Malaga Carnival 2026 will bring together street parades, costume contests, kids’ events, and evening gala shows across the main cities of the Costa del Sol. The most packed program is in Malaga (street events peak on 7–15 February). Other standout dates include Estepona (7–8 February), Nerja (12–15 February), Ronda (14–22 February), Marbella (7–22 February), plus the Gala Drag Queen in Torremolinos (21 February 2026).

• Who it’s for: families with children, fans of street festivals, and anyone who wants to combine a celebration with a seaside weekend.
• Steps: pick a city and dates – book accommodation – check the official program and tickets – plan transport.
• Timing: the main wave of events is February 2026 (city-by-city details below).
• Cost: street events are often free; some gala shows/theatre evenings require tickets (from €5).
• Risks: programs may change and events can be rescheduled due to weather – always double-check sources before you travel.

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Carnival on the Costa del Sol is not a single day, but a whole series of events: street parades, costume contests, performances by carnival groups (chirigotas and comparsas), ceremonial openings (pregon), family activities, and evening gala shows. Below are quick ориентиры for the region’s most popular cities and the programs where they’ve already been published.

Note:

– Chirigotas (Sp. chirigotas) are satirical musical groups and a signature feature of Spanish carnivals.

– Comparsas (Sp. comparsas) are choreographed carnival groups performing in bright costumes.

– Pregon (Sp. pregon) is the ceremonial proclamation that officially opens the festivities.

If you’re choosing a city to live in or spend the winter, this guide is useful: Costa del Sol: a complete overview of the region

Carnival on the Costa del Sol: overview and where the biggest events happen

• Malaga – the highest concentration of street events, several stages in the historic center, and final traditions (including “Entierro del Boqueron”).
• Marbella – carnival group competitions and a gala concert, often with charity fundraising.
• Estepona – a compact weekend format: performances, costume contests, a kids’ block, and “Entierro de la Sardina”.
• Nerja – carnival competitions and a lively atmosphere in a smaller seaside town.
• Tolox – the unusual “Day of the Powders” (Dia de los Polvos), worth a separate trip.
• Ronda – carnival with local food events, a parade (cabalgata), and “Quema del Muneco”.

Costa del Sol Carnival calendar 2026

Malaga Carnival (city): full program 2026

Malaga Carnival 2026 has already started in late January. The program opened with the first preliminary stage of the city’s official carnival groups competition – COAC (Concurso Oficial de Agrupaciones de Carnaval). Semi-finals take place in the first week of February. Beyond the competition, other activities are planned in the coming weeks: district carnival events, the main carnival parade, the Drag Queen gala, and traditional ceremonial openings (pregones). By tradition, the celebration ends with the “burial of the anchovy” – Entierro del Boqueron.

COAC Malaga 2026

About 50 carnival groups will take part in COAC Malaga 2026. Preliminary performances started on 23 January, semi-finals take place in the first week of February, and the Grand Final is on 6 February.

• 23–30 January – COAC 2026 preliminary rounds at ESAD, start at 20:00.
• 1–4 February – semi-finals at Teatro Cervantes.
• Friday, 6 February – COAC 2026 Grand Final.

Gala de la Cantera (children’s groups)

On 1 February, the Gala de la Cantera takes place – performances by children’s carnival groups (the next generation of the carnival). Ticket price: €4.

Carnival in the city districts (Carnaval en tu distrito)

The “Carnival in your district” format runs from 31 January to 14 February. Dates and locations:

• Saturday, 31 January – Potaje Perchelero (13:00);
• Sunday, 8 February – Paella carnavalera in Palma-Palmilla (13:00);
• Saturday, 14 February – Fideos a la parte in El Palo (13:00).

Additionally, from 13 January to 4 February, there are district carnival events for seniors. A big gala concert takes place on 7 February at 17:30 in Teatro Cervantes.

Opening conference (Conferencia Inaugural)

The Carnival Foundation rescheduled the Opening Conference to 5 February. It will be delivered by journalist and flamenco specialist Manuel Curao.

• Venue: Cine Albeniz, time: 19:45.
• Participants: musicians and performers Juan Francisco Bermudez, Encarni Navarro, and Deni Pena. Host: Pepelu Ramos.

Carnival on the streets

The street program starts on Friday, 7 February:

• 17:30 – seniors’ gala concert at Teatro Cervantes;
• 20:00 – pregon (official opening) by Rafael Estades “Morta” and Miguel Angel Vegas “El Chorly” at Plaza de la Constitucion;
• 21:00 – election of Dios Momo and Diosa del Carnaval.

Sunday, 8 February:

• 12:00 – children’s program pregon (cantera) with Leo Rodriguez and Dana Quintero at Plaza de la Constitucion;
• 13:00 – election of children’s titles: Principe and Princesa, Dios Momo Infantil, and Diosa Infantil;
• then – the Grand Carnival Parade.

Stages for carnival group performances

Four stages will operate in central Malaga for adult carnival group performances:

• Escenario Cerveza Victoria – Plaza de la Constitucion.
• Escenario Tesesa – Calle Larios.
• Escenario Bocaboca – Calle Larios.
• Escenario Deca – Calle Granada.

A традиционный final evening on the square also takes place on 12 February at 20:00.

13–15 February: key events in the final days

Friday, 13 February

• 20:00 – Gala Drag Queen at Plaza de la Constitucion, hosted by drag Pinkchadora.

Saturday, 14 February – Costume Day (Dia del Disfraz)

• morning – children’s costume contest at Plaza de la Constitucion, plus awards for drawings and workshops;
• 20:00 – Batalla de las Flores;
• evening – performance by Mr Proper.

Sunday, 15 February

• morning at Plaza de la Constitucion – awards ceremony, Desfile de Dioses and Gran Boquerona;
• 17:00 – the traditional “burial of the anchovy” – Entierro del Boqueron (a symbolic end to the carnival).

If you’re considering life in the city beyond events, here’s also useful: Malaga neighborhoods for living.

View properties in Malaga

Marbella Carnival 2026 and nearby towns: dates and key events

The municipality of Marbella presented the 2026 Carnival program, running 7–28 February, covering events in Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara, Nueva Andalucia, and Las Chapas.

7 February: Opening day – the traditional Pregon

The official opening takes place on Saturday, 7 February, with the traditional Pregon at Palacio de Ferias y Congresos Adolfo Suarez. The pregonero (host) will be local musician Jose Antonio Ortiz Fernandez “El Pirata”. A tribute is also planned for Marco Antonio Gil Enriquez, including the presentation of the Escudo de Oro del Carnaval 2026.

That same day, the symbolic figures of the year (Venus, Ninfas, and Dios Momo) will be presented, and local groups will perform: chirigotas Los Graduados and Menuda Noche, comparsas El Desvelo and Al Sur del Sur. The evening ends with a guest chirigota Los que la tienen de marmol.

12–20 February: children’s events and competition performances

• 12 February – children’s chirigotas competition at Palacio de Ferias y Congresos Adolfo Suarez with local schools.
• 15 February – Pregon Infantil at Parque de la Represa: animation, giveaways, and selecting carnival figures for the youngest.
• 18–19 February – semi-finals of the XXIX Concurso de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas.
• 20 February – the competition final at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. Tickets: €5 for charity.

15 February: Las Chapas – local carnival program

On 15 February (afternoon), Las Chapas holds its own celebration at Pueblo Platero, with workshops, costume contests, and carnival group performances.

21 February: Desfile del Humor and the “confetti battle”

Saturday, 21 February features the traditional Desfile del Humor along the main avenues: animation, costume contests, and Combate de los colores de Fiestas (a paper “battle” on Avenida Nabeul). In the evening there are awards, music with DJ Carlos de la Mega, and guest carnival groups from Cadiz at Parque de la Represa.

22 February: Mejillonada and the “sardine piñata”

Sunday, 22 February – XXVI Mejillonada de Carnaval (Memorial Antonio Rubia “El Extranjero”) by Pena Carnavalesca Los Nocheros: free mussel tasting and performances. Also scheduled: III Concurso de Coplas “Los Nocheros” and the traditional piñata de la sardina.

Finale – 28 February: Chorizada Popular

The program closes on Saturday, 28 February, at Plaza Jose Rodriguez “El Triana” near the headquarters of Asociacion Cultural Carnavalesca Marbelli (Jose Iturbi street). Visitors can expect free tastings and performances.

Cost and access

Most events are free. Exceptions are charity-ticketed events (e.g., the final on 20 February).

You can download the detailed Marbella Carnival program in Spanish via this link.

If you want more than just the festivities – a guide to lifestyle and areas: Marbella: city guide

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San Pedro de Alcantara Carnival 2026: 13–15 February

The San Pedro de Alcantara program runs 13–15 February, focusing on children’s “cantera” and local groups. The children’s chirigotas competition is scheduled for 11 and 12 February from 10:00 at Palacio de Ferias y Congresos Adolfo Suarez.

• Friday, 13 February – 11:00 children’s parades with schools Maria Teresa Leon and Miguel Hernandez, then a children’s program from 17:00 on the Boulevard de San Pedro Alcantara (animation, children’s costume contests, performances).
• Saturday, 14 February – 17:00 Desfile del Humor, adult costume contest, and a DJ set at Plaza Iglesia.
• Sunday, 15 February – from 13:00 “San Pedro Carnavaleando” at the boulevard amphitheater: local and guest groups from Cadiz, with festivities throughout the day.

The program also includes a tribute to Juanjo Alcantara, a notable figure historically connected to the San Pedro carnival.

You can download the detailed San Pedro program in Spanish via this link.

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Nueva Andalucia Carnival 2026

Nueva Andalucia has its own schedule:

• 7 February – celebration at Espacio Polivalente (kids’ activities, costume contests, performances).
• 8 February – continuation on Avenida Las Palmeras.
• 12 February – event at Centro de Participacion Activa with a costume contest.
• 13 February – pasacalles organized by CEIP Jose Banus.

The detailed program (Spanish) is available via this link.

Estepona Carnival 2026: program for 7–8 February

The municipality of Estepona prepared the 2026 Carnival program for 7–8 February. Highlights include carnival group performances, Gala Drag Queen, costume contests, a children’s program, and the finale Entierro de la Sardina.

Saturday, 7 February

• 12:00 – performances by agrupaciones carnavalescas at Plaza Antonia Guerrero (in case of rain: Caseta Municipal at Recinto Ferial):
  • Chirigota “Menuda Noche” (Estepona and San Pedro Alcantara). Director: Alberto Benitez. Lyrics and music: Jose Miguel Mata and Alberto Benitez.
  • Comparsa “El desvelo de Marbella”. Director: Antonio Quinones. Lyrics: Guillermo Guerrero and Manuel Santander. Music: Manuel Santander and Antonio Quinones.
  • Chirigota “Los Mejores (de nuestra casa)” (Estepona), anthology. Director: Alejandro Higuero. Lyrics and music: Jose Alberto Ledesma.
• 19:00 – Gala Drag Queen Estepona at Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos.
  • “La Gran Noche del Disfraz” (Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos): costume contest without prior registration. From 19:00 to 21:30, “spotters” select the best looks for Ninfa and Momo.

• 22:00 – costume contest awards ceremony.

Sunday, 8 February

• 12:00–16:00 – large children’s program (animators and inflatable attractions) at Caseta Municipal. Parade to select the best children’s costumes for Ninfa and Momo.
• 14:00 – children’s costume contest awards ceremony.

More details (Spanish) via this link.

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Torremolinos Carnival + Gala Drag Queen 2026

Carnival in Torremolinos is celebrated very vibrantly, with strong local participation and a lively atmosphere across the streets and squares. Events typically include a “chirigotas” competition, a parade in La Carihuela, a children’s costume contest, and a large carnival ball at the congress and exhibition palace. As in other municipalities, the highlight is the traditional “burial of the sardine,” held in the San Miguel area.

The key event of Torremolinos carnival week is Gala Drag 2026:

• Date: 21 February 2026
• Time: from 20:00
• Venue: Auditorio Municipal Principe de Asturias (Auditorium Torremolinos)
• Tickets: available online

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Benalmadena Carnival 2026: dates, locations, and highlights

In Benalmadena, the 2026 Carnival program has been announced – a celebration for all ages running 2–15 February in Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel. The schedule includes a school carnival, parades, costume contests, and traditional food and music gatherings.

2–6 February: Carnaval Escolar

The program opens with the school carnival (Carnaval Escolar), running 2–6 February.

Friday, 6 February: XXV Gala Drag Queen

• 21:30 – XXV Gala Drag Queen at Plaza de la Mezquita (Arroyo de la Miel).

Saturday, 7 February: Pregon and the first carnival parade

• Pregon of Carnival 2026 at Plaza de la Mezquita. Host: Antonio Chacon, president of Pena Amigos del Carnaval “El Tipo”.
• 17:00 – traditional parade (desfile) in Benalmadena Pueblo with costume contests, live music, and folk dancing.

Saturday, 14 February: desfile in Arroyo de la Miel

• 17:00 – carnival parade (desfile) in Arroyo de la Miel with costume contests, music, and festive dancing.

Sunday, 15 February: finale – Solemne Desfile and Quema de la Lagartija

The program ends on 15 February with the Solemne Desfile and Quema de la Lagartija, one of Benalmadena’s most recognizable carnival rituals.

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Fuengirola Carnival

Fuengirola most often holds its carnival in February, with street activities and costume contests, but the specific program is usually published closer to the dates. Before your trip, check the city’s official agenda and municipality news.

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Nerja Carnival 2026: program and key events

Nerja is preparing for one of the most anticipated events of the year – the 42nd Carnival, taking place 12–15 February. Over four days, the town turns into a large open-air stage filled with music, costumes, creativity, and a festive atmosphere.

The 2026 Nerja Carnival program was presented by deputy mayor Ana Maria Munoz and councillor for local traditions Elena Galvez. This year includes new elements aimed at both residents and visitors, while keeping the “classic” spirit of the celebration.

Thursday, 12 February: Pregon and Murga performance

The carnival opens on 12 February with the traditional pregon at Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja. The host is Antonio Cabra “Chirivita”, and the program includes a performance by Murga “El Chino”.

Friday, 13 February: children’s costumes, election of Ninfas and Momo, youth party

On 13 February, there are children’s costume contests and the election of Ninfas and Momo. Events take place at aparcamiento Giner de los Rios, which also hosts a youth party.

Saturday, 14 February: Gran Desfile

On 14 February, Nerja’s streets fill with color and humor during the Grand Carnival Parade (Gran Desfile). Start: 17:00 from calle Jaen.

Sunday, 15 February: Entierro del Chanquete

The celebration ends on 15 February with the traditional Entierro del Chanquete, the final highlight of carnival week.

Good to know

Organizers invite both residents and visitors to join. Nerja Carnival is recognized as Interes Turistico Provincial and is typically seen as a mix of folk culture, community, and entertainment.

More details about Nerja Carnival: via this link.

About the town in general: Nerja: what you need to know

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Ronda Carnival 2026: event program

Saturday, 14 February

• 19:30 – Pregon and carnival gala at Teatro Vicente Espinel. Tickets: Delegacion de Cultura and www.giglon.com.

Sunday, 15 February

• 13:30 – Migas Populares, Plaza de los Descalzos.
• Performance by a comparsa from Cadiz: “El Desguace”.

Friday, 20 February

• 20:30 – carnival gala in the tent (Carpa), Plaza de los Descalzos.
• Performance by a chirigota from Cadiz: “Los Cadisapiens”.

Saturday, 21 February

• 12:00 – Cabalgata de Carnaval (carnival parade).
• 14:30 – Callos Populares, Plaza de los Descalzos. Performance by a chirigota from Cadiz: “Los Desconfiaos”.
• 17:30 – children’s event, Plaza de los Descalzos.
• 20:00 – Quema del Muneco (burning of the carnival figure), Plaza de los Descalzos.
• 21:00 – carnival party in the tent (Carpa), Plaza de los Descalzos, with a DJ.

Tolox Carnival: “Day of the Powders” and one of Malaga’s oldest traditions

Carnival in Tolox is considered one of the oldest and most distinctive celebrations in the province of Malaga. It is recognized as Fiesta de Singularidad Turistica. Historical documents from the late 17th and early 18th centuries already mention this tradition, as well as bans and restrictions introduced by the Church in different periods.

A quick look at the history and “Dia de los Polvos”

According to historical records (including municipal acts), Tolox Carnival dates back centuries. Its most recognizable part is Martes de Carnaval – Carnival Tuesday – locally known as “Dia de los Polvos” (“Day of the Powders”).

The tradition

The tradition begins in the early hours of Carnival Tuesday night. In the past, young men would “powder” girls with talc as a sign of affection – a symbolic declaration of love. Old descriptions portray it as an “ordeal”: to reach their chosen one, boys used хитрые tricks and could sneak to houses via windows, rooftops, and terraces.

Girls, by tradition, “resisted” until noon, after which they went out into the streets and performed folk dances – la guasa, los galeones, and la rueda.

How does it work today?

Today, the main “powder day” events are centered at Plaza Alta. The atmosphere is created by performances from murgas, chirigotas, and comparsas, as well as costume contests. After that, starting around 00:00, the most famous part begins: people of all ages “powder” each other to music and folk dancing.

Finale: Entierro de la Sardina

The celebration ends with Entierro de la Sardina (“Burial of the Sardine”) in the second half of Carnival Tuesday.

What it means today

If in the past “powdering” symbolized romantic affection, today it more often represents friendship, community, and joyful participation. This “game” is what makes Tolox Carnival so distinctive and attractive to both locals and visitors who want to see a truly unusual Andalusian tradition.

Want to live close to the main Costa del Sol events?

If you’re planning a relocation or buying property on the Costa del Sol, you can start by choosing a location and property type:

• Property catalogue for sale
• Property search and purchase support service
• Mortgage in Spain (documents and support)

Disclaimer: this information is not legal or tax advice and is not a public offer.

Malaga Carnival FAQ

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