Burial of the Sardine + Giants and Big Heads parade

The Carnival season ends with the burial of the sardine (18 February 2026), an event that sees a peculiar funeral procession make its way along the banks of the River Manzanares before it buries the fish by Little Bird Fountain, located in Casa de Campo Park. The end of the festivities usually features the popular Giants and Big Heads parade.

Portrayed by painter Francisco de Goya, the first honorary member of the Merry Brotherhood of the Burial of the Sardine (responsible for years for organising this event), this parody burial may date back to the 18th century. Legend has it that during the reign of Carlos III, a consignment of rotten fish arrived at the city's markets. In response to the commotion caused by this, the King published a decree ordering the burial of the fish along the banks of the River Manzanares.

The procession usually starts at Plaza de San Antonio de la Florida. Later, the sardine is customarily buried by Little Bird Fountain at Plaza de las Moreras in Casa de Campo Park.