MADRID IS FILLED WITH PARTY AND TRADITION WITH CARNIVAL 2025
2025/03/07
From March 1 to 5 , Madrid will be immersed in the celebration of Carnival 2025 , one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. With parades, shows and activities for all audiences, the city will experience days of joy and color in key venues such as Matadero Madrid and Madrid Río.
Saturday, March 1: kick-off with a parade and a big party
The festivities begin on Saturday, March 1, with a varied program that includes workshops, circus acrobatics, a gymkhana and the traditional parade of giants and bigheads . At 12:45 pm, chef Alberto Chicote will be in charge of giving the Carnival opening speech on the Explanada Negra in Madrid Río.
Starting at 1:00 p.m., the grand Carnival parade will run along the Puente de Toledo to the Explanada Negra in Madrid Río, with a display of troupes, music and entertainment. The day will culminate with the grand Carnival party (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), with performances by Confeti de Odio, DJ set Brava! and DJ set Chico Blanco .
Sunday, March 2: tradition and satire
On Carnival Sunday , the Black Explanade will be the scene of two historic traditions: the manteo del pelele , organized by the Arrabel Cultural Association, and the performances of murgas and chirigotas , where satire and humor will be the protagonists.
Wednesday, March 5: Burial of the Sardine
The Madrid Carnival will conclude on Wednesday, March 5 with the traditional Burial of the Sardine , a popular event that recreates the iconic scene painted by Francisco de Goya . From the morning, the Merry Brotherhood of the Burial of the Sardine will tour Madrid de los Austrias to the Plaza Mayor , where the proclamation will be read and a musical performance will take place.
In the afternoon, the procession will depart from San Antonio de la Florida , accompanied by the Association of Giants and Big Heads, and will arrive at the Fuente del Pajarito in the Casa de Campo , where the celebrations will be brought to a close with the symbolic burial of the sardine.
Sardine Route 2025: gastronomy and creativity
In addition to the festive events, Madrid is hosting the 5th edition of the Ruta de la Sardina , a gastronomic initiative that brings together markets, restaurants, cafés and bakeries with innovative proposals. From traditional sweet sardines to savoury versions reinterpreted by renowned chefs, this route is consolidating itself as an essential experience for cooking lovers.
With a diverse programme that combines history, culture and entertainment, the 2025 Madrid Carnival promises to be one of the most vibrant editions in recent years.
For more information and the full programme, please visit this website .