Dressing a group for Carnival is a different challenge than an individual costume. You have to coordinate theme, budget, sizes, comfort, and – above all – ensure the idea works for both those who love to dress up and those who just want to have fun. At Teular, we have been dressing comparsas, peñas, AMPAs, and groups of friends for Carnival throughout Spain for over 20 years. Here are the 15 themes that work best in 2026, with practical tips for each one.
15 Group Costume Ideas for Carnival
1. Romans and Galicians (the winning combination)
Half the group dresses as Romans and the other half as Galicians. It's the perfect formula for mixed groups: men as legionaries, women as matrons or priestesses, eye-catching accessories, and no one gets cold. It also prepares the group for the Arde Lucus in June.
2. Charleston and 1920s
Elegant, timeless, and very photogenic. Women in fringe dresses, feathers in their hair, and long necklaces. Men in pinstripe suits, gangster hats, and bow ties. Works for small, medium, and large groups – even for couples who want to coordinate. See 1920s-1990s collection.
3. 1960s-70s Hippies
The easiest and cheapest group costume. Hawaiian shirt, flared pants, Afro wig or loose hair, round glasses, and lots of color. Works for all body types and ages, requires no complicated makeup, and is very comfortable for a long day.
4. Pirates (the classic that never fails)
Bandana, eye patch, white shirt, red sash, decorative sword. The pirate theme offers a lot of variety: captain, sailor, musketeer, quartermaster. Each person can personalize their look while maintaining group coherence.
5. 1980s Disco
Colorful spandex, teased hair wig, big glasses, leg warmers, and sparkle – lots of sparkle. It's the boldest theme and looks best in a parade. Recommended for young groups who want to stand out.
6. Noah's Ark Animals
Each group member dresses as a different animal. This provides a lot of fun: cow, lion, bee, cat, dog, bear. If there are many of you, you can go in "pairs" (always two of each animal) and get photographed that way. See animal costumes.
7. Professions (doctors, police, firefighters)
Unified profession theme or each person a different one (crazy occupation). If you're going for a farewell party or team event, everyone as doctors or everyone as firefighters is a classic. If you're a large group, you can create a "satirical hospital" with each person representing a department.
8. Countries of the World
Each group member dresses as a different nationality or ethnicity: Arab, Mexican, Japanese, Hawaiian, Dutch, Scottish. This provides a lot of visual appeal and is very recognizable in parades. Important to do it with cultural respect – avoid offensive caricatures.
9. Historical Figures
Each group member dresses as a different historical figure: Cleopatra, Napoleon, Marie Antoinette, Julius Caesar, Queen Elizabeth. Works very well in small groups (5-8 people) where each person can be recognizable.
10. Movie or TV Series Characters
Stranger Things, Money Heist, Squid Game, Harry Potter, The Godfather. TV and movie themes work very well if everyone has seen the same show/movie. Important: the theme must be recognizable – if only 3 people know what you're dressed as, it failed.
11. Classic Fairy Tales (Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White)
For groups with children or families, classic fairy tales are unbeatable: Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, The Three Little Pigs, Alice in Wonderland. Adaptable to large groups (Snow White can accommodate up to 10 people with extended dwarfs).
12. Indians and Cowboys (Western)
Half the group as cowboys with hats, vests, boots, and fake revolvers. The other half as Indians with feathers, paint, and tunics. It's very visual and allows for improvised parade scenes (saloon, chase, truce).
13. Vikings and Norse Warriors
Fur capes, horned helmets (yes, historically not accurate, but it's what people recognize), swords, and fake beards for men. Women as Valkyries or Viking Maidens. A theme that withstands cold and looks good for photos.
14. Star Wars Army
Stormtroopers, Imperial officers, Vader, Princess Leia, Luke, Yoda. It's very recognizable and the costumes are quite comfortable. Ideal if there are fans of the saga in the group – everyone will enjoy the character more.
15. Absurd or Trashy Wedding
A couple "marries" at Carnival and the rest of the group are guests with exotic looks: annoying aunt, drunk mother-in-law, crazy cousin, skull groomsman, nervous groom. Provides a lot of fun for Carnival humor.
How to Organize a Group Costume Well
Step 1: Decide on a Theme
Before buying anything, everyone must agree. Themes that usually generate the most discussion are gender-specific ones (some don't want to dress as a specific man/woman) or very childish ones (some adults refuse). Better to choose neutral themes or where everyone can choose a nuance.
Step 2: Define a Budget per Person
If there are people in the group with very different budgets, the risk is that some will have quality costumes and others will have cheap industrial ones. The difference shows in photos. It's better to agree on an average budget so that everyone is at the same level.
Step 3: Coordinate Sizes
Gather everyone's sizes on a sheet before buying. If someone doesn't know their exact size, it's best for them to come to the physical store to try them on. Size mistakes are the main cause of drama in groups.
Step 4: Buy in Advance
We recommend placing your order 3-4 weeks before Carnival. Popular sizes (M, L) sell out quickly in January-February, and handmade costumes require manufacturing time.
Step 5: Try On and Adjust
When the costumes arrive, organize a "dress rehearsal" before Carnival. Verify sizes, accessories, and makeup. If something doesn't work, there's time to change it.
Advantages of Buying Group Costumes at Teular
- Personalized advice: we help you choose a theme based on the group, ages, and budget.
- Volume discounts: for 5+ people, we apply special prices.
- Real stock: you have the guarantee that sizes are available when we order them.
- Physical store: if you are in Galicia, you can come and try them on before finalizing the order.
- Adapted logistics: coordinated shipments so everything arrives on time for Carnival.
For group orders, email info@teular.com with the subject "GROUP ORDER" and include: number of people, theme (if you have one clear), event date, and estimated budget. We will prepare a personalized proposal for you.
Summary: The 5 Most Successful Group Themes
- Romans and Galicians (mixed, comfortable, photogenic)
- 1920s Charleston (elegant, timeless)
- 1960s-70s Hippies (easy, comfortable, fun)
- Pirates (a classic that never fails)
- Stranger Things or recognizable series (perfect for young groups)
Whatever your choice, at Teular we have the costumes, accessories, and makeup to complete your group's look. And if you don't know what to choose, write to us: we love to propose ideas for groups.
Prefer to see individual ideas? Here is our complete Carnival collection.