Apartamentos Recoletos Carnival in Madrid 2026: celebration, tradition and fun in the capital
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Carnival in Madrid 2026: celebration, tradition and fun in the capital
February 02 2026
Madrid Events 
When February makes its way onto the calendar and winter can still be felt in the air, Madrid changes its rhythm. The city fills with costumes, music and color to celebrate one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Carnaval en Madrid 2026, which will take place from February 14 to 18. For five days, streets and squares turn into improvised stages where tradition, humor, shows and gastronomic proposals come together for all audiences.
Beyond parades and parties, Madrid’s carnival is a cultural expression that blends historic customs with new forms of urban celebration. Whether you are traveling with family or looking for different plans to enjoy with friends, this event is perfect for discovering the most festive side of the capital.
Matadero Madrid and Madrid Río: the heart of Carnival
In recent years, the main hub of Madrid’s Carnival has been consolidated around Matadero Madrid and the surrounding area of Madrid Río, spacious and versatile venues that can host large-scale outdoor activities.
Saturday, February 14, marks the official start of the program. From early in the morning, the atmosphere comes alive with activities designed for all ages: children’s workshops, circus shows, magic performances, interactive games, street parades and entertainment that travel throughout the venue.
One of the most anticipated moments of the day is the pregón de Carnaval, delivered each year by a well-known figure from the cultural or media scene. This symbolic act serves as the starting signal for several days of continuous celebration.
That same Saturday, the Gran Desfile de Carnaval takes place, a burst of creativity featuring comparsas, floats, dancers and artistic groups. The route fills with music, choreography and original costumes that spread the festive spirit among locals and visitors alike. As evening falls, Matadero becomes a major meeting point with concerts and DJ sessions that keep the party going late into the night.
Sunday of traditional spirit and popular heritage
Sunday, February 15 is dedicated to the most deeply rooted traditions of Madrid’s carnival. At the Explanada Negra of Madrid Río, the manteo del pelele is revived, a historic custom that recalls popular scenes depicted by Goya and symbolizes the satirical and festive character of these dates.
Throughout the day, the gigantes y cabezudos also make their appearance, roaming the area accompanied by music and animation, creating a particularly attractive atmosphere for younger visitors.
Another of Sunday’s main highlights is the murgas and chirigotas, groups that turn humor into art. Through songs full of irony, social criticism and references to current events, these performances connect with the audience and add that irreverent touch so characteristic of carnival.
El Entierro de la Sardina: the grand finale of Carnival
The most symbolic event of the entire program takes place on Wednesday, February 18, coinciding with Ash Wednesday. The traditional Entierro de la Sardina marks the official end of Carnival and the beginning of the Lenten period.
In the morning, the Alegre Cofradía del Entierro de la Sardina parades through historic Madrid, crossing the barrio de los Austrias until reaching Plaza Mayor. There, the opening speech is read and a short musical performance takes place, in an atmosphere that blends solemnity, humor and tradition.
Later in the afternoon, the procession continues its route from San Antonio de la Florida to the Casa de Campo, accompanied by comparsas, gigantes y cabezudos. The journey ends at the Fuente del Pajarito, in Plaza de las Moreras, where the symbolic burial of the sardine is carried out, bringing several days of collective celebration to a close.
La Ruta de la Sardina: carnival you can taste
Madrid’s Carnival is not only experienced in the streets, it is also enjoyed at the table. During these dates, the popular Ruta de la Sardina takes place, a gastronomic initiative that invites visitors to discover original versions of this product so closely linked to popular tradition.
Pastry shops, municipal markets, cafés and restaurants take part with special creations that reinterpret the sardine in both sweet and savory formats. From artisan specialties to more innovative proposals, this route is the perfect excuse to explore different neighborhoods and discover the city’s culinary diversity.
For those visiting Madrid during carnival, combining parades with gastronomic stops becomes a complete experience that adds flavor to the celebration.
Experience Carnival by staying at Apartamentos Recoletos
Enjoying Madrid’s Carnival is even better when you stay in a strategic location. Apartamentos Recoletos is an ideal option if you are looking for comfort, independence and excellent connections to the city’s main attractions.
Our aparthotel in the Barrio de Salamanca allows you to experience carnival from a quiet and elegant area, with easy access to public transport to quickly reach Matadero Madrid, Madrid Río or the historic center. In addition, you will be surrounded by shops, restaurants and cultural spaces to complete your stay in the capital.
If you prefer to get around on foot and feel the urban pulse, our apartments in Madrid centro place you close to some of the key carnival venues, allowing you to alternate the festivities with moments of rest in a comfortable and well-equipped environment.
Beyond parades and parties, Madrid’s carnival is a cultural expression that blends historic customs with new forms of urban celebration. Whether you are traveling with family or looking for different plans to enjoy with friends, this event is perfect for discovering the most festive side of the capital.
Matadero Madrid and Madrid Río: the heart of Carnival
In recent years, the main hub of Madrid’s Carnival has been consolidated around Matadero Madrid and the surrounding area of Madrid Río, spacious and versatile venues that can host large-scale outdoor activities.
Saturday, February 14, marks the official start of the program. From early in the morning, the atmosphere comes alive with activities designed for all ages: children’s workshops, circus shows, magic performances, interactive games, street parades and entertainment that travel throughout the venue.
One of the most anticipated moments of the day is the pregón de Carnaval, delivered each year by a well-known figure from the cultural or media scene. This symbolic act serves as the starting signal for several days of continuous celebration.
That same Saturday, the Gran Desfile de Carnaval takes place, a burst of creativity featuring comparsas, floats, dancers and artistic groups. The route fills with music, choreography and original costumes that spread the festive spirit among locals and visitors alike. As evening falls, Matadero becomes a major meeting point with concerts and DJ sessions that keep the party going late into the night.
Sunday of traditional spirit and popular heritage
Sunday, February 15 is dedicated to the most deeply rooted traditions of Madrid’s carnival. At the Explanada Negra of Madrid Río, the manteo del pelele is revived, a historic custom that recalls popular scenes depicted by Goya and symbolizes the satirical and festive character of these dates.
Throughout the day, the gigantes y cabezudos also make their appearance, roaming the area accompanied by music and animation, creating a particularly attractive atmosphere for younger visitors.
Another of Sunday’s main highlights is the murgas and chirigotas, groups that turn humor into art. Through songs full of irony, social criticism and references to current events, these performances connect with the audience and add that irreverent touch so characteristic of carnival.
El Entierro de la Sardina: the grand finale of Carnival
The most symbolic event of the entire program takes place on Wednesday, February 18, coinciding with Ash Wednesday. The traditional Entierro de la Sardina marks the official end of Carnival and the beginning of the Lenten period.
In the morning, the Alegre Cofradía del Entierro de la Sardina parades through historic Madrid, crossing the barrio de los Austrias until reaching Plaza Mayor. There, the opening speech is read and a short musical performance takes place, in an atmosphere that blends solemnity, humor and tradition.
Later in the afternoon, the procession continues its route from San Antonio de la Florida to the Casa de Campo, accompanied by comparsas, gigantes y cabezudos. The journey ends at the Fuente del Pajarito, in Plaza de las Moreras, where the symbolic burial of the sardine is carried out, bringing several days of collective celebration to a close.
La Ruta de la Sardina: carnival you can taste
Madrid’s Carnival is not only experienced in the streets, it is also enjoyed at the table. During these dates, the popular Ruta de la Sardina takes place, a gastronomic initiative that invites visitors to discover original versions of this product so closely linked to popular tradition.
Pastry shops, municipal markets, cafés and restaurants take part with special creations that reinterpret the sardine in both sweet and savory formats. From artisan specialties to more innovative proposals, this route is the perfect excuse to explore different neighborhoods and discover the city’s culinary diversity.
For those visiting Madrid during carnival, combining parades with gastronomic stops becomes a complete experience that adds flavor to the celebration.
Experience Carnival by staying at Apartamentos Recoletos
Enjoying Madrid’s Carnival is even better when you stay in a strategic location. Apartamentos Recoletos is an ideal option if you are looking for comfort, independence and excellent connections to the city’s main attractions.
Our aparthotel in the Barrio de Salamanca allows you to experience carnival from a quiet and elegant area, with easy access to public transport to quickly reach Matadero Madrid, Madrid Río or the historic center. In addition, you will be surrounded by shops, restaurants and cultural spaces to complete your stay in the capital.
If you prefer to get around on foot and feel the urban pulse, our apartments in Madrid centro place you close to some of the key carnival venues, allowing you to alternate the festivities with moments of rest in a comfortable and well-equipped environment.