Dates and Public Holidays

Spain does not have a national Carnival/Mardi Gras holiday, and Carnival Tuesday is generally not a public holiday nationwide.

Some regions and cities do grant local holidays or days off tied to Carnival celebrations. In previous years, places like Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) and parts of Galicia (e.g., A Coruña, Lugo) have declared Carnival Tuesday a public holiday, and other cities use regional breaks or school holidays around these dates.

Top Carnival Spots

Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands) – Europe’s biggest Carnival

Often considered Europe’s most spectacular Carnival — and second only to Rio in world renown — this multi‑day party features queen contests, elaborate parades, epic street parties and vibrant costumes.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Another Canary Island Carnival with its own flair and a big local following.

Cádiz (Andalusia)

Carnival here is known for its chirigotas (satirical singing groups) and witty performances — often tied to local holidays like Día de Andalucía that can create long festive weekends.

Sitges and other mainland celebrations

Catalonia’s Sitges Carnival is famous for its flamboyant parades, and many other cities across Spain (from Galicia to Murcia) offer lively Carnival traditions that typically span late February into early March.

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What Happens After Mardi Gras — Lent & Holy Week

Once Carnival ends with Ash Wednesday, both countries enter Lent, a period of reflection leading up to Easter.
In Spain, Holy Week (Semana Santa) — especially in Andalusia (e.g., Málaga, Seville) — is a major cultural‑religious period with elaborate processions and public holidays (e.g., Good Friday). 

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Quick Tips for Travelers

Plan ahead: Major Carnivals like Tenerife and Madeira attract international visitors — book hotels and transport early.

Check local calendars: Because similar dates may or may not be public holidays depending on the city/council, look up specific municipal schedules.

Cultural mix: Both countries blend religious tradition with vibrant local culture — from serious processions to wild street parties — so there’s something for every type of traveler.

Spain: Carnival + Holy Week (Semana Santa)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival (11–22 Feb 2026)
One of Europe’s largest carnivals, this event runs for over a week in mid‑Feb, with concerts, competitions & colourful street parades.

Official period: 11 – 22 Feb (peak street carnival 13–22 Feb)

• Main highlights:
• Carnival Queen Gala (11 Feb) – spectacular costumes
• Opening Parade (13 Feb) – launches the party
• Coso Apoteosis (Grand Parade) (17 Feb) – the biggest street procession
• Burial of the Sardine (18 Feb) – humorous “funeral” procession marking the end of carnival festivities
• Carnaval de Día and fireworks finale (21–22 Feb)
• Why it’s special: This carnival is declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, drawing crowds from across Europe.

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Other Spanish Carnival Cities

Cadiz: Famous for satirical singing groups (COAC) with festivities around mid‑Feb.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Extended carnival series stretching into March.

Don Benito, Badajoz, Sitges, Bilbao, Vigo: All have colourful carnival programmes in Feb.

Public Holiday Notes: Carnival itself is not a nationwide holiday in Spain — it depends on the autonomous community or city whether days like Tuesday of Carnival are observed as public (non‑work) days. For example, some regions (e.g., parts of Extremadura like Badajoz) do declare the Tuesday a local holiday.

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Holy Week in Spain (Semana Santa)

After Carnival, attention turns to Holy Week, one of Spain’s most profound cultural experiences:

Seville

Semana Santa 2026 runs from Sunday 29 Mar – Sunday 5 Apr (dates vary each year with Easter).

Seville’s processions — with enormous floats (pasos) carried through the streets — are world‑famous.

Málaga, Córdoba, Granada, and Valladolid also offer powerful Holy Week parades with deep local traditions.

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Quick Planning Tips

Best windows to travel:

Carnival season: 13–22 Feb — ideal for festive peaks in both Portugal and Spain.

Holy Week: 29 Mar – 5 Apr — book early for processions in Andalusia and beyond.

Costumes & Parties: Bring or buy a costume — especially for Tenerife and Portuguese street carnivals where locals & visitors join in.

Public holiday reality: In Portugal, Carnival’s official status is optional but widely observed locally; in Spain, Carnival days off depend on regions/cities (so check local calendars).