Enjoy Carnival on the Costa Dorada with BusPlana

The Costa Dorada Carnival will once again fill its streets with music, colour and joy during February to celebrate the great festival of King Carnestoltes, with its costumes and iconic parties. Along the coast, in towns such as Tarragona, Cambrils and Salou, you can experience all the incredible events tailored to each area.
Thanks to BusPlana, you can discover and visit each of these areas during one of the most fun and iconic times of the year, enjoying Carnival in the easiest and most comfortable way possible. By checking the timetables on the website, you can plan your visits without worrying about the car or parking. 

History and origin of Carnival and the Costa Dorada
This event originated from ancient pagan celebrations in Sumeria, Egypt, Greece and Rome. These celebrations marked the end of the winter season with excesses and the use of masks. Then came the Middle Ages, giving way to the evolution of this event, turning it into a Christian preparation for Lent. Finally, during modern times, it spread throughout the world and adapted to each different place where it is celebrated, with places such as Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, New Orleans in the United States and Tenerife here in Spain standing out. 
Here on the Costa Dorada, the history of Carnival dates back to what were once the Roman Saturnalia festivities. Later, during its evolution, it became medieval processions and rituals alongside other celebrations, finally reaching the modern age and becoming one of the largest and best-known festivals in the world across different cultures.

What to see at Carnival on the Costa Dorada?
During Carnival, the Costa Dorada hosts parades, costume contests, children's workshops, themed parties and gastronomic events, with activities designed for all audiences. 
Although some towns start Carnival on 6 or 7 February, it officially begins on the 12th, known as Jueves Lardero, a Christian tradition that marks the last Thursday before Lent. On this day, it is customary to eat meat products such as butifarra sausage, longaniza sausage and pork rinds, as their consumption is restricted during Lent.
After Jueves Lardero gives the starting signal, the various scheduled activities begin and continue until the end of Carnival. 

Carnival parades and costumes
Among these, the most famous Carnival spectacle in the world stands out: the Carnival parade. Although this spectacle adapts to the different areas where it is held, it does not change much here, maintaining its characteristic dances with incredible choreography, its wonderful colourful and eye-catching floats, and music for everyone. 
Other popular activities include costumes, face painting and masks, with specialised workshops for both children and adults to be found throughout the streets. 
There are also themed parties and dances, such as costume contests, to enjoy the festivities with family, friends or on your own. 

Ash Wednesday and the end of Carnival
Finally, on 18 February, known as Ash Wednesday, Carnival and its festivities come to an end, although nowadays they are extended to cover more days, even lasting until the end of the month. On this date, the beginning of Lent and the end of Carnival are celebrated, and here in Spain this is done with rituals such as the ‘Burial of the Sardine’, symbolising abstinence from eating meat.

Carnival in the main towns of the Costa Dorada
Carnival on the Costa Dorada is experienced differently in each town, with its own events and traditions that make each municipality's celebrations unique. Below, we highlight some of the cities and destinations where Carnival plays a major role.
On the one hand, we have cities such as Tarragona and Reus, where we can find unique activities such as the ‘Bastiment de la Bota’ and ‘La Baixada del Pajaritu’ in Tarragona or the poster competition and the Moc dance in Reus, which are the best known alongside their parades and competitions. 

Tarragona Carnival
The ‘Bastiment de la Bota’ is the opening ceremony that kicks off these festivities in Tarragona, held in the Plaça de la Font alongside the presentation of the Carnival ‘Ninots’. A large boot is displayed, which will be burned on the last day, before Lent, at the burial of King Carnestoltes. La Baixada del Pajaritu is another original event in the area in which races are held, open to anyone who wants to participate, whether they are local organisations and groups or families and friends. 
Tarragona also hosts the Gala Disfressa d'Or, a competition in which the comparsas present their most representative costumes accompanied by King Carnestoltes. Although it takes place before the scheduled start of the other activities, it remains one of the city's most popular Carnival-related events. 

Reus Carnival
In Reus, the carnival is notable for its poster competition, which is open to anyone who wants to take part, with the only requirement being that the poster must be as original as possible. There is also a children's event called the Moc dance, where the little ones can enjoy traditional songs in an entertaining and fun way.

Portaventura Carnival
The Portaventura Carnival begins at the end of February and will be available during the weekends in March. 
The country's most visited theme park this season will repeat and decorate its venues based on the characteristic style of two of the world's most famous carnivals, Rio de Janeiro and Venice. There will also be batucadas, floats, parades and exclusive shows for the occasion, suitable for all audiences. 

Experience Carnival on the Costa Dorada with BusPlana
If you are thinking of visiting the Costa Dorada during Carnival, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the biggest events of the year. With BusPlana you can travel to Tarragona, Reus, Cambrils or PortAventura and discover the carnival. Check all the routes and timetables for regular services on our website and plan your visit in advance. Also, if you are arriving at Barcelona Airport, remember that BusPlana is the official airport transport service and you can buy your official tickets online for the transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona.