Carnival 2026 in Illa and Vilanova de Arousa: Entroido with Local Flavor

February brings one of the most anticipated celebrations of the Galician calendar: Entroido, or Carnival. In the Arousa area, Illa de Arousa and Vilanova de Arousa each celebrate the season with their own traditions, full of music, color and community spirit.

🎭 Entroido in Illa de Arousa: a festive tradition rooted in the sea

The Entroido in Illa de Arousa is known for its humorous tone, popular participation and strong connection to local music. From Wednesday the 11th to Sunday the 22nd of February, the town will host parades, weddings (yes, really!), costume contests and plenty of traditional music.

Highlights of the schedule:

  • Wed 11 Feb: Opening parade (Folión de apertura) through the streets

  • Fri 13 Feb: Comadres Night, party with DJ in Praza do Regueiro

  • Sat 14 Feb: The symbolic Wedding of the Liborios, with Elvis Presley as master of ceremonies 👰🕺

  • Mon 16 Feb: Costume Parade and live music

  • Wed 18 Feb: Burning of Liborio, a local carnival figure, with street music and farewell fire

  • Sat 21 Feb: Floats Parade

  • Sun 22 Feb: Comparsa Festival in Praza do Regueiro and the local auditorium

🟦 This is a very local celebration, where anyone is welcome to dress up, join in or just enjoy the music and atmosphere. There’s a mix of satire, tradition and plenty of Galician humor.

🐳 O Momo in Vilanova de Arousa: a spectacular float parade

On Sunday 22nd, the spotlight shifts across the water to Vilanova de Arousa, where the town hosts the popular O Momo Parade.

Unlike Illa’s more participatory carnival, the focus here is on watching the floats go by. Dozens of groups spend weeks preparing spectacular themed floats, often accompanied by music, dance and costumes.

🚛 The parade is known for its creativity, humor and attention to detail—ranging from social satire to pure fantasy. Each float tells its own story.

🎭 While some spectators wear costumes, most people attend just to watch and enjoy the show.

🕓 The parade usually starts mid-afternoon and winds through the town center. Streets are closed off to traffic, so it’s best to arrive early to find parking and a good viewing spot.

📍 What’s the difference between the two?

Feature Entroido in Illa O Momo in Vilanova
Duration 11–22 February 22 February (1 day only)
Format Activities, parades, music Float parade
Public participation Very interactive Spectator-focused
Costumes Informal, spontaneous Themed and organized
Atmosphere Community, festive, local Spectacle and display

Many people attend both celebrations, enjoying the contrast between a grassroots, musical Entroido and a high-production-value parade in Vilanova.

ℹ️ Tips if you’re planning to attend

  • 📅 Check the latest schedules on social media in case of weather changes

  • 🧥 Bring warm clothes—most events take place outdoors

  • 🚗 For Vilanova’s parade, arrive early to avoid road closures and parking issues

  • 🎶 Expect lots of live music, traditional charangas and dancing

📣 Where to find more info

🎭 A Carnival for all styles

The Carnival in Arousa is a great way to experience Galician culture up close. Whether you prefer dancing in the streets of Illa or watching the floats in Vilanova, you’ll find color, laughter and authenticity in every corner.