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Tarragona Carnival 2026 introduces its first Queen and highlights

The festival, taking place from February 6 to 17, incorporates the historical figure of the Queen Carnestoltes XLIII.

Generic image of a Carnival parade featuring elaborate costumes and vivid colors.
IA

Generic image of a Carnival parade featuring elaborate costumes and vivid colors.

The city of Tarragona will celebrate its anticipated Carnival from February 6 to 17, 2026, highlighted by the historic introduction of the Queen Carnestoltes figure.

For the first time in over 40 years of history, the Tarragona Carnival will feature a Queen as the main protagonist, accompanied by her Concubí and the respective Royal Entourages. These figures will be designated Reina Carnestoltes XLIII and Concubí XXX, a significant change decided after the last edition.
The official presentation of the Queen, the Concubí, and the entourages will take place on Wednesday, February 11, at 6:00 p.m., in the Plaça de la Disbauxa (known usually as Plaça Corsini). During this event, the Boter d'Honor 2026 award will be given to the Rua de Carnaval de Ponent, the oldest neighborhood parade.
The most crowded event, the Disfressa d'Or (Golden Costume), will be held on Sunday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Caixabank Tarraco Arena. This contest, which officially kicks off the festivities, will feature fourteen comparsas and will be hosted by journalist Guillem Estadella and singer Gemma Polo.
The central weekend includes the Rua de l'Artesania on Saturday, February 14, and the Rua de Lluïment on day 15. Both parades start at 6:00 p.m. from Avinguda Ramon y Cajal. The festival concludes with the traditional acts of satire and criticism by the Colla La Bóta, including the Crema (Burning) and the reading of the Queen's will on February 17.
Gastronomy also plays a key role: the traditional Xarró (Tarragona stew) will be served on February 7, while Dijous Gras (Fat Thursday), on day 12, will feature egg sausage and crackling cake, distributed at the Mercat Central and Mercat de Torreforta.

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