Huelva Carnival (Carnaval Colombino)
Huelva's carnival: a competition of carnival groups at the Gran Teatro, street carnival with a parade and chickpea stew, and the Burial of the Cuttlefish on Ash Wednesday.
When
Next: from January 19 to February 10, 2027.
In February, although the competition of carnival groups starts weeks earlier, in January. It ends on Ash Wednesday with the Burial of the Cuttlefish. The dates are set each year by the City Council.
Last time: February 8 to 15, 2026.
What it is
Huelva's carnival dates back to 1863, when a fancy-dress ball was held to inaugurate the Círculo Mercantil y Agrícola. Between 1880 and 1936 there were balls, parades and competitions of murgas and chirigotas every year. After decades without a carnival, in 1983 a group of enthusiasts asked the City Council for the floats of the Three Kings Parade for a procession that came to be called the Carnaval Colombino. In 1984 the Federación Onubense de Peñas y Asociaciones de Carnaval (FOPAC) was founded and organised it for decades, and that year the first competition of carnival groups was held at the Gran Teatro; the first province-wide competition followed in 1992.
In June 2024, at the request of more than 400 carnival-goers, the City Council took over the full organisation of the festival for the first time, with FOPAC as liaison. The 2025 edition, the first run by the council, held the opening proclamation outdoors and took the Burial of the Cuttlefish to a different district, Isla Chica.
Where
The competition of carnival groups takes place at the Gran Teatro. The street carnival fills the centre: a carousel of groups at midday, chickpea stew in Plaza de las Monjas and Saturday's parade, whose route changes from year to year. In 2025 the opening proclamation was in Plaza de la Merced and the Burial of the Cuttlefish in Plaza Houston, Isla Chica.
Customs and traditions
Carnival groups —murgas, chirigotas, quartets, comparsas and choirs— compete at the Gran Teatro and then sing in the streets. The senior and junior Choquera are chosen, the official poster is unveiled and there are events such as the Vuelta de la Noria. On carnival Saturday there is chickpea stew in Plaza de las Monjas and a parade in the afternoon.
The festival ends with the Burial of the Cuttlefish: men dress as widows and escort the cuttlefish in a funeral procession until it is burned.
FAQ
When is the 2027 Carnaval Colombino?
The City Council has set it for 19 January to 10 February 2027, with the opening proclamation on 5 February at the Gran Teatro.
Who organises the Huelva carnival?
Since 2025, Huelva City Council, with FOPAC acting as liaison with carnival groups. FOPAC used to organise it.
What is the Burial of the Cuttlefish?
The event that closes the carnival on Ash Wednesday: a funeral procession of men dressed as widows escorts the cuttlefish until it is burned.
Since when has it been called Carnaval Colombino?
Since 1983, when a group of enthusiasts revived the parade using the floats of the Three Kings Parade.