Herencia (Ciudad Real) has unveiled its official image for Carnaval 2026. The jury has selected the proposal number 39, created by local designer Antonio Plaza Olivares, as the winner of the Poster Contest. This work will serve as the official image for one of the municipality’s most iconic celebrations.
According to the organization, the poster captures the essence of Herencia’s carnaval and incorporates its most recognizable icons, including a . The piece was praised for its ability to summarize, its clarity in both printed and digital formats, and its potential to identify the event across all municipal communication channels.
A Contest with a Strong Creative Response
This year’s competition showcased its power to attract, receiving 39 submissions from various locations across Spain and beyond. From these, a preselection of 18 finalists was made, creating a high-caliber shortlist that required careful consideration from the jury before the final decision.
The jury comprised professionals from communication, advertising, design, and fine arts, bringing a diverse and technical perspective. They evaluated entries based on criteria such as originality, alignment with Herencia’s carnaval imagery, typographic legibility, color balance, and versatility for application across banners, programs, social media, and signage.
Local Identity and External Projection
The selection of a piece created by a local artist strengthens the connection between local talent and the celebration. The poster not only announces the event; it belongs to the community that celebrates it. Simultaneously, the diversity of origins among the 39 submissions highlights the external reach of Herencia’s carnaval, inspiring creators who view the celebration as a distinct visual language.
The organization expressed gratitude for the high level of participation and the remarkable quality of the submitted works, emphasizing that the contest enriches the graphical archive of the festival and serves as a showcase for emerging illustrators and designers.
What Happens Next
With the winning entry announced, the design will be produced in municipal formats and integrated into the communication campaign for Carnaval 2026. In the coming weeks, the poster will be officially presented alongside the event program and will start appearing in streets and digital channels of the Town Hall and the organization.
Until that moment arrives, appreciation extends to all participants for their creative involvement and for contributing, edition after edition, to the expansion of the iconography of a festival that is part of the local identity.
Key Points from the Decision
- Winner: Antonio Plaza Olivares (Herencia).
- Work: Proposal number 39, official image of Carnaval 2026.
- Reasons: synthesis of the carnival imagery, nod to the Grand Prix, clear readability and versatility.
- Participation: 39 posters submitted; 18 finalists in the final phase.
- Jury: professionals in communication, advertising, design, and fine arts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who won the Carnaval 2026 Poster Contest?
Local artist Antonio Plaza Olivares with proposal number 39.
How many works were submitted and how many made it to the final?
There were 39 submissions, and after preselection, 18 finalists emerged.
What did the jury highlight about the winning poster?
Its faithfulness to the spirit of Herencia’s carnaval, integration of its icons, and the nod to the Grand Prix, as well as its effectiveness in multiple formats.
When and where will the poster be visible?
The official presentation will be announced through municipal channels. After that, the image will be featured in programs, banners, and social media for Carnaval 2026.
Spanish post in Antonio Plaza Olivares, autor del cartel oficial del Carnaval 2026 de Herencia
