It is the great festival of Tolosa. It is an urban carnival, one of the best known carnivals in the Basque Country.
A party that brings together, apart from the costumes, all the ingredients of many of the Basque parties: cuadrillas (groups of friends), tamborradas, brass bands, baquillas, gastronomy, parades…
It is said that everyone has to come once in their lives to the Tolosa´s carnival. It is an unavoidable visit on your trips to Euskadi.
You don’t need a very elaborate costume, carnival is an attitude in Tolosa, anything you have at home or in your suitcase can be turned into a costume.
NOTICE: in Tolosa they dress up on Carnival Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (there are no costumes on Friday and Saturday).
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Depending on the day, the atmosphere you will find is very different. The Tolosa carnival has some peculiarities that should be taken into account.
We indicate the characteristics of each day, so you can choose the perfect day for your visit.
CARNIVAL 2025
From February 27th to March 4th
As a novelty, this year there will be an exclusive area for young people and teenagers in the Plaza Alondegia.
Ostegun Gizena: children’s show ‘Amona molona’ by Yogurina Borova (17:30) and children’s disco-party with Jon Urbieta (18:30)
Ostiral Mehea: Children’s workshops on Basque carnivals: Ziripot, Miel Otxin, Zaldiko… Possibility of creating their own costumes, joaldunak workshop, game to play the cowbell and inflatables related to Basque mythology. (16:30-19:00).
Zaldunita bezpera: Cooking workshop and dessert competition for young people aged 12 to 17. This will be followed by a youth lunch. First concert by the Ostarte pilgrimage group, recently created by several young people from the town (18:30). The tickets for the lunch have been sold by the young people; The remaining tickets can be requested at the cultural centre until Saturday.
Zaldunita: A ‘brilli-brilli’ stand to complement costumes and a photocall (11:00-14:00), with a photography competition by Ataria. In the afternoon, Rockalean electrocharanga (from the bullring to Isabelita Gunea). The two remaining events for teenagers, DJ Txekor and Sune, in Plaza Berria.
Astelenita: DJ Jade and DJ Oihan Vega, led by Gaztea (starting from the bullring to Isabelita Gunea). Psycho Clown theatre and percussion group (20:00).
Asteartita: Children’s magic show by the clown Potx (17:30).
Fat thursday
It is one of the most remarkable days. After having lunch, the people of Tolosa go to the town hall square to see the chupinazo in a festive atmosphere.
The music of the brass bands and the parade of the Kabi-alai troupe begin. The afternoon is late to enjoy the pans.
The djellaba is dressed and the typical thing is to eat txistorra pintxos.
If you come to Tolosa during carnival, on Fat Thursday this is the mandatory uniform.
Where to buy a djellaba?
Zaldunitabezpera
A day in which children are protagonists. Giants and big heads, parade and dances of the Udaberri group around the Basque carnival, tamborrada for children and adults and brass bands.
Zaldunita
First day of costumes!
At 8 in the morning the reveille begins, a parade behind the brass band in their pajamas. And during the morning (starting at 11:00) a parade of floats and thousands of costumes.
In the afternoon the appointment is in the bullring, stalls and a good atmosphere in the stands.
Astelenita
Second day of costumes! Steers roped in the Plaza Nueva and during the morning (starting at 11:00) a parade of floats and thousands of costumes.
On Monday there are fewer floats than on Sunday and Tuesday, it is usually the day for children’s groups.
Asteartita
Last day of carnival costume!
It begins at dawn at 6:00 in the morning and the bulls of the aguardiente at 08:00. Throughout the day you can see floats through the streets of Tolosa.
Source: Tolosa Turismoa, Udaberri dantza taldea.
Public transport
Special train services
RENFE will offer special train services for carnival, both during the day and at night, on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Bus service modifications
The Rondilla, San Frantzisko and Bull Ring bus stops won’t be operating, therefore, changing the bus routes. Moreover, there will be special night services to different towns in Tolosaldea.
Hiribusa
Due to the closing of some streets, the local bus will change its route.
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