🎭 Malaga Carnival 2026: complete guide for the whole province
The Malaga Carnival 2026 will take place from February 7 to February 15 and will fill the capital and numerous municipalities in the province with parades, contests, costumes, music and typical gastronomy. This guide brings together the key dates, confirmed activities and the most notable places to enjoy the carnival in Málaga during 2026.
In addition to the capital, cities such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Vélez-Málaga or Marbella also celebrate their own carnival, which allows you to plan themed getaways across the province and visit less crowded places in February.
The preliminary phase of the COAC (Official Carnival Singing Groups Contest) will be held between January 23 and January 30 at the Superior School of Dramatic Art (ESAD). The semifinals will take place from February 1 to February 4 at the Cervantes Theatre. Finally, the grand final is scheduled for Friday, February 6. Once the contest has ended, the next day the street party will begin in the centre and some neighbourhoods of the city. Below, you have the most important dates and events.
📅 Key Dates of Malaga Carnival 2026
🎟 1–4 February → COAC semifinals at the Cervantes Theatre.
🏆 6 February → COAC final at the Cervantes Theatre.
🎉 7 February → Opening ceremony, choice of the God and Goddess of the Carnival and street carnival.
🎈 8 February → Parade and children’s contest.
📍 12 February → Finale at Plaza de la Constitución.
🌈 13–14 February → Drag Gala and Battle of the Flowers.
🐟 15 February → Grand Boqueroná and Burial of the Anchovy.
🎉 Malaga Carnival: Programme and Highlighted Events
Málaga capital hosts the most extensive programme. Most of the activities are free and take place in Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios, Teatro Cervantes and neighbourhoods such as El Palo, El Perchel or Palma-Palmilla.
Here are some of the most well-known acts of the Malaga Carnival:
🎤 Official Opening Ceremony: marks the start of the carnival in Plaza de la Constitución.
👑Election of the God and Goddess of the Carnival: a symbolic event widely followed by locals.
🎺 Parade and Costume Contests: parades that fill the historic centre with colour and live performances.
🌈Drag Gala:one of the most striking and attended shows of the carnival.
🌸 Battle of Flowers:a floral and confetti parade held mainly on Calle Larios.
🐟 Grand Boqueroná and Burial of the Anchovy:free boquerones (fried fish) for everyone and the traditional closing on La Malagueta Beach with the parade and the burial of the anchovy.
The combination of daytime and nighttime activities allows enjoying Malaga Carnival 2026 in a way that suits any type of traveller: families, couples or groups of friends.
🌍 Carnival in the Province’s Municipalities
Besides the capital, other municipalities also celebrate their carnival with parades, competitions and family-friendly activities.
🥁 Torremolinos
In Torremolinos, the carnival is experienced with enthusiasm, a great atmosphere and massive participation by locals. There are many activities such as the Chirigotas contest, carnival parade in La Carihuela, children’s costume contest and the Grand Carnival Ball at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones. Additionally, the Drag Queen Gala, a benchmark in the LGTBIQ+ world, will be held on February 21. To conclude, the traditional Burial of the Sardine takes place near the San Miguel neighbourhood.
🎷 Benalmádena
The Carnival of Benalmádena is spread across Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena Pueblo and the Marina area. The most notable features are its batucadas, floats in parades, the groups contest and children’s parties in squares and parks. Furthermore, daytime events in the Marina are accompanied by dance and carnival squads. Therefore, it is an ideal destination for those seeking a beachside carnival. Although official dates for Benalmádena’s carnival are not yet published, it will take place in mid to late February.
👨👩👧 Fuengirola
Fuengirola offers a carnival very oriented towards families, with neighbourhood parades, children’s workshops, entertainment and costume contests in central squares. Additionally, events are often scheduled in Plaza de España with local performances and music. In this case, the programme is accessible, comfortable and highly appreciated by those travelling with children. The carnival is expected to be held during the first half of February, even though exact dates have not yet been officially announced.
🌆 Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara
Marbella celebrates its carnival with parades through the city centre, costume contests, dances in squares and activities for children. The carnival begins with the Carnival Poster Contest in mid-January and ends in mid-February. Meanwhile, in San Pedro de Alcántara there is an independent programme with parades, school performances, inflatables, entertainment and music. All in all, the combination of urban and family-friendly events makes it a popular choice among residents and visitors alike.
🌊 Estepona
Now let’s talk about the Estepona Carnival, which will be held on February 7 and 8. Here, events take place in open squares and public areas, including children’s and adult contests, local group festivals, parades and daytime carnival with food and music. At night there are usually live performances and dancing. Its programme offers both family-oriented events and evening entertainment.
🌄 Vélez-Málaga y Torre del Mar
In the Axarquía region, Vélez-Málaga celebrates its carnival from February 21 to 24, although dates are still not officially confirmed. The carnival includes a big parade along the main avenues, with groups, costumes and floats. Additionally, there are children’s contests, shows and music in town squares.
In Torre del Mar, their carnival runs from February 11 to 14, with parades, children’s entertainment and seaside events, giving it a very Mediterranean flavour. Competitions and performances with prizes are also organised, making it a great option for those wanting to enjoy carnival by the sea.
🎺 Coín, Alhaurín el Grande, Alhaurín de la Torre, Cártama and Álora
The towns of the Guadalhorce Valley celebrate carnival with parades, competitions, children’s entertainment, local groups and parties in squares. Each town adapts the programme to its style, offering close-knit celebrations ideal for those who prefer a less crowded carnival. In these municipalities, carnival generally takes place throughout February and into early March.
🏘 Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas and La Cala
Mijas has three urban nuclei that celebrate carnival differently: Mijas Pueblo with acts in charming squares and narrow streets, Las Lagunas with parades, competitions and open-air stages, and La Cala with daytime carnival, children’s shows and seaside parades. This variety allows visitors to choose a carnival style that suits them, and celebrations typically occur in late February and early March.
🐟 Nerja
Nerja offers a lively carnival that usually includes parades, parties in Plaza de España, children’s contests, music and the Burial of the Chanquete, a symbolic and fun closing event. Additionally, it is celebrated from February 12 to 15, making it one of the most colorful and picturesque carnivals on the eastern coast..
🏞 Ronda
Ronda experiences carnival in its main streets with parades along Carrera Espinel and events in central squares. Additionally, it is organised between February 14 and 22, with costume contests, children’s activities and performances by local groups. With its spectacular urban landscape as a backdrop, the carnival takes on a unique atmosphere.
💡 Tips for Enjoying Malaga Carnival 2026
✔ Book ahead if you’re travelling in February.
✔ Check schedules on the official websites of each municipality before attending.
✔ Arrive early for parades to avoid crowds.
✔ Use public transport for easier access in Málaga Capital.
✔ Try local gastronomy (boquerones, fried fish, tapas).
🏨 Where to Stay During Carnival
Depending on your trip style:
🏙️ Málaga capital: perfect for walking around carnival events. Click here for see the best apartments.
🌊 Costa del Sol: combine beach and carnival (Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola).
🏞️ Interior towns: relaxed getaways with carnival celebrations as well (Alhaurín el Grande, Coín, Cártama).
In short, if you need accommodation, Cubo’s Holiday Homes can guide you based on group size, location and travel style.
🔗Useful Links
🌟 Malaga Province Awaits You in February
The Malaga Carnival 2026 is one of the most colorful winter events in Andalusia. With confirmed dates, street events, contests, music and gastronomy, it becomes a unique opportunity to discover the province from a different perspective. Whether in the capital or in coastal and interior towns, the carnival offers options for all types of travellers. Come and experience unforgettable moments.