Madrid Carnival 2026 takes place from February 14 to 18, with most activities centered around the Matadero cultural center and the Madrid Rio area. While the dates follow the traditional calendar, the local celebration has its own specific rhythm.
In Madrid, Monday and Tuesday are regular business days with shops open as usual and no official events scheduled. The weekend is the real highlight, as that is when the main celebrations and the full program of activities actually take place.
It is also important to manage expectations, as there are no massive street parades covering miles of the city. Instead, Madrid Carnival is an organized cultural festival with set schedules and specific areas for shows and families. The vibe is relaxed, mixing Latin and Spanish rhythms, and most events end early in the evening.
Where?
Matadero Madrid is a former industrial slaughterhouse converted into a cultural landmark. Its historic brick buildings now house cinemas, theaters, and design galleries, while the central courtyard serves as the main hub for Carnival concerts and events.
How to get there
- Metro: Legazpi Station (Lines 3 and 6). This is the easiest and most direct option.
- Bus: Lines 6, 18, 19, 45, 78, and 148 stop right at the entrance.
Full Event Schedule
Saturday February 14
Children's Workshops at Matadero (Morning)
10:30AM, 11:15AM and 12PM
(three sesions)
The Mask Within (Expression)
Mask painting on recycled paper bags to represent emotions and characters.
- Location: Matadero Madrid - Sala Taller.
- Duration: 30 minutes.
10:30AM, 11:15AM and 12PM
(three sesions)
Flip-Flip Mechanical Mask (Kinetic)
Assembling masks with moving parts such as blinking eyes and moving mouths.
- Location: Matadero Madrid - Cafe
- Duration: 30 minutes
10:30AM, 11:15AM and 12PM
(three sesions)
Carnival Mini Heroes (Creativity)
Inventing an alter ego with accessories like masks and bracelets to define new superpowers.
- Location: Matadero Madrid - Cafe
- Duration: 30 minutes
10:45AM and 11:45AM
(two sessions)
Bauhaus Costume Design (Design and Movement)
Creating geometric costumes inspired by ballet using paper and primary colors.
- Location: Matadero Madrid - Sala Taller
- Duration: 45 minutes
Activities at Plaza de Matadero (Saturday Morning)
These outdoor events at the central square do not require prior registration or tickets.
11AM to 12:50PM
Face Painting
Professional artistic makeup with carnival designs.
11AM to 1PM
Magic Bubble
Giant soap bubble show (11AM to 12PM) followed by a hands-on workshop (12PM to 1PM).
11AM to 12:50PM
Mask Scavenger Hunt
A game circuit exploring the history of masks in different cultures.
11AM to 12:50PM
Giants and Big-Heads (Gigantes y Cabezudos)
Parade of traditional large-scale figures dancing among the crowd in the square.
11AM
Chico-Trópico
DJ set mixing tropical beats and alternative Latin sounds for all ages.
11:30AM
Street Magic
An illusionist show presented by David Navares.
11:30AM
Puppet Theater
Children's play "Escondidos en la fuente" focusing on environmental themes.
1PM
Pregón de Carnaval (Opening Proclamation)
The official opening speech marking the transition to the general public program as the parade arrives.
Grand Carnival Parade
The main street event featuring theater companies and cultural groups heading toward Matadero.
- Time: Starts at 1PM.
- Route: Departure from Puente de Toledo arriving at Plaza de Matadero (Madrid Rio).
- What you will see:
- Giant Puppets: Mobile sculptures over 5 meters high and futuristic machines.
- Street Theater and Circus: Stilt walkers, clown characters, and giant articulated horses.
- Carnivals of the World: Groups from Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay with traditional costumes and live music.
- Brazilian Presence: Bloco do Baliza represents samba and batucada in the parade.
Gran Fiesta de Carnaval (Saturday Afternoon)
4PM-4:30PM
Dance Class with "Cuerpos de Baile"
An open class for the public to learn carnival dance steps from different parts of the world.
- Location: Matadero Main Stage.
4:30PM-5:15PM
Son de Cuba Orchestra
First set of the live show featuring tropical and Caribbean rhythms.
- Location: Matadero Main Stage.
5:15PM-5:30PM
Samba Show
Professional samba performance with dancers and percussionists to energize the crowd.
- Location: Matadero Main Stage.
5:30PM-6PM
Costume Contest and Orchestra Second Set
The Son de Cuba Orchestra returns to the stage during the contest to choose the best costumes from the audience.
- Location: Matadero Main Stage.
6PM-7PM
DJ Miss Aleta
Closing of the day with a DJ set focused on Brazilian rhythms such as marchinhas, frevo, axe, and samba.
- Location: Matadero Main Stage.
Sunday February 15
Traditions (Morning)
11AM
Manteo del Pelele
A Madrid tradition where the public tosses a rag doll into the air using a blanket while singing satirical songs. Music is provided by the Arrabel Association.
- Location: Matadero Main Stage.
12PM
Chirigotas and Murgas Gathering
Musical groups performing satirical lyrics with irony and social or political criticism in the traditional style of Cadiz. This is the main comedy event of the day.
- Location: Matadero Main Stage.
The Closing Ceremony: Ash Wednesday February 18
Traditional Burial of the Sardine
A symbolic tradition marking the official end of Carnival in Madrid. People dress in mock mourning and follow a procession carrying a sardine's coffin as if it were a real funeral. The event is ironic and theatrical, featuring music, performances, and public participation where everyone pretends to weep for the end of the party.
6PM
Traditional Burial of the Sardine (The Procession)
The group departs from the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida, crosses the bridge over the Manzanares river, and walks through the neighborhood streets toward Casa de Campo.
9PM
The Burning
The sardine figure is burned in a bonfire to officially end the festivities.
- Location: Fuente del Pajarito (Casa de Campo).
Bonus: Masked Ball at Circulo de Bellas Artes (CBA)
The Circulo de Bellas Artes (CBA) is one of Europes most important cultural centers and a Madrid icon. While the monumental building usually houses exhibitions and cinema, during Carnival it clears its grand halls for the city's most traditional masked ball. In 2026, the event celebrates its centenary with the theme "We Are Legend".
- When: Saturday February 14.
- Time: From 10:30PM to 6:00AM.
- Location: Calle de Alcala 42.
- Price: 50 Euros (includes one drink). CBA members pay 40 Euros.
- Restriction: Adults only (18+).
What to expect
- The Atmosphere: The party takes over the building's historic halls with custom decor designed specifically for the night. This is not your typical club night, it is an immersive experience inside a landmark.
- Music: The lineup is split across different rooms, moving from pop and retro electronic to Latin, African, and techno beats for those dancing until sunrise.
- What to wear: This year's theme is Legends. Think icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, historical figures, Greek gods, or even TV characters and memes that reached legendary status.
