Carnival in Roses and Empuriabrava: dates, program, and atmosphere

The carnivals of Roses and Empuriabrava will animate the region from February 12 to 16 and from March 7 to 9, 2026, respectively. These popular celebrations reveal Catalan cultural authenticity and bring locals and visitors together in a friendly atmosphere.

The Roses Carnival Festivities

The carnival in Roses stands out as one of the most authentic celebrations on the Costa Brava, perpetuating a festive tradition rooted in local identity. From February 12 to 16, 2026, Roses will don its finest lights to perpetuate this cultural heritage deeply rooted in the Catalan soul.

Its carnival mobilizes the entire local community around a major collective project. The official opening of the festivities will take place on Thursday, February 12 at 10:00 PM with a route from Plaça de Catalunya to Plaça de Frederic Rahola, with the solemn welcome of His Majesty the King of the Carnival. This ceremony marks the beginning of a period of excitement that unites residents and visitors in the same festive communion.

On Friday, February 13, the dancing will continue at 11:30 PM under the marquee in Plaça de Frederic Rahola. Saturday, February 14 will mark the departure of the children’s parade at 4:00 PM along Avinguda de Rhode. Locals spend several months meticulously crafting their costumes and building spectacular floats. This intensive preparation demonstrates the local population’s deep attachment to its cultural heritage and gives a characteristic atmosphere to our beautiful Costa Brava.

The Castelló d’Empúries Carnival in Empuriabrava

A few kilometers from Roses, the Empuriabrava carnival is equally remarkable. Scheduled from March 7 to 9, 2026, the celebration transforms the residential marina and its historic center into a festive theater where Catalan tradition and modern seaside vibes blend.

The Castelló d’Empúries carnival begins with a night parade of floats and troupes through the streets of Empuriabrava. This first festive evening travels along the navigable canals that make this seaside resort famous, nicknamed the “Little Spanish Venice”. The illuminated floats reflect in the calm waters of the Costa Brava canals.

The next day, it’s time for festivities with animations and the traditional popular chocolate offered to all costumed participants. It’s hard not to feel the convivial spirit that animates the towns of the Costa Brava.

On the final day, the night parade in the streets and squares of the historic center of Castelló d’Empúries, accompanied by a carnival lunch bringing together all participating groups and the awarding of prizes to the best floats and troupes, closes the ceremony.

The art of dressing up and the participation of local groups

The carnivals of Roses and Empuriabrava are festive events during which collective creativity is expressed in all its splendor.

The meticulous work of the “colles” throughout the year

In Roses, about fifty local groups, called “colles”, dedicate entire months to preparing their performances. As soon as one edition ends, these passionate teams are already starting to plan the next, mobilizing their imagination to design innovative costumes, spectacular floats, and original choreographies.

Craftsmanship serving the festival

Local seamstresses play a central role in this preparation, transforming creative ideas into concrete achievements. Armed with their needle and know-how, they bring the boldest projects of the participants to life. Meanwhile, the latter eagerly count down the days, their dedication and passion growing as the event approaches.

Rewarded artistic excellence

During the two parades in Roses, these months of relentless effort are highly rewarded. The awarding of prizes to the best troupes and floats crowns this celebration of popular art, officially recognizing the talent and investment of each group on the Costa Brava.

Emblematic traditions: the burial of the sardine and closing festivities

The end of the carnival is accompanied by original century-old traditions that make the charm of these Catalan ceremonies.

The burial of the sardine: a theatrical farewell

On Ash Wednesday, right after the days of jubilation, Roses celebrates one of its most emblematic traditions with the funeral procession of the late King of the Carnival. The procession then sets off from Plaça de la Sardana to take Avinguda Cavall Bernat and Avinguda S’Agaró to the Josep Trueta roundabout, symbolically marking the end of the festivities. This solemn procession, accompanied by the burial of the sardine, is a theatrical moment where costumed participants and spectators gather to mourn the end of the party. It is actually a parody ceremony during which a giant sardine, carried with great pomp, symbolizes parting with the excesses of the carnival before the arrival of Lent. It is symbolically buried or burned near the beach. Participants dressed as widows and widowers dramatically cry over the end of the festivities. Even though the theme is a funeral, the atmosphere remains joyful and ironic.

The final fireworks show

The evening closes with a fireworks display that illuminates the sky of Roses. These fireworks definitively mark the end of the carnival and prepare the town for the return to daily life. In Tossa de Mar, a huge sardine also travels the streets during the last parade, carried by children dressed as skeletons, before being burned during a festive ceremony. The popular rice offered before the procession allows participants to share a final moment of conviviality.

Become a resident and experience the carnival differently with our real estate expertise

These festive events reveal the real interest in carefully choosing your residential location on the Costa Brava. Immo Center, our real estate agency in Empuriabrava, accompanies you in discovering these territories where local culture enriches everyday life.

The influence of the festivities on real estate attractiveness

The carnivals of Roses and Empuriabrava attract millions of visitors every year. To attend these events, many need to find accommodation on the Spanish coast. Properties located near the parade routes, particularly Avinguda de Rhode in Roses and the main arteries of Empuriabrava, are therefore very popular with visitors. For owners, it is a godsend not to be overlooked.

Our support for a successful settlement

Real estate in Roses holds no secrets for us. Since 1975, we have been advising our clients on the best locations for festivities. Residences near Plaça de Catalunya in Roses or the historic center of Castelló d’Empúries benefit from an ideal proximity to the parade routes. We guide each buyer according to their preferences: quiet retreat or total immersion in the atmosphere of the carnivals, in all transparency. Are you looking for an apartment for sale on the Costa Brava? Do not wait any longer and contact us at 00 34 972 451 450.