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Carnival 2026 takes over Sants: parades, satire and the return of King Carnestoltes
Sants, Hostafrancs and La Bordeta are getting ready for a week of Carnival. The main parade will take place on 14 February. King Carnestoltes returns with satire and surprises. Discover the route and family activities. Do not miss the details.
Sants, Hostafrancs and la Bordeta are preparing for a week of Carnival. The main parade will be on 14 February. King Carnestoltes returns with satire and surprises. Discover the route and family activities. Do not miss the details.
Carnival 2026 arrives in force in Sants, Hostafrancs and la Bordeta. From 12 February, the neighbourhoods will be immersed in a week of celebrations culminating in the big parade on Saturday the 14th. The festive atmosphere and satire will take over the streets, promising unforgettable moments for residents and visitors.
On Thursday 12 February, at 17:00, Sants will welcome King Carnestoltes Wally Mazo XLI. This year, the traditional Arribo recovers its satirical essence, with a puppet inspired by current figures. Expectations are growing after last year's edition, when Queen Belluga took centre stage.
The main parade will set off on Saturday 14 February at 17:00, after the third rocket. The route will run from Badal to Béjar, along carrer de Sants and Creu Coberta. King Carnestoltes will parade accompanied by dozens of troupes, filling the heart of the neighbourhood with colour and humour.
The event is organised by the Centre Cívic Cotxeres de Sants, with the support of Sants 3 Ràdio, the Mercat de Sants, the Centre Social de Sants neighbourhood association and the Ludoteca Olzinelles. Neighbourhood collaboration ensures a participatory and diverse celebration.
On Saturday morning, the celebration continues with family activities. At 11:00, King Wally Mazo XLI will leave the Cotxeres de Sants for Parc de l’Espanya Industrial. There, children's workshops and a costume competition will enliven the day, alongside a performance by La Tresca i la Verdesca at 12:00.
Carnival is not confined to Sants. Other neighbourhoods such as Gràcia, Eixample, Sant Andreu, Poble-sec, Barceloneta, Horta-Guinardó, Poblenou and Les Corts will also hold their own parades. Each area will bring its unique touch to Barcelona's great celebration.