Puerto San Isidro
24855 Puebla de Lillo (León)
sanisidro@dipuleon.es
http://www.
estacionsanisidro.com
Tel.:+34 987731115
/ +34 902474376


Murcia
The "Entierro de la Sardina" (Burial of the Sardine)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
This enjoyable fiesta forms part of the programme of events for the Spring Fiestas in the city of Murcia.
The "Entierro de la Sardina" (Burial of the Sardine) is a traditional parade which normally closes the Carnival celebrations. In Murcia, this event stands out for certain characteristics that make it highly original. One thing that makes it unusual is the late date it is held, after the Easter celebrations - right at the end of the following week. These festivities date back to 1850, when a group of students decided to form an entourage presided over by a sardine, symbolising fasting and abstinence, to relive the fiesta celebrated at Carnival.
Thirty or so "sardinero" groups make up the enjoyable "Entierro de la Sardina" parade. These groups also liven up the city with street entertainment on the days before the parade. The night before, the Testament of Lady Sardine is read from the balcony of the town hall. It takes a humorous look at current political and social issues.
The following day is the big cavalcade, which has two different parts: the "cabecera", with "giants and big-heads", carnival groups and brass bands; and the floats, dedicated to the gods of Olympus, where thousands of toys are thrown out into the crowd. They all accompany the sardine to the place where it is burned, with a firework display and a huge people's fiesta that lasts into the early hours.
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Murcia (Murcia) Read More



Águilas, Murcia
Fiestas de Carnaval - Carnival
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Fiestas of the Carnival of Águilas
Full of colour from the processions of masks, groups, the releasing of the 'la musona' and the 'egg battle' between the followers of Don Carnaval and Doña Cuaresma.
 Read More




Carnaval de Verín
Galicia town of Verin
12th February to 1st March 2

Vilafranca del Penedès Carnival
A party in honour of the King Carnival is alive with special passion begins when he arrives with his entourage on Maundy Thursday until Easter Monday.





 
Carnaval de Xinzo de Limia - Xinzo de Limia Carnival
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
The great parade in on Carnival Tuesday.
It is the longest carnival celebrated in Spain. The fiestas begin three Sundays before the actual carnival on 'Fareleiro' Sunday, a comic battle in which the entire townspeople get covered in flour.
 Read More


Carnaval del Toro, Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca)
 Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 ( check dates)

Carnaval de Águilas (Murcia)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Águilas (Murcia)

Carnaval Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Tenerife)

Carnaval de Cadiz Cádiz
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Cádiz (Cádiz)

Carnaval de Santoña (Cantabria)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Santoña (Cantabria)

Carnaval del Toro , Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca

Carnaval, Chinchón
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Chinchón

Carnaval, El Alamo
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 El Alamo

Carnaval, Getafe
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Getafe

Carnavales, Rivas-Vaciamadrid
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Rivas-Vaciamadrid

Carnaval de Fuenlabrada
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012

 Fuenlabrada
Carnaval del Ulla, Vedra
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Vedra

Carnavales, Amurrio (Álava)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Amurrio

Carnavales Vitoria Gasteiz (Álava)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Vitoria Gasteiz

Carnaval de Villarrobledo
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Villarrobledo

Carnaval de Hellín
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Hellín

Carnaval, Torrevella/Torrevieja
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Torrevella/Torrevieja

Carnaval, Cuevas del Almanzora (Almería)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Cuevas del Almanzora

Carnaval, Vélez Blanco (Almería)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Vélez Blanco

Carnaval de Zafra
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Zafra

Carnaval de Badajoz
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Badajoz

Festes de Carnaval - Sa Rua i Sa Rueta, Palma de Mallorca
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Palma de Mallorca

Carnaval Centelles
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Centelles

Carnaval Vilanova i la Geltrú
fDate: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Vilanova i la Geltrú

Carnaval, Torelló
Feb 13, 2011 to Mar 13, 2011 Torelló

Carnaval Premià de Mar
Feb 13, 2011 to Mar 13, 2011 Premià de Mar

Carnaval, Hacinas
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Hacinas

Carnaval, Lerma
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Lerma

Carnaval, Navalmoral de la Mata (Cáceres)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Navalmoral de la Mata

Carnaval, Escurial (Cáceres)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Escurial

Carnaval Chipiona (Cádiz)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Chipiona

Carnaval Conil de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Conil de la Frontera

Carnaval de Cadiz Cádiz
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Cádiz

Carnaval Especial Algeciras (Cádiz)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Algeciras

Carnaval Arcos de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Arcos de la Frontera

Carnavales, Camargo
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Camargo

Carnaval de Santoña
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Santoña

Carnaval de Vinaròs
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Vinaròs

Carnavales, Ciudad Real
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Ciudad Real

Carnaval Herencia
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Herencia

Carnaval Churriego, Miguelturra
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Miguelturra

Carnaval, Campo de Criptana
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Campo de Criptana

Carnaval Puertollano
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Puertollano

Carnaval, Cabra
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Cabra

Carnaval, Lucena
Feb 13, 2011 to Mar 13, 2011 Lucena

Carnaval, Luque
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Luque

Carnaval Córdoba
Córdoba
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 

Carnaval, Blanes
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Blanes

Carnaval, Fortià
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Fortià

Carnaval de Roses
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Roses

Carnaval, Salar
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Salar

Carnavales Renteria
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Renteria

Carnaval, Calañas
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 Calañas


 
Madrid Carnival
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
All the usual carnival traditions in Madrid, burying the sardine, fancy dress, shows for the children, beer, wine and food tasting for the adults.


Sitges Carnival
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 carnival time in Spain and Sitges join's in the fun. This one for some reason has become the truly gay festival. Many carnivals around the world are gay festivals but Sitges carnival is world famous for it's exotic style and extravagance.


Alicante Carnival
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012

Markina-Xemein Carnival
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Vizcaya - Bizkaia, País Vasco

Carnival signifies a kind of carousing; by Spain carnival we mean the traditional festivities of Spain celebrated in different seasons or occasions. During Spain carnivals the locals get into various fun activities like dancing, singing and making merry. Traditional food delicacies and liquor are the appropriate company for Spain carnivals, often the natives goes for feasts during carnival times in Spain .

Spain carnivals are usually celebrated into winter seasons. Various Spain carnivals are famous world-wide for their colourful mood and presentation. Fancy dress processions, float parades, jokes etc are the indispensable part of Spain carnivals .

In different Spain villages group of natives gathers together at wintry night, lighting the fire to celebrate countryside festivals. Among many colloquial Spain festivities, some of the significant carnivals of Spain include,

Barcelona's carnival

Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Villanova I la Geltrú and Sitges
Las fiestas de Carnaval
Choral contests
Traditional International Car Rally of Barcelona-Sitges
Barcelona's Carnival is good but of less importance as it is less exciting, because in this festival no central parade or procession takes place.

Villanova I la Geltrú and Sitges is an exotic carnival of Spain where the participants dances their heart and parties like un-tamed animals till the sunrise crawls in the cities. The colorful processions of this festival are worth to experience.

Las fiestas de Carnaval of Spain takes place according to the liturgical calendar, sometimes in February, around the week before Ash Wednesday.

Choral contests in Spain are also a presumed occasion that holds a different genre of specialty. In this occasion natives of Spain are similarly dressed; they all sing together and perform on the traditional music on humors and irony on various popular myths of Spain.

Traditional International Car Rally of Barcelona-Sitges, Now this is a great festival of Spain. For many years this car rally is taking place in Spain. Cars which were made before 1920, they take part in these rallies, and all the participants dress up according to that period.

Spain carnivals are one of the great subjects of interest to the traveller of Spain.


Tenerife Festivals & Carnivals
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
Carnivals: Celebrated during February in Tenerife, carnivals are the most important celebrations in all the districts of Tenerife particularly in the capital Santa Cruz.
More information about carnivals in Tenerife, Spain

Corpus Christi: (June) Carpets of flowers and volcanic earth in La Orotava and La Laguna.

Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria: (14/15 of August) Festival of patron saint of the island in Candelaria.

San Andrés: (29/30 of November) New wine tasting festival in Icod, La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz.

According to many people the carnivals in Tenerife, Spain are one of the most well-known features of Tenerife and the best after those of Rio de Janeiro. All the islanders gather together at these annual festivities in a mass outburst of collective gaiety.

The main celebrations take place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the areas near the port where people dance to the sound of the best Salsa groups.
Few are the inhabitants of Tenerife who do not prepare their fancy dress to show off during theses happy days.

During the twenty seven days of the carnivals in Tenerife, Spain many important festivities are held such as the election of the Queen, competitions of street bands, processions and above all the impressive cavalcade which blends "Caribean" and "European" into a garland of colour and spectacle.

Whoever visits Tenerife, Spain during the month of February should not miss the vibrant and bustling celebrations and if possible join the crowd in fancy dress



San Sebastian Carnival, Spain
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
The first references about the San Sebastian Carnival date from 1814.  Carnivals in Spain. But one may assume that the Carnival in San Sebastian has a longer history, as far as we know that the great fire in 1813 destroyed the town almost completely. Even then, a year after the disaster, there were masquerades marching through the ruined streets, continuing the long tradition of the carnival... Read More

Morón de la Frontera Carnival
Date: 20th and 21st February 2012
 

Carnaval, Águilas (Murcia)
From February 26, 2012 to March 11, 2012
Fiestas of the Carnival of Águilas
Full of colour from the processions of masks, groups, the releasing of the 'la musona' and the 'egg battle' between the followers of Don Carnaval and Doña Cuaresma. Dates