17/04/2026
OUIGO was the official sponsor of Entierro de la Sardina 2026 in Murcia. Discover how we experienced this unique celebration full of parades, music and over 2.5 million toys.
Get ready for Murcia to blow your mind with its spectacular Entierro de la Sardina. This year, OUIGO was the official sponsor of one of the wildest, most fun and colourful festivals in Spain. And yes, we were there with our train-shaped float leading the Grand Parade. Spoiler alert: toys rained down, the music was pumping and the experience was so epic we're already counting down to next year.
What is Entierro de la Sardina (and why it's absolutely brilliant)
Entierro de la Sardina is a deeply rooted festival celebrated in Murcia during the Spring Festivities, right after Easter. This year also marked the 175th anniversary of a celebration declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. What does that mean? Murcia puts on its finest (or rather, carnival) outfit and goes all out for an entire week.
175 years of history and 2.5 million flying toys
From 6th to 11th April, the city was filled with concerts, children's activities, gatherings between sardineros (local groups) and, most importantly, spectacular parades. We're talking about Wednesday's Children's Parade, Friday's Children's Wake and Saturday's Grand Parade, which is the main event.
What makes this event unique is that instead of just throwing confetti or sweets, here over 2.5 million toys rain down from the floats. Yes, you read that right: millions. All designed to make children (and not-so-children) happy for hours. You can see the full programme of activities on the official Entierro de la Sardina website.
OUIGO opened the Grand Parade with train, stork and plenty of rhythm
Our participation wasn't exactly subtle. OUIGO's float, designed as one of our colourful trains, was chosen to open the Grand Parade on Saturday 11th April. And we weren't alone: we were accompanied by roller skaters performing tricks and our mascot, a stork with more rhythm than most of us, dancing to "Se dice OUIGO" by Maikel de la Calle.
OUIGO bags to store the loot (because we're practical even when spreading joy)
Besides setting the rhythm, we handed out OUIGO bags so attendees could store all the toys they collected from the other floats. Because going around with your hands full and nowhere to put everything is a nightmare we sorted out. This year we were present at all three main parades, and the reception was brilliant: smiles, dancing and lots of bags full of joy.
From Madrid to Murcia in under 3 hours: the complete experience
To experience Entierro de la Sardina as it deserves, we invited influencers and press to discover how easy and accessible it is to travel to Murcia from Madrid with OUIGO. On Saturday 11th April, the 8:15 train got us to the heart of the festivities in less than three hours. And from there, it was non-stop action.
Batucadas, marineras and paparajotes: Murcia won us over
We started with a tourist route through the centre, where we ran into improvised batucadas on every corner and a concert in Plaza Romea that left us wanting more. But if there was something that couldn't be missed, it was a proper gastronomic stop: marinera, ensalada de la huerta, alcachofas a la murciana and, to finish off, paparajotes for dessert.
After a short break to recharge, the most anticipated moment arrived: the Grand Parade at 9pm, with our train float leading the way. Music, dancing, toys, sweets and an atmosphere that can only be understood by experiencing it first-hand.
The burning of the sardine: the fiery finale of the festival
The closing of the festival was spectacular. At the river, as tradition dictates, a giant sardine was set on fire (falla-style, but the Murcian version). It was the symbolic moment that marks the end of the Spring Festivities, accompanied by a fireworks display that lit up Murcia's sky. Epic, emotional and the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
The next day, back to Madrid on the 12:39 train, with our heads full of memories, OUIGO bags full of toys and the desire to return next year.
How to get to Entierro de la Sardina with OUIGO
If you're keen to experience this madness first-hand, book your train ticket to Murcia with OUIGO. From Madrid to Murcia in under 3 hours, from €9 and the convenience of arriving in the centre ready to enjoy. Check timetables and fares and start planning your getaway for next year.
Frequently asked questions about Entierro de la Sardina
When is Entierro de la Sardina celebrated?
Right after Easter, during Murcia's Spring Festivities. In 2026 it was from 6th to 11th April.
What's the highlight of the festival?
The parades with floats that throw over 2.5 million toys and the final burning of the sardine with fireworks.
How can I get there from Madrid?
By train with OUIGO. In less than 3 hours you're in Murcia, ready to enjoy the festival.
See you at the next parade.
OUIGO LET'S GO! 🚄🎉