2026 Carnival in Bilbao y Bizkaia

Carnival 2026 fills the streets of Bilbao and Bizkaia with color and celebration from February 12 to 17. Enjoy satire and humor with the trial of Farolín and Zarambolas, vibrant parades, and popular celebrations that transform the city. A key event in Bizkaia’s festive calendar!

Carnivals in Bilbao 2026

Carnival turns the streets, squares and neighbour-
hoods of Bizkaia into a setting for celebration, creativity and community participation. Between 12 and 17 February, the region buzzes with activities for all ages, marked by a festive spirit, street bands, parades and community-led initiatives. From end to end of Bizkaia, the festive atmosphere is alive with events combining humour, music, costumes and family activities.

In Bilbao, one of the new traditions is the trial of Farolín and Zarambolas, emblematic characters whose figures symbolise aspects of the local character: Farolín, who embodies bragging, and Zarambolas, to represent the goodness of the people. Satire and humour are intertwined in the event. The trial kicks off a full programme of concerts, street performances and parades.

Within the city, the popular neighbourhood of Santutxu offers the chance to extend the Carnival celebrations. Its colourful parade of elaborate costumes, music and batucadas takes place a week after the one in Bilbao. It’s a big party.

CARNIVAL IN BIZKAIA 2026

Bermeo

Bermeo is home to kalejiras (festive street parades), performances, tostadas (a traditional sweet) and costumes contests.

Mundaka

In Mundaka, men and women have their own clothing and specific roles. The Atorrak and Lamiak play instruments and dance in their distinctive costumes and make-up.

Markina-Xemein

Markina-Xemein preserves ancient traditions such as the Zahagi-dantza (wineskin dance) performed by young dancers, as well as the figure of the Hartza (bear) with its tamer, who roams the streets evoking times gone by.

Sestao

Sestao, an industrial town very close to Bilbao, has revitalised its Carnival by promoting an intense programme of parades, music and fancy costume contests.

With a calendar that traditionally culminates on Shrove Tuesday and gives way to Ash Wednesday, Carnival 2026 in Bizkaia offers colour, community and creativity. Every year, this festive tradition brings together families, young people and visitors for one of the most popular festive cycles.