Carnaval de Sitges
The Carnaval de Sitges is the town's biggest street party: free, open to all, and drawing over 200,000 visitors (municipal figure). Documented since 1586 and revived in 1976, it is today Catalonia's most internationally recognised carnival, featuring two nocturnal rúas, a drag gala, and an unmistakable LGBTQ+ spirit.
Why Sitges has Catalonia's most transgressive carnival
References to carnival celebrations in Sitges date back to 1586, but its modern form took shape in the 19th century through the rivalry between two recreational societies — El Retiro (1870) and the Casino Prado Suburense (1877) — competing for the best floats and masked balls. The indianos, Sitges natives who made their fortunes in Cuba, refined the comparsas and parades. Under Franco the carnival survived in disguise as "Fiestas de Invierno" and returned officially to the streets in February 1976, a date considered its founding moment. The bohemian atmosphere that Rusiñol brought in the 1890s and the town's subsequent tolerance turned Sitges into an LGBTQ+ refuge: in 1980 Trailer opened, one of Spain's first openly gay clubs. That energy is what makes the Carnaval de Sitges Catalonia's most internationally projected carnival. Tip: read a little about its history before you go — you'll appreciate the freedom of it all and not mistake it for a simple fancy-dress pub crawl.
Programme: rúas, drag gala, and the burial of the sardine
Carnival runs from Dijous Llarder (Fat Thursday) through Ash Wednesday, in February according to the liturgical calendar. It opens with the arrival of the Rei Carnestoltes at La Fragata, complete with a satirical address and fireworks. The heart of the event is two adult nocturnal processions: the Rua de la Disbauxa (Sunday, around 19:30) and the Rua de l'Extermini (Tuesday, around 21:00), with over 2,000 participants and some fifty floats — the Tuesday one is the wildest and most crowded. There are daytime children's rúas, xatonades, murgas, and the Drag Queen Gala, with contestants from across Spain. It closes with the Enterrament del Rei Carnestoltes on Ash Wednesday. Critical tip: the rúas stretch for hours and move slowly — don't turn up at the start time expecting to see everything back to back. If you're going with children, prioritise the daytime kids' rúas. Exact dates and full programme on the official website.
Atmosphere: open party, LGBTQ+ pride, and no-limits costumes
The town hall itself defines the carnival as a celebration free from machismo and LGTBIphobia, and it shows: Sitges has been an international gay pilgrimage destination since the 1970s, with nightlife centred around Plaça de la Indústria and Carrer Bonaire. Illuminated floats, loud music, choreography, and skimpy outfits set the tone. There is no dress code, but a costume is the unspoken rule — arriving in everyday clothes really stands out. Figures point to over 200,000 visitors (municipal data); some tourism sources quote 250,000–300,000 on peak days. Critical tip: the nocturnal rúas are intense, loud, and very sexually open — not suitable for all audiences at that hour. If you want something more relaxed, go during the day or enjoy the xatonades and children's rúa, which are far more family-friendly.
Getting from Barcelona, where to sleep, and practical tips
The most reliable option is the Rodalies R2 Sud train from Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, or França — about 40 minutes to Sitges. During carnival Renfe adds late-night services. Avoid driving: parking is a nightmare and there are drink-drive checkpoints. Accommodation in Sitges sells out months in advance and prices spike, so book early or stay in Barcelona and travel back by train. For the rúas, the best spots are the Passeig de la Ribera (wide, with the sea as a backdrop) and La Fragata — get there 1–2 hours early to claim a good position. February days are 13–16 °C but nights drop to 7–8 °C, so dress warmly if you are standing around waiting. There is a large police presence and marked safe routes to the station; on packed platforms, keep your phone out of sight to avoid pickpockets.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Carnaval de Sitges held?
Is there an entry fee for the carnival?
How do I get from Barcelona and where should I watch the parade?
Do I have to wear a costume?
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book through them, Andelaria may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Transparency & affiliate policy
Book tickets and tours: Carnaval de SitgesPlan your trip
Book the essentials for your trip to Sitges.
Other places in Sitges
Església de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
monumentoThe church on the rock between two beaches, the symbol of Sitges.
Museu del Cau Ferrat
museoSantiago Rusiñol's house-studio, a Modernist gem with works by El Greco.
Platja de la Ribera
playaThe main town beach, beside the promenade and old quarter.
Passeig Marítim
paseoSeafront promenade with palms, terraces and the El Greco statue.
Platja de Sant Sebastià
playaQuieter beach on the far side of the church, family-friendly.
Palau de Maricel
monumentoSeafront Noucentista palace with decorated halls and Mediterranean views, a venue for concerts and weddings.
Revetlla de Sant Joan
fiestaThe Revetlla de Sant Joan is the free, open-access midsummer fire festival on the night of 23–24 June (the 24th is a public holiday throughout Catalonia). In Sitges it unfolds on the beaches, with the Flama del Canigó, coca de Sant Joan, cava and firecrackers until dawn.
Festival de Cine Fantástico de Sitges
fiestaThe Sitges Film Festival is the world's oldest fantastic film festival (since 1968) and a global benchmark for the genre alongside Fantasia and Fantastic Fest. Ten days in October with over 200 horror, fantasy and science fiction films. Screenings are ticketed: individual tickets and passes available on the official website.