Carnival is one of the festivals that have been celebrated over the years and centuries. In fact, its origin dates back to the time of the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. As a result, it is a tradition for masks and costumes to take over the streets in cities around the world.
This year, the troupes, chirigotas, costume contests, and parties are scheduled from February 28th to March 5th, although in some municipalities in Madrid they start a few days earlier. Therefore, we bring you a brief guide so you don’t miss out on some of the activities organized in your municipality.
Móstoles
The main novelty of this year’s carnival is the return of the Burial of the Sardine, after more than a decade without being celebrated. Like in the rest of the municipalities, it will take place on Wednesday, March 5th, coinciding with the start of Lent.
The return of the ‘Burial of the Sardine’, the main novelty of the carnival in Móstoles
The carnival program in the municipality kicks off on February 22nd with the Children’s Contest of Carnival Groups starting at 10:00 a.m. The most festive days will come the following weekend as on March 1st, the Grand Carnival Parade is organized.
Coslada
The carnival arrives in the municipality with its children’s version on February 27th. From 5:00 p.m., various activities are organized for the little ones, ranging from parade of troupes and other entities to the musical performance of the Zascanduri Group.
On February 28th, a carnival show will take place, with performances by different chirigotas, at the Coslada Municipal Theater at 8:00 p.m. The big day of the Carnival will be on March 1st, as the parade is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Additionally, to continue the party, there will be a big dance at 7:00 p.m. in the Fairground Tent.
The Burial of the Sardine will be on the 5th starting at 5:00 p.m. in the Plaza del Centro Cultural Antonio López.
Fuenlabrada
This year, there are many activities that make up the Carnival program in the town, which starts on February 27th with a Carnival Party at 5:00 p.m. at the Paseo de la Salud Boulevard.
For February 28th, events are organized for all ages. At 5:00 p.m., there will be a Family Carnival Party in the Hall of the District Council, in Loranca, and the Scape Room: Searching for Don Carnal at the JMD Vivero-Hospital-University Building.
That same day, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Carnival Party at the La Plaza Youth Space and some Chirigotas at the JMD Vivero-Hospital-University Building.
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On March 1st, there will be a concert by the Mondragón Orchestra at the Plaza de la Constitución at 7:00 p.m., and a Youth Carnival Party at the Plaza de la Concordia at 8:00 p.m.
The Grand Carnival Parade will not arrive until 11:30 a.m. on March 2nd. It will start its route at the Plaza de España and end at the Plaza de la Constitución. Afterwards, it will be time to dance with the King África concert at the Plaza de la Constitución.
Torrejón de Ardoz
From February 28th to March 2nd, this town dresses up in color, music, and masks. On the 28th, the Carnival kicks off with the parades of the Carnival Giants at 5:00 p.m. and a Discoguachi at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, Cantajuego and Nika and Matsu will perform at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., respectively.
On March 1st, the highlight of this year’s program will be the Grand Costume Parade at 6:00 p.m., passing through Avenida Constitución with Calle de Loeches, Calle Pesquera, and Plaza Mayor.
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Undoubtedly, one of the most anticipated moments of this day will be the concert by King África at 8:00 p.m.
One of the differences from the rest of the municipalities in Madrid is that the Burial of the Sardine is moved up to March 2nd, which will take place at 12:00 p.m. in the Plaza de Toros.
Majadahonda
The residents of Majadahonda will be able to enjoy the carnival from February 28th to March 5th, when the traditional Burial of the Sardine will take place. The funeral procession will start on Calle del Mayor and end at Plaza de Colón.
On February 28th, young people aged 12 to 17 are invited to participate in a costume contest, starting at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, that day there will be a Grand Parade at 6:00 p.m. from the Casa de la Cultura ‘Carmen Conde’.
The ‘Txarangutanes’ brass band will liven up the streets of the town with a parade on March 1st starting at 1:00 p.m. The next day, there will be a circus show at 12:00 p.m. at the Plaza de Colón.