Alicante’s Carnival is one of the city’s best-loved traditional festivals. Thousands of people dress up in costumes during the festival’s different events.
At Alicante’s Carnival festival, thousands of people of all ages dress up in costumes to celebrate the beginning of Lent. The main events are Sabado Ramblero (a big party in Rambla) and Entierro de la Sardina (a sardine fish is paraded around the city in a float).
Alicante celebrates Carnival with a full agenda of events.
Dates and Events of Carnival in Alicante
In 2027, Carnival Saturday is on 6 February 2027. That is the usual day of the biggest event, the “Sábado Ramblero” street party. The Ayuntamiento de Alicante publishes the full programme in late January; for last-minute changes, check the official programme.
Here is what the 2026 Carnival looked like, as a guide: it ran from Thursday, 12 February to Sunday, 22 February, and the Sábado Ramblero, planned for Saturday, 14 February, was moved to Friday, 20 February because of strong wind.
Official programme (Ayuntamiento de Alicante)
Thursday 12 February – Dijous de Gras y Correfoc
- 21:30 to 23:30: Correfoc. Performers dressed as devils run through the streets with fireworks and flares (follow the safety instructions on-site). Traditionally, from Plaza 25 de Mayo to Plaza del Carmen.
- After the correfoc: concerts and food stalls.
Friday 13 February – Viernes de Pregón
- From 22:00 to 23:00: Pregón (opening speech) in Plaza del Carmen, followed by live music.
- From 23:00, expect a late finish: concerts often continue well into the night.
Saturday 14 February – Sábado Ramblero
- 17:00 to 20:00: Family shows with workshops, storytellers and other activities for children (children’s Carnival on the Rambla).
- 19:00: Batucada (drum band) in Plaza del Carmen and nearby streets.
- From 22:30: Dancing music and DJs in Rambla until late (main event).
Tuesday 17 of February – Procesión del Pelele
- 20:00: Pelele’s parade and burn
- 22:30: Cabaret in Plaza del Carmen
Wednesday 18 February – Entierro de la Sardina
- From 12:00 to 23:00: Entierro de la Sardina (Sardine Burial) with parades and a satirical “burial” and burning of the sardine. It happens on Ash Wednesday before Easter.
Sunday 22 February – Domingo de Piñata
- Children’s games and family activities with piñatas.
What is Carnival
Carnival is a festival where people dress up in costumes. It lasts for about a week but the main celebration happens on Saturday. People usually dress up in a large variety of costumes. The festivity has a general tint of satire and mockery.
The origin of the carnival is pre-Christian and adapted by Christianity as a festivity that announces the beginning of Lent.