Herencia will celebrate a historic Carnival in 2026, as it will be the first time the event is recognized as a Cultural Heritage Asset (BIC) in the category of Intangible Heritage. This recognition was granted by the Government of Castilla-La Mancha on July 22, 2025, highlighting the significance of this living festival passed down through generations.
The edition was presented in the Agustín Úbeda hall, showcasing unprecedented numbers with 3,334 registered participants and 31 groups in the Offering Parade, further establishing Herencia as a regional benchmark. The opening speech will be delivered by singer Jorge González during the inaugural gala on Thursday, where the Honorary Pearls 2026 and the Institutional Pearl will be awarded to EuroTV Producciones (Grand Prix).
Dates and Key Events
- Friday of the Prisillas (January 31): The group La Kanalla will perform at the Auditorium, followed by street festivities on Constitution Avenue.
- Saturday of the Eager Ones: Celebrating the 20th anniversary with Campanadas Uvautreras in Plaza de España, with Orquesta Vulkano performing at night.
- Sunday of the Desiring Ones: A special parade and street mask contest. The exhibition “Herencia, where time becomes Carnival” will be open until February 18.
- Drum Week (February 10-12): Talks on jinetas and souls; a seniors’ party; a school parade; and a children’s street parade.
- Inaugural Gala (Thursday): Presentation of jinetas, opening speech by Jorge González, followed by a session of Alvama Ice with guest DJs at the Carnival Palace.
- Friday and Saturday: Guild parades; shows from Miami Show, Valparaíso, and Séptima Avenida; nighttime parade on Saturday.
- Sunday: Children’s exhibition, 42nd Gachas Manchegas Contest, and the fifth parade with the Perlé “expelling” authorities at Alonso Quijano.
- Monday: Nueva Alaska orchestra in the afternoon, followed by a free night event at the Palace (Nueva Alaska + DJs).
- Tuesday, February 17 (Offering Day): Funeral of Souls, “Puñao” at the Town Hall, and a grand parade of floats and groups; award party at the Palace afterward. Proceeds from the offerings will go to Manos Unidas.
- Ash Wednesday: Burial of the Sardine, concluding with grilled sardines in Plaza de España.
Tickets for the Carnival Palace
Online ticket sales will begin on February 2 at 10:00 AM (maximum of 6 per person). Prices: €8 for Saturday or Sunday, €10 for Friday, and a €12 pass for Saturday and Sunday. From February 13, if there are any remaining spots, only single tickets will be sold online. The Town Hall will cover the management costs for the weekend.
A BIC with Unique Features
The BIC documentation highlights distinct elements such as the Carnival-Animas connection, the extent of activities from the Prisillas to Ash Wednesday, the characters of the Perlé and the jinetas, and the social value of the Offering. The document also mentions the historical resilience of the celebration and the safeguarding measures in place to ensure its transmission.
Herencia.net will keep track of this historic edition, which, with the BIC label, strengthens the identity and future of our Carnival.
Source: Carnaval de Herencia
Spanish post in programa completo, pregonero y aforo récord
