If you follow our travels, you know that the coastal town of Sitges is one of our absolute happy places. It is that rare destination that manages to be a relaxing beach town, a historic cultural hub, and one of Europe’s wildest party capitals all at once.
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And while we love it for a summer beach escape, the real magic happens in the winter when the town throws its most famous party: Sitges Carnival 2027.
From Tuesday, 2 February to Wednesday, 10 February 2027, this gorgeous seaside town will explode in a riot of color, feathers, incredible costumes, and non-stop music. Here is Andrew and Iain’s practical local guide to navigating the madness like a pro!
What is Sitges Carnival?
The Sitges Carnival is one of the oldest in Catalonia and easily ranks among the best in Europe. It is particularly famous for its festive, inclusive, and highly queer-friendly atmosphere, drawing more than 300,000 spectators to its streets. With over 44 spectacular floats and 2,500 costumed revelers taking part, the scale of this “small-town” festival is mind-blowing.
The Big Highlights of the 2027 Schedule
To help you plan your itinerary, here are the absolute “can’t-miss” moments of the week:
Thursday, 4 February (Fat Thursday): The Royal Arrival
- The Vibe: The official opening. At 7:15 PM, the festival kicks off with the grand arrival of His Majesty Carnestoltes (the King of Carnival) and his entourage at La Fragata beach, complete with a spectacular fireworks display.
- The Predicot: Listen to the King’s satirical, comedic speech addressing the town, followed by traditional Xatonades (local food festivals featuring Sitges’ famous cod-and-endive Xató salad) at local societies like El Retiro and Casino Prado.
Saturday, 6 February: The Bed Race & Balls
- The Bed Race (12:00 PM): A hilarious local tradition where teams dress in outrageous themes and race decorated beds on wheels through the steep, narrow streets of the town.
- The Afternoon Balls: Head to Passeig de la Ribera for open-air concerts, street food, and dancing by the sea.
Sunday, 7 February: Rua de la Disbauxa (Debauchery Parade) 👑
- The Vibe: This is the first of the two main parades, starting at 7:30 PM. The streets pack out with thousands of spectators as floats blast music and performers show off jaw-dropping choreography and costumes. It is high-energy, sexy, and incredibly fun.
Tuesday, 9 February: Rua de l’Extermini (Extermination Parade) ☠️
- The Vibe: The undisputed climax of the festival, starting at 7:30 PM on Shrove Tuesday. This is the parade where everyone pulls out all the stops, the costumes are grander, the music is louder, and the parties on the streets continue until dawn.
Wednesday, 10 February (Ash Wednesday): The Burial of the Sardine
- The Vibe: At 7:00 PM, Carnival officially bids farewell with the dramatic Burial of the Sardine. A coffin representing King Carnestoltes is carried through the town by “widows” dressed in glamorous, weeping drag outfits to La Fragata Beach, marking the end of the party and the beginning of Lent.
Cramberts Insider Survival Tips for Sitges
- The “No-Sleep” Parade Route Rule: The main parades wind through central streets including Cap de la Vila, Parellades, and Passeig de la Ribera. Do not book a hotel directly on the parade route if you actually plan on sleeping! The music and crowds will keep you awake until 6:00 AM. Stay a couple of streets back in the historic center to get the best of both worlds.
- Warm Costumes vs. Gold Bikinis: While Sitges enjoys mild winter temperatures, the coastal breeze makes February nights chilly. If you’re dressing up, remember that a furry outfit (or a few layers) will treat you much better than a gold bikini once the sun goes down!
- Book Your Flights & Stay Months in Advance: Accommodations in Sitges sell out completely for Carnival week. Since Barcelona is only a 40-minute train ride away, some people commute, but to experience the true magic, you want to stay in town.
Sitges Carnival is an open-minded, joyful, and completely madcap celebration of self-expression. We can’t wait to dust off our feathers and join the dance floor on the Mediterranean coast!
See you in the streets, Andrew + Iain
Which of these winter getaways are you eyeing up? Got questions about where to stay or the best gay bars in town? Let us know in the comments below!