The Comissió de Carnaval, working with various local entities, has prepared a festive program centered on the theme “AU”. The official presentation included the Councilor for Culture, Àngels Dalmau, and costume designer Blanca Farré, who created the new outfits for the Rei Carnestoltes and the Concubina, a highlight of this year’s celebration.

The festivities start on Thursday, February 12, with the Arrival of His Majesty the Rei Carnestoltes XXIIIè i I de Vilafranca at Sant Julià Park. The King will then proceed to the plaça de la Vila to take the Town Hall and deliver the opening speech for Carnival 2026. That same evening, Cal Bolet will host the projection and awards ceremony for Curtnaval, the short film contest, which received 15 entries this year.

The revelry continues on Friday, February 13, with the Escorreguda de bars (bar crawl) and the Gala Ball in honor of King Carnestoltes, held in the courtyard of the IES Milà i Fontanals. On Saturday, February 14, the King and his Court will perform the traditional Matinades at the Market, followed by activities aimed at children in the afternoon, including the Despertada (Wake-up) and a street parade.

On Monday, February 16, the Comissió de Carnaval and Cine Club Vilafranca are organizing a free family film screening at the Cinema Kubrick of the movie Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness. Finally, the festive cycle will culminate with the wake for the King on Tuesday, February 17, and the burial on Ash Wednesday, February 18, at Tívoli Park, followed by a popular sardine barbecue.

The Carnival 2026 events will conclude on Friday, February 20, with the traditional parade of floats and troupes, starting at 8:30 PM from Tarragona Avenue. Around thirty floats and five troupes from the Alt and Baix Penedès regions will participate. The parade supports the regional initiative to avoid playing disrespectful songs towards women and other groups.