[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Secci\u00f3n” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Carnival <\/span><\/b>is one of the most iconic festivities in <\/span>Catalonia<\/span><\/b>, especially in cities like <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Reus<\/span><\/b>, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and strong community participation. These celebrations feature vibrant parades, contemporary music and a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond being an occasion for fun, Carnival in Catalonia has a rich history and symbolism that has endured for centuries. From the iconic figures of <\/span>King Carnestoltes<\/span><\/b> to the <\/span>parades <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>costume contests<\/span><\/b>, every element of this festivity has a special meaning.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this article, we will explore the <\/span>origins of Carnival<\/span><\/b> in Catalonia<\/span><\/b> and take a closer look at the unique features of the 2025 parades in Tarragona and Reus. Travel to these two Catalan cities on <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b> with <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>‘s low-cost and sustainable <\/span>shared transfer services<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a> from <\/span>Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|60px|30px|60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Carnival<\/span><\/b>, known in Catalonia as <\/span>Carnestoltes<\/span><\/b>, traces its roots to ancient pagan celebrations making the end of winter and the <\/span>arrival of spring<\/span><\/b>. These celebrations were characterised by the transgression of social norms, costumes and lavish feasts. With the spread of <\/span>Christianity<\/span><\/b>, Carnival became part of the liturgical calendar, coming just before Lent, a period marked by fasting and reflection.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In Catalonia, Carnival begins with <\/span>Dijous Gras <\/span><\/b>(Fat Thursday) and culminates on <\/span>Dimecres de Cendra<\/span><\/b> (Ash Wednesday), when the <\/span>burial of King Carnestoltes<\/span><\/b> is celebrated, symbolising the end of excesses and the beginning of penitence. <\/span><\/p>\n The figures of <\/span>King Carnestoltes<\/span><\/b> and <\/span>Vella Quaresma<\/span><\/b> are central to the festive narrative. King Carnestoltes represents joy and debauchery, while the Vella Quaresma personifies the austerity and moderation that characterise the post-Carnival period. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In <\/span>Tarragona<\/span><\/b>, Carnival is one of the most eagerly awaited festivities of the year, and for <\/span>this 2025<\/span><\/b>, the programme promises to be spectacular. From <\/span>February 21st to March 4th<\/span><\/b>, the city fills up with events that combine tradition, spectacle and mass participation. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Carnaval-Tarragona-y-Reus.png” alt=”Carnaval Tarragona Reus” title_text=”Carnaval Tarragona Reus” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n One of the most remarkable events is the <\/span>Disfressa d’Or<\/span><\/b>, a show celebrating its 25th anniversary, taking place on <\/span>February 23rd<\/span><\/b> in three sessions: at 12 noon, 5 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. This event brings together the city’s most emblematic <\/span>troupes<\/span><\/a>, who present their best costumes in a display of creativity and colour. The Disfressa d’Or is a competition where the<\/span> best costumes <\/span><\/b>and the best staging are awarded, making it a <\/span>showcase <\/span><\/b>for the city’s artistic talent.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>‘s <\/span>shared transfer services<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, you can get to <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Reus<\/span><\/b>, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The parades are the heart and soul of <\/span>Tarragona’s Carnival<\/span><\/b>. The <\/span>Rua de l’Artesania <\/span><\/b>and the <\/span>Rua de Llu\u00efment <\/span><\/b>are parades that stand out for the quality and originality of the groups taking part. The Rua de l’Artesania is characterised by the craftsmanship of the costumes and floats, while the Rua de Llu\u00efment is a display of luxury and splendour that runs through the main streets of the city, together with the <\/span>Seguici del Carnestoltes i la Concubina<\/span><\/b>, offering an impressive visual spectacle. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Carnaval-Tarragona-y-Reus-2.png” alt=”Disfressa d’Or Tarragona Costa Dorada” title_text=”Disfressa d’Or Tarragona Costa Dorada” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n This year, the <\/span>Rua de l’Artesania<\/span><\/a> will be held on <\/span>1<\/span><\/b>st<\/span><\/b> of March <\/span><\/b>at 6 p.m., starting from Avinguda Ram\u00f3n y Cajal and running along Rambla Nova, Carrer Rovira i Virgili, Pla\u00e7a Anselm Clav\u00e9 and <\/span>Avinguda Catalunya<\/span><\/b>. The <\/span>Rua de Llu\u00efment<\/span><\/a> will take place on<\/span> 2<\/span><\/b>nd<\/span><\/b> of March<\/span><\/b> at 6 p.m., with a similar route. These parades are attract <\/span>thousands of spectators<\/span><\/b>, who parade to the rhythm of the music in an explosion \u00a0of energy and fun. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another unique event is the <\/span>Baixada del Pajaritu<\/span><\/b>, a race of costumed contraptions down the steep <\/span>streets of Tarragona<\/span><\/b>. This event blends creativity and humour, making it one of the most anticipated highlights for\u00a0locals. Participants design their own vehicles, with quirky and fun themes, creating a spectacle full of laughter and excitement.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This event will take place on <\/span>1<\/span><\/b>st<\/span><\/b> of March<\/span><\/b>, at 11 a.m., on the Pescateria descent, C\u00f3s del Bou street, Miseric\u00f2rdia descent, Carrer de la Nau and <\/span>Pla\u00e7a del Rei<\/span><\/a>, attracting both contestants and spectators who enjoy the creativity and<\/span> good humour<\/span><\/b>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Reus<\/span><\/b>, for its part, also celebrates Carnival with a programme rich in activities. The festival includes massive parades, costume contests and more traditional events. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” min_height=”181.8px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”3px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Carnival in Reus is known for its participatory nature, with numerous troupes and local bodies getting involved in organising events. On <\/span>Saturday, 1<\/span><\/b>st<\/span><\/b> of March<\/span><\/b>, at 6 p.m., the <\/span>Rua de Llu\u00efment<\/span><\/b> will take place, with all the participating groups and presided over by the Carnestoltes King and Queen; and on Sunday, <\/span>2<\/span><\/b>nd<\/span><\/b> of March<\/span><\/b>, at 6 p.m., you can enjoy the <\/span>Battle of Confetti<\/span><\/b>, one of the most eagerly awaited events, on Avinguda de Sant Jordi. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to the parades, it is common for parallel activities to take place, such as <\/span>musical performances<\/span><\/b>, with deejays and orchestras, like Dr. Calippo and DJ Aleix Ballester; festive <\/span>vermouths<\/span><\/b>, traditional dances; <\/span>shows <\/span><\/b>and much more. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In short, <\/span>Carnival in Catalonia<\/span><\/b> is a festival full of colour, music and tradition. <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Reus <\/span><\/b>offer a programme full of activities for 2025, making them must-visit destinations for those eager to experience the essence of this unique celebration. Remember that with <\/span>Origin of Carnival in Catalonia \u00a0<\/h2>\n
Carnival in Tarragona \u00a0<\/h2>\n
The Disfressa d’Or \u00a0<\/h2>\n
La Rua de l’Artesania and La Rua de Llu\u00efment \u00a0<\/h2>\n
The Baixada del Pajaritu\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Reus Carnival 2025 \u00a0<\/h2>\n
Parades and the spirit of participation \u00a0<\/h2>\n
Parallel activities \u00a0<\/h2>\n