Sardines and herrings are foods that are closely linked to the celebration of Carnival. In Barcelona, on the last day of the festival, there is a satyrical funeral procession to bury the Rei de Carnestoltes, the carnival king, and the sardine. This marks the end of the period of excess and the beginning of a time of religious devotion, Lent. Many community meals are held on this day in different neighbourhoods and emblematic parts of the city, where everyone is invited to eat sardines and herrings.

The burial of the sardine, a ceremony which is held in many places in the country, originates from the ancient tradition of going to the outskirts of the towns and villages on the last day of Carnival, having a picnic tea, and carrying out this ritual to bring the time of partying to and end. Burying the sardine also has certain fleshly connotations, because it was the last day that sexual practices were permitted before the religious abstinence began.