Herencia Carnival

Herencia Carnival
It celebrates: From 11th February to 22nd February
Place: Herencia (Ciudad Real)
Category: Carnival
Popularity: (****) 4/5
Ideal for children
Organize: The associations Barco de Colegas and Carnaval de Herencia Denominación de Origen.
Known start date: Reference is made to the 18th century, but it has always been linked to the day of the Ánimas.
Figure of protection: Festival of National Tourist Interest (since 2017) and Festival of Regional Interest (since 1987)
Tags:
National Tourist InterestRegional Tourist Interest
Reading time: 2 minutes and a half

The Herencia Carnival is the most colourful festival in the area and has recently been declared of National Tourist Interest. It offers no less than two weeks of music, dance and fun. Come and enjoy the parades, parties and other activities until Sardine Wednesday.

The Herencia Carnival is special

What is the Herencia Carnival like?

The Herencia Carnival begins with the Viernes de Prisillas, when the local peñas (clubs) liven up the Carnival. This same weekend is celebrated on the Saturday of the Anxious and the Sunday of the Desireful.

This is followed by the Semana de Tambores (Drum Week), which accompanies the different parades that take place during these 7 days. Then, on Carnival Thursday, the parades begin, until Saturday. On Carnival Sunday they usually prepare a big children's party.

On Carnival Monday, the funeral of the souls is celebrated, and there are also parades. On Tuesday they celebrate the Day of the Offertory and the Herencia Carnival culminates on Sardine Wednesday, the last parade of the festival, which coincides with Ash Wednesday.

Throughout these two weeks of celebration, there are some characters that stand out from the rest. Among them are Las Jinetas, the Gigantes y Cabezudos, 5 giants and 9 cabezudos, who lead the parade. And Perlé, a characteristic and burlesque element of the Herencia Carnival, wears an outfit similar to striped pyjamas and a matching sleeping cap.

Origin of the Herencia Carnival

The Herencia Carnival is considered to be the ultimate expression of the people fighting for their freedom. Because, although it was banned after the Civil War, as in other towns, in Herencia, there was not a single year in which they stopped celebrating the festivities openly, despite the risk it represented.

What to visit in Herencia?

If you are going to stay in Herencia during Carnival, then we invite you to get to know everything that this beautiful town has to offer, among them, these places that are part of the heritage of the town:

  • Church of the Immaculate Conception: it is the first church in Herencia, and dates back to the 13th century, located in the Plaza de España. Apart from its architecture, you can also appreciate its interior design.
  • Herencia Municipal Park: it was created in 1946, and you will find native vegetation, hedges and flowerbeds all along the route.

What to eat in Herencia? Gastronomy

One of the most delicious ways of getting to know the culture of a place is to try its gastronomy, and if you are in Herencia, we recommend you try these typical La Mancha dishes:

  • Pisto manchego: a simple and delicious dish made with chopped tomatoes, peppers and seasoned with oil and salt.
  • Caldereta de cordero: made with leg of lamb, tomato, onion, red pepper, garlic, white wine and olive oil, a succulent dish for those who enjoy the taste of meat.
  • Buñuelos: you will find many of these in the carnival, they are a delicious fried flour dough with a spherical shape, in some cases sprinkled with sugar.

Upcoming festivals

Spring and Cherry Blossom in the Jerte Valley

From 17th March to 30th April
Jerte (Cáceres)
Spring and Cherry Blossom in the Jerte Valley
Dare to discover the secrets of the Valley of Spring, and don't miss the greatest natural spectacle, where more than one and a half million cherry trees dress in white in the Jerte Valley. Come and enjoy it!

The Passion of Esparreguera

From 19th March to 1st April
Esparreguera (Barcelona)
The Passion of Esparreguera
A unique and emotional representation of the Passion of Christ, which takes place outdoors on an impressive natural stage. With more than 500 actors, live music, and special effects, it is an unforgettable experience that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Holy Week of Malaga

From 22nd March to 31st March
Málaga (Málaga)
Holy Week of Malaga
One of the most impressive in Spain, known for its processions full of passion and devotion. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come to the city to experience the magic of this unique festival. The floats, carried on the shoulders of the brotherhood members, are true works of art, decorated with flowers and candles, creating an incredibly emotional atmosphere.

Holly Week in Yecla

From 22nd March to 31st March
Yecla (Murcia)
Holly Week in Yecla
Discover the exciting Holy Week of Yecla with its Calvary procession, the Farolicos carried by children, the Santo Entierro, and enjoy the popular "Suelta del Diablo" by throwing candies on Easter Sunday.

Holy Week in Seville

From 22nd March to 31st March
Sevilla (Sevilla)
Holy Week in Seville
A unique event that offers an exciting and authentic experience, where devotion and art merge in the processions of the brotherhoods. It also represents a unique opportunity to enjoy the local gastronomy and get to know the city in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Festivals this weekend

The weirdest and strangest popular festivals

Festival Programs

Festival Programs

Festivals categories

Themes

Most searched

Older festivals

The San Fermines

From 6th July to 14th July
Pamplona/Iruña (Navarra)
Since XII century

Most recent festivals