Antroxu: Gijón's carnival

In February, Gijón puts on fancy dress. Antroxu – the Asturian word for carnival – is one of the city’s most participatory celebrations: brass bands roaming the streets, costumes that take months to make, a big parade through the centre and a send-off as theatrical as the Burial of the Sardine. It is an officially recognised Festival of Tourist Interest of Asturias.

What it is

Antroxu is the traditional Asturian carnival, the days of partying and excess before Lent. Turnout in Gijón is huge: clubs (peñas), families, groups of friends and charangas (costumed brass-and-percussion bands) prepare their outfits and songs months ahead. There is a strong satirical streak, with lyrics and costumes poking fun at local news and politics.

When it takes place

The dates change every year because they depend on Easter. Gijón’s Antroxu starts with Comadres Thursday and runs until Shrove Tuesday; Ash Wednesday brings it to a close.

• 2027: according to the church calendar, Shrove Tuesday falls on 9 February 2027, so the festivities will be in early February. Dates for each event will be confirmed in the official programme.

Shrove Tuesday has traditionally been a local public holiday in Gijón – worth knowing, as some offices and shops may be closed. Check Gijón City Council’s website or our What’s On listings nearer the time.

What to expect

• Charanga competition: costumed bands performing satirical songs – one of the hallmarks of carnival in Gijón. Most lyrics are in Spanish, often full of local in-jokes.
• The big parade: floats, troupes and individual and group costumes through the centre, with the Paseo de Begoña and the Teatro Jovellanos area at its heart.
• Costume competitions and street processions in different neighbourhoods.
• Burial of the Sardine (Entierro de la Sardina): carnival’s farewell, a mock funeral procession ending with the reading of the sardine’s tongue-in-cheek “will”.
• Partying in the streets and bars of the centre and Cimavilla all weekend.

Carnival food

February is the season for hearty food in Asturias. Look out for frixuelos (thin pancakes, similar to crêpes), casadielles (fried pastries filled with walnuts) and the bollu preñáu, a bread roll baked around a chorizo sausage, especially popular at Comadres. Find out more in Asturian desserts.

Tips

• Dress up. Even something simple will do – almost everyone joins in.
• Bring warm, waterproof clothing. February in Gijón can be cold and wet; see the weather.
• Walk. On parade day there are road closures in the centre.
• Book accommodation for the weekend. It is not August, but carnival weekend is busy; see where to stay.
• Combine it with FETEN, the performing-arts fair for families usually held in February: find out more.

Tip: find a spot along the parade route at least half an hour early, especially with children.