Event Dates
From: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
To: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Sitges Carnival takes place 40 days before Easter according to tradition It is one of the most popular Carnival’s in Europe with more than 200,000 visitors.
Sitges, better known as a gay beach resort in the summer months, comes alive in February for carnival with more than 300,000 people from around the world descending on this small Catalan village, making one of the wildest parties in Europe.
Sitges fills up for Carnival, especially at the weekend. Check for some last minute Carnival hotel deals now.
Sitges Carnival Parades
- Thursday 16th Feb 2023 – The arrival of the king of Carnival – typically held on the seafront. The Carnival king makes his way through the streets of Sitges towards the town hall, where he assumes control of the village for the duration of the event.
- Catch the parade from your balcony at the Hotel Calipolis.
- Sunday 19th Feb 2023 – Rua de la Disbauxa – The first of two main parades through the town, featuring over 50 different floats and hundreds of bejewelled dancers and performers. The parade starts at 7pm.
- Tuesday 21st Feb 2023 – Rua de l’Extermini – The second of the big parades. The order of the 50 floats are reversed, giving everyone an opportunity to see your favourite group. It is also a little crazier, if that’s possible, as it is the penultimate day of partying.
- Wednesday 22nd Feb 2022 – Burial of the King – The funeral procession makes its way from the Town Hall to the beach with the wailing widows, a gaggle of drag queens dressed in black. It is both a sombre and humorous occasion.
Sitges Carnival Parade Routes 2023
- The 2023 parade routes have yet to be confirmed. They typically leave from the centre of town in Cap De La Villa and make their way along the seafront.
The Gay Carnival
- The Gay Carnival begins on the weekend before the official carnival festivities with the traditional Widows Night at Parrots Pub on the 14th of Feb, followed by a Carnival dinner at L’Angle D’Adrianna. Other nights include Pink Night on the Monday the 20th of Feb.
The Widows Night
- Ash Wednesday Feb 21st – Of all the gay carnival traditions, one has stood firm if in fact now grown, and that is the Night of the Widows. (Noche de las Viduas).
- Tourists, locals, and drag queens dress up in elaborate costumes and make their way behind the funeral cortege of the king. Once he is buried, the widows make their way to various dinners and compete for prizes. One of the most popular Widows night events is held at La Nansa. Parrots Group restaurants, Le Patio & L’Angle D’Adrianna also host dinners. Reservations are essential.
Tips on making the most out of Sitges Carnival
- Our advice, arrive on the Thursday when the fun begins and head home on Monday. Over the past 4 Carnival events, even the Tuesday has grown into a more quieter affair and has been eclipsed by the Saturday, which despite no parade, is now the busiest night of the Carnival.
- Just about everyone dresses up in some sort of costume, locals and tourists alike so don’t forget to pack yours, it doesn’t matter what costume you bring – the more outrageous the better. Think skimpy and slutty, you get the idea? Sitges Carnival Thursday to Sunday is 4 days of nonstop party fun.
Where to stay during Sitges Carnival
Sitges is a compact village. All of the gay bars are located along a T Junction of Calle Bonaire, Calle Joan Tarrida and Plz Industria. Most will host special theme nights and parties during Carnival. The square outside parrots and the streets outside El horno are full each night from 8pm until 3am, especially on the Friday and Saturday nights.
- Platjador hotel facing the beach next to the main gay street,
- The Calipolis hotel facing the gay beach next to the gay street,
- Parrots Hotel in the middle of the gay bars and
- El Cid hotel in the centre of Sitges,
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Hotel Platjador is our choice when in Sitges, close to the beach, bars & clubs
For further information and advice on
Sitges Carnival, check out The Website
Most of Sitges gay bars are located in the centre of the village just seconds from the beach, on C.Bonaire, Joan Tarrida and Plz Industria. Most hotels are within 5 minutes walk of the centre.
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We have chosen hotels in Sitges that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Dolce by Wyndham Sitges Barcelona overlooks Terramar Golf Club and the Mediterranean sea. It provides 4 solar-heated seasonal outdoor pools surrounded by gardens. Modern air-conditioned rooms have free WiFi access, a flat-screen TV, and a private terrace with great views. There is a laptop safe, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer, bathrobes and amenities.
Each spacious room at Hotel MiM Sitges has air conditioning, a TV and minibar. The hotel provides beach towels for a refundable deposit. The hotel restaurant serves a range of both local and international cuisine. The rooftop sky bar offers sea and mountain views. Thes Spa features a sauna, steam bath, sensation showers, leisure pool and heated beds where you can access with special discount.
The Hotel Platjador is ideally located in central Sitges’ sea front and a few steps from the beach. It features free Wi-Fi and a roof-top bar, offering Mediterranean Sea views and breakfast buffet included with the rate. The rooms at the Platjador Sitges have air conditioning and a private bathroom, a hydromassage shower. They also feature a 32-inch LCD TV, pillow menu and tea/coffee making facilities.
Housed in a striking Modernist building, Hotel Medium Sitges Park features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool set in gardens. It is just 10 minutes’ walk from Sitges Beach. Hotel Medium Sitges Park’s stylish rooms have attractive décor with white furnishings. All rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. There is also a poolside bar in the garden.
Every year thousands of guys and girls descend upon the streets of Sitges for one big party. The main parades are on the Sunday and Tuesday nights.
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Expedia
We have chosen hotels in Sitges that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
A restaurant, a fitness center, and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a poolside bar, a snack bar/deli, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 170 rooms offer free WiFi, minibars, and plasma TVs with satellite channels. Room service, down comforters, and free newspapers are among the other amenities available to guests.
This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a meeting room. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include self parking, concierge services, and dry cleaning. All 47 soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and minibars. For a bit of entertainment, TVs come with satellite channels, and guests will also find room service and hair dryers.
A restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a snack bar/deli are available at this guesthouse. Additionally, a microwave in a common area, a refrigerator in a common area, and dry cleaning are onsite. All 6 soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and minibars. For entertainment, TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can also appreciate comforts like Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters.
When you stay at this beach hotel you can enjoy umbrellas and sun loungers. All 46 rooms offer free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Guests will also find minibars, free newspapers, and hair dryers. 24-hour front desk, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning service, Tour/ticket assistance and Outdoor pool