Barcelona Gay Carnival
Carnestoltes LGBTIQ+ 2025

Barcelona Gay Carnival Carnestoltes LGBTIQ+ 2025

Celebrate all things Carnival in Barcelona as the gay district of Eixample celebrates “Carnestoltes LGBTIQ+”.

• Stay close to the party in the “Wonderful” rated Antiga Casa Buenavista, an exceptional boutique hotel with high-end amenities, outdoor pool, excellent staff and delicious breakfasts.

The Event

• Next Edition: Saturday March 1st, 2025.
• Carnestoltes LGBTIQ+ is a unique street celebration held each year during the Barcelona Carnival Celebrations.
• Carnestoltes is a whole set of celebrations based on the Carnival theme organised by the Diverse Commerce Association of Barcelona.
• The party takes over Plaza Universitat in the gay Eixample district from midday to 1 am the following day.
• Enjoy the ultimate Carnival street party with live stage shows, drag acts, sexy dancers and guest DJs.
• Mix and mingle with Barcelona boys dressed in the hottest Carnival Outfits. In this city, remember, less is more!
• Complete with a Costume Parade and Competition with prizes for best outfits (both individual and group)
• Stay close to the gay bars and a short walk to the Carnival celebrations at The Corner Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests, featuring spacious rooms, great location and highly-rated breakfasts.

The Schedule

• The 2025 schedule is to be confirmed – Use the previous edition as a guide:
• Noon until 1 am – Bars and Foodtrucks.
• Noon until 5 pm – Giant games and make up stations.
• 5 pm – All those in costume gather for the parade.
• 5.30 pm – Carnival Parade – Route – Universitat, Aribau, Diputacio, Villarroel, Gran Via and returning to Universitat.
• 6.30 pm – Festival and Costume Contest.
• Until 1 am – DJs, guest shows, acts and more.

Plaza Universitat, Barcelona

• Plaza Universitat is a central square in Barcelona located at the intersection of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Carrer d’Aribau.
• It’s named after the University of Barcelona, whose historical building fronts one side of the square.
• The plaza is characterised by its wide spaces, fountains, and seating areas where locals and tourists gather.
• It is an important traffic hub with a metro station (Universitat) on lines L1 and L2, making it highly accessible.
• Check out the top hotels closest to the street party

Proximity to Eixample

• The gay district of Barcelona is colloquially known as “Gaixample” and is located within the larger Eixample district.
• Plaza Universitat is very close to this area, roughly a 10-minute walk away.
• Gaixample extends around the blocks surrounding Carrer de Casanova and Carrer de Diputació, reaching up to Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and down to Carrer d’Aragó.
• Search for the top hotels close to the gay bars of Eixample.
• Utilise the efficient metro system to reach Gaixample; the closest stations are Universitat (L1/L2), Passeig de Gràcia (L2/L3/L4), and Urgell (L1).
• Discover the best places to party, stay, dine and play with our gay guide to Barcelona.

Gay District of Eixample

• The Gay District (Gaixample) is known for being a lively, inclusive neighbourhood with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
• It features a variety of gay-friendly establishments such as bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and hotels.
• The gaybourhood is famous for its active nightlife, especially along streets like Carrer de Muntaner and Carrer de Consell de Cent.
• During the day, it has a relaxed atmosphere with cafes and boutiques.

Recommended Hotels in Barcelona

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Hotel El Palace,  H10 Metropolitan,  Catalonia Plaza, Cram