Photo: Luis Rogelio HM · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Carnival
Carnaval 2026 en Llerena
Llerena, Badajoz · Extremadura
2026 edition
13–15 February 2026
✔ Official dates confirmed
2026 programme
- 12 February, 16:30 · Carnival parade organised by CEIP Suárez Somonte (Alberto Pérez Escobar Sports Pavilion)
- 12 February · Carnival flashmob (Alberto Pérez Escobar Sports Pavilion)
- 13 February, 12:00 · La Granada school parade, accompanied by Plena Inclusión Llerena, CEI Santa Ana and Peques Nursery (Town streets and plaza de España)
- 13 February, 20:00 · Presentation of the 2026 Carnival Queen Sara Woters Blanco and 2026 D. Matasuegras Carlos Rodríguez Cid, carnival opening speech (pregón) by Antonio Vaquera Martín and performances by comparsas, chirigotas and quartet (Caseta Municipal)
- 14 February, 14:00 · Sardine tasting (Participating carnival bars)
- 14 February, 17:00 · Children's show and children's fancy dress parade with prizes (Marquee set up in Plaza de España)
- 14 February, 22:30 · Dance music provided by the ELECTRIC BAND orchestra and DJ Valeria Cruz (Marquee set up in Plaza de España)
- 15 February, 17:00 · Grand carnival parade accompanied by the Charangas de Pueblo en Pueblo brass bands, funeral procession and burning of the sardine (From the Caseta Municipal to the Plaza de España)
- 15 February, 20:00 · Prize-giving ceremony for the various competitions
Sources: llerena.org · llerena.org · Web oficial del Ayuntamiento de Llerena (llerena.org)
Introduction and local significance
El Carnaval 2026 en Llerena takes place this year from 13 to 15 February 2026 in the Badajoz town of Llerena, in Extremadura. This festival stands out for the active participation of educational centres, local groups and residents who fill the streets of the municipality during the official days. The celebration features its own specific figures and events that draw large crowds to spaces such as the plaza de España and the Caseta Municipal.
Historical origins and tradition
Among the traditional elements of this festival, very specific figures stand out, such as the Carnival Queen and D. Matasuegras, who represent this edition's festive roles. The celebrations culminate with the traditional burial and burning of the sardine in the plaza de España, a rite that closes the carnival festive cycle in the town.
Programme and main events
The official programme for El Carnaval 2026 en Llerena includes previous school parades organised by the CEIP Suárez Somonte and the La Granada school, as well as the official presentation of the Carnival Queen and D. Matasuegras. The central events include the opening speech (pregón), performances by local groups, children's parades, musical dances (verbenas) and the grand final parade with brass bands (charangas) which concludes with the burning of the sardine and the prize-giving ceremony. You can check the details of schedules and locations in the official programme on the listing.
Traditional festival food
The gastronomy of these dates revolves around sardines, which star in a popular tasting organised in the participating bars of the town's carnivals. This product is integrated both into the culinary offer of local establishments and into the festive symbolism of the closing of the carnival.
Visitor guide and where to stay
The main events take place in urban spaces such as the plaza de España, the Caseta Municipal and the Alberto Pérez Escobar Sports Pavilion. For the days with the highest turnout, it is preferable to opt for public transport or leave your vehicle parked outside the town centre. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance in the municipality itself or in surrounding towns to make it easier to follow the evening events, and it is recommended to check the official programme for any possible schedule changes.