Burial of the Sardine

The Entierro de la Sardina is the highlight of Murcia’s Spring Fiestas, a week-long celebration held after Easter when the city bursts into colour and welcomes thousands of people from around the world.

The streets come alive with sardine groups handing out toys and spreading the festive spirit among children and adults alike. Food and drink are also a big part of the celebrations, with locals and visitors enjoying cold beers alongside Murcian favourites such as oven-baked octopus and marinera, while traditional pastelicos de carne add another local touch to the festivities.

The grand finale takes place on Saturday, when a spectacular parade of floats makes its way through the city. Acrobats, dancers, inflatable giants, entertainers, carnival groups and marching bands from around the world join the procession, while the sardine groups distribute more than two million toys and almost 500,000 balls and other sporting toys to the crowds.

At the end of the parade, attention turns to the enormous bonfire and the glowing sardine waiting to be burned. The final moments bring an emotional mix of laughter and tears as the crowds sing the sardine festival anthem and watch the flames mark the end of another edition.