Experience the joy of Carnival on Costa Dorada and Garraf, with BusPlana

Carnival is, without a doubt, one of the most eagerly awaited festivities of the year in Catalonia. During the first months of the year, the region comes alive with colour, music and joy, offering a varied programme of events for all ages. From Tarragona to Sitges, passing through towns such as Reus, Calafell and Vilanova i la Geltrú, each of these destinations celebrates Carnival in its own way, with parades, family activities and parties filled with magic. 

With BusPlana's regular lines you can travel to Costa del Garraf and Costa Dorada, from towns such as Cambrils, Reus, Vila-seca, Tarragona, Barcelona, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sitges and Calafell. You can check the schedules on our website. Also, as we are the official airport shuttle, you can buy the official tickets for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to Costa Dorada online.  

The origin of Carnival: history and tradition  

Carnival has its roots in ancient winter celebrations, which marked the transition from the cold season to spring. In ancient Rome, festivals were held in honour of Saturn or Bacchus, coinciding with the spring equinox and giving thanks for the fertility of the earth. It is worth noting that costumes of all kinds were used at these festivals.  

During the Middle Ages, and with the arrival of Christianity, the pre-Lenten festivities became a religious tradition, symbolising a final moment of celebration before the period of fasting and reflection that began with Lent. Over time, Carnival evolved from a religious festival to a popular celebration that included dances, parades and costumes.  

In Catalonia, Carnival has traditionally been celebrated in towns and villages with a strong cultural tradition. The troupes, floats and festive spirit of the people have endured over the centuries, adapting to social and cultural changes.  

Tarragona: one of the most important dates  

In Tarragona, Carnival is an event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The city comes alive with joy with parades of troupes, floats and live music. In 2025, Tarragona's main parade, known as the Rua de l'Artesania, will take place on Saturday, March 1st, starting at 6 p.m. The route will pass through some of the most emblematic streets, including Rambla Nova, Font del Centenari, Avinguda Ramon y Cajal and Avinguda Catalunya.  

On Sunday, March 2nd, the Rua de Lluïment will also take place, with the parade of the previous year's “comparsas”, along with the Seguici del Carnaval and the Concubina, starting at 6 p.m. Also, on the previous Sunday, February 23rd, the Gala of the ‘Disfressa d'Or’ will be held to decide the most representative costume of this year's Carnival, with an impressive staging.  

Carnival arrives at PortAventura World  

PortAventura World celebrates Carnival from March 1st to 30th with a calendar full of activities for all tastes. During this month, the Costa Dorada's top theme park transforms into a vibrant stage, featuring costume parades, music, live performances and themed decorations. The atmosphere bursts with colour and joy, with interactive characters roam the park, offering unforgettable experiences for the whole family. In addition to the parades, visitors can enjoy special shows where young and old become part of the celebration. 

This event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spirit of Carnival in a unique atmosphere, surrounded by the attractions of PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land. The entire park will be decorated for the occasion, with themed activities designed for all ages, the PortAventura Carnival is one of the biggest events of the year to enjoy with family or friends.  

Calafell: a fun family Carnival  

The Calafell Carnival, known as ‘Carnaval Xurigué’, is especially popular among families. The atmosphere is relaxed and festive, and the parades are characterised by their vibrant colours and the active participation of the locals. In 2025, the celebrations will take place between February 28th and March 2nd.  

The main parade will take place on February 28th at 7.30 p.m. in Calafell Poble, followed by the parade in Segur de Calafell on March 1st at 12 noon, and finally in Platja de Calafell at 10 p.m. on the same night. On March 2nd, the Carnival will continue with the parade in Platja de Calafell at 5.30 p.m. Additionally, on both Saturday and Sunday, children can enjoy a especial version of the Carnival at the Jaume Vilamajó Pavilion and the Joan Ortoll Pavilion.  

The most international festival, in Sitges  

In Sitges, the Carnival is one of the most famous and eagerly awaited in the whole of Spain. It will take place from February 22nd to March 5th. There will be two parades, on Sunday, March 2nd, and Tuesday, March 4th, transforming the town with floats, troupes and participants dressed in the most creative costumes.  

One of the most defining aspects of this Carnival is its international character, which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world, creating a cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from shows and deejays to more traditional acts.  

Vilanova i la Geltrú: Tradition and culture at the heart of Carnival  

The Vilanova i la Geltrú Carnival is one of the oldest and most traditional in the region, with over 250 years of history. In 2025, the celebrations will take place between February 27th and March 5th. The main parade will be on Sunday, March 2nd, when the town comes alive with giants, troupes and floats parading through its streets.  

Vilanova is known for its active participation in the celebrations and for its dedication to maintaining Carnival traditions, such as La Merengada, a popular battle where the protagonist is the meringue, a typical dessert; La Nit de Mascarots, a massive party with dances and costumes; the romantic-style Dances of Vilanova; and Ash Wednesday, the last day of the celebrations.  

In short, if you are on Costa Dorada or Garraf during Carnival, you can't miss the opportunity to dive into one of the most spectacular festivals of the year. BusPlana offers its regular lines so you can travel between Cambrils, Reus, Tarragona, Barcelona, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sitges and Calafell. You can check the schedules on our website. Also, remember that, as we are the official airport shuttle, you can buy the official tickets for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to Costa Dorada online.