February, although the shortest month of the year, is packed with a number of events, not to mention one of the most celebrated festivals. On a par with the spectacles in Rio de Janeiro and Venice, Cadiz is renowned for the idiosyncrasy, cultural value and popularity of its Carnival. But it is not the only one of indisputable historical importance. The carnival in Fuentes de Andalucía, 50 kilometers from Seville, is an event that must be attended at least once in a lifetime.
Beyond the crowds and interest generated by the chirigotas and comparsas, the carnival in Fuentes de Andalucía has a great drawing power precisely because it is unique in its essence.
A carnival whose history dates back to the dawn of the 20th century and which maintains the traditions that saw it come into being at the beginning of the century.
It kicks off on “Jueves Lardero,” the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of the festivities. In the town, residents gather at Fuente de la Reina, the nearby rural park, to enjoy a family feast, including a snack, known as the popular “entornao.”
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This traditional sweet consists of a kind of pie made with flour, water, sesame seeds, sugar, cinnamon, and ground pepper, which gives it its orange color.
Masks, a symbol of the Fuentes de Andalucía Carnival
In 2026, the carnival program will take place from February 12 to 22 , with “masks” as its most distinctive feature.
These items, often made from rags and cushions, are capable of disfiguring the face and body, and those who wear them also tend to modify their voice, using falsetto.
In addition to the masks, there are colorful, almost impossible costumes, harmonized by the performances of murgas and other musical groups made up of local residents.
The events take place on Carrera Street, one of the town’s main thoroughfares, where various activities will be held over the course of 11 days. The festival culminates on Piñata Sunday with the traditional Burning of the Entornao.