The Greatest Show on Earth
Not the Olympics nor the World Cup, not even the modern circus with all its pizazz come close to matching the atmosphere, rhythm, colours and sheer joy that is Carnival.
Celebrated around the world, Carnival brings together millions of people each year to dance and laugh and parade through their streets to the rhythmic beats of the drum.
Origins of Carnival
It’s a testament to the universal love and excitement of Carnival that its origins have been attributed to and claimed by – almost everyone. From ancient cultures in South America and Egypt to the Romans and inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula each are lauded as the source. France claims it originated from pagan festivals held during the Middle Ages, the Greeks that began as a spring festival in honour of the god of wine, Dionysus. Even Germany has its own origin theory and along with each speculation comes vehement supporters and detractors.
Carnival is here, let the party begin!
What is Carnival?
From the early beginnings Carnival as a public ceremony has had two faces. Within Carnival life everything is turned upside down. Established norms, class systems and order are thrown away. Everything is the opposite, discipline is violated, order is disrespected, and disorder becomes the rule. The nature of Carnival and its’ essence merged with satire, playfully subverting social conventions and traditional solemnity.
The mock crowning of the Carnival King means ordinary people become rulers and rulers become beggars. The order of official authority is destroyed, and hierarchy is flipped upside down while carnival laughter serves as a mirror for contemporary social issues. What ensues is a jubilant state of chaos that temporarily upends social norms and insults everything that is holy and respectable until the Carnival King’s de-crowning (the ‘Extermini’) restores order—at least until the Carnival King’s triumphant return the following year!
Sitges Carnaval
Today Sitges Carnaval retains the topsy-turvy elements and satiric wit but is more widely known as a vibrant celebration, a time of the year when colourful parades, outlandish costumes, bizarre competitions, loud music and partying become the daily norm. Wild and wonderful, but for all its hedonistic origins the Carnival in Sitges is proud to boast a family-friendly atmosphere with a magical heart that’s sure to captivate your children by day. But be warned – by night Carnival still has the potential to tempt and seduce you to get a little naughty… or even a lot…
Sitges Carnaval Parades
The carnival parades showcase two distinct traditions: the elegant ‘pluma’ groups, who dazzle crowds throughout the parade with their intricately choreographed performances and elaborate costumes, and the spirited ‘fardo’ groups, who inject wild revelry into the festivities with their playful, humorous attire and lively interactions with those watching the parade.
Both are meticulously rehearsed in halls and living rooms around the town and surrounding areas with many hours of practice dedicated to perfecting their performance.
Costumes
Costumes are the heart of Sitges Carnaval, with participants dedicating months to crafting their perfect ensemble. The ‘pluma’ head dresses boast elaborate featherwork and the bodices contain thousands of glistening sequins that rule the night. This is the haute couture of street theatre—think Las Vegas showgirl meets Parisian cabaret.
In delightful contrast, the ‘fardo’ costumes celebrate carnival’s irreverent soul. These playful creations serve as walking social commentary, where wit matters more than polish.
The costume tradition continues to grow, as each year sees not only those in the parade dressing for the occasion but an ever-increasing number of visitors joining in to embrace the transformative spirit of carnival dress.
Sitges Carnaval main parades and events
The Main Parades
Sunday and Tuesday parades are the two signature events of Sitges Carnaval. Elaborate floats, exotic costumes, music and myriad performances make their way along the seafront then snake through the streets lined with adoring locals, many of whom take this week off work to fully engage with the week-long celebrations. Joining them are thousands of visitors who come to watch the parades of 2,500 dancing, smiling participants accompanied by traditional drummers and around 50 spectacular be-decked floats that carry the music into the night air.
The two main parades of Sitges Carnaval are known as ‘Disbauxa‘ (Debauchery) and ‘Extermini‘ (Extermination) and represent the dramatic arc of the carnival celebration and its deeper cultural significance.
The first of the two main parades ‘Disbauxa‘ (Debauchery) takes place on Sunday night, preceded by the children’s equivalent earlier in the day.
Whether steps from the parade route, nestled within Sitges’ elegant neighbourhoods, or behind the town away from the immediate hustle and bustle, our sophisticated homes offer you the perfect balance of private celebration space and easy access to the carnival’s magnificent spectacle.
Sitges Carnaval offers that rare mix of authentic tradition and sublime spectacle. Dazzling parades transform the streets into a magnificent theatre of sparkling sequins and swirling feathers. As northern Europe shivers through winter’s last act, those that know slip away to Sitges where Carnival awaits intimate enough to feel like a local secret, grand enough to rival the biggest of them all, and always utterly unforgettable.
