The province of León experiences Carnival in a unique way, blending the joy of lively city parades with the weight of some of the peninsula’s oldest rural traditions. Here, costume troupes share the streets with ancestral characters that look as if they’ve stepped out of medieval legends. In both the capital and many villages, February (or early March, depending on the calendar) becomes the perfect time to discover a festive, cultural, and deeply authentic León.
Carnival in León city
In the city of León, Carnival means color, music, and community participation. The downtown streets fill with troupes, groups of friends in costume, and activities for all ages. The main parade—usually held on Carnival Saturday or Sunday—runs along the most central avenues with decorated floats, live entertainment, and prizes for the best costumes.
For several days, the City Council organizes children’s activities, creative workshops, costume contests, and musical performances. It’s also common to find stages with live music in central squares like Plaza Mayor or Plaza de San Marcelo. Local gastronomy joins the celebration, with bars and restaurants offering themed tapas and typical sweets such as orejas de carnaval and filloas (thin crêpes).
Traveler tip: for nightlife, the Barrio Húmedo and the Barrio Romántico have the highest concentration of bars and pubs with special Carnival parties.
The Antruejos: pagan roots across the province
The term “Antruejo” refers to León’s traditional Carnival, with pre-Christian roots and elements of winter rites. It’s celebrated in different villages, each with its own characters, costumes, and customs.
Among the most notable:
Antruejo of Llamas de la Ribera
One of the best known, declared a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest. Its protagonists are the guirrios (young people dressed in white outfits with colored ribbons and tall hats) and the madamas, who tour the village accompanied by troupes and traditional music. The celebration includes dances, races, and the burning of effigies symbolizing the end of winter.
Antruejo of Velilla de la Reina
Here the main character is the bull, accompanied by mock bullfighters and people playing the role of calves. The performance parodies a bullfight and ends with the bull brought down amid laughter and music. It’s a highly participatory, fun event for visitors.
Antruejo of Cimanes del Tejar
With a strong theatrical component, it features eerily striking masks, brightly colored costumes, and scenes representing the battle between good and evil. It’s one of the oldest in the province and preserves much of its original essence.
Other Carnival traditions around the province
Beyond the antruejos, other towns celebrate Carnival with their own special flavor:
- La Bañeza: a long-standing urban Carnival, famous for its parades and highly elaborate floats.
- Astorga: a blend of traditional elements and modern parade, with strong participation from peñas (social clubs) and local groups.
- Ponferrada: a multicolored parade and costume contests for all ages, with a special focus on children’s activities.
Tips for enjoying Carnival in León
- Book accommodation in advance if you plan to visit the city of León or villages with renowned antruejos.
- Check exact dates each year, as they vary with the liturgical calendar.
- Bring a camera: masks, costumes, and decorations are incredibly photogenic.
- Dress comfortably if you’re joining parades; you’ll likely be moving around a lot.
- Try the seasonal treats, such as orejas de carnaval, filloas, or leche frita (fried milk pudding).
Experience Carnival from León city
If you want to combine traditional festivities with the atmosphere of a historic city, staying in León is an excellent option. You can enjoy the urban Carnival and, within a short drive, visit villages where the antruejos keep tradition alive.
At León Apartamentos, we offer central, comfortable accommodation—perfect for soaking up the festivities and resting without giving up a prime location.
