Málaga Carnival 2026: a comprehensive guide for the whole province
Málaga Carnival 2026 will take place from 7 to 15 February and will fill the capital and numerous towns across the province with parades, competitions, fancy dress, music and traditional cuisine. This guide brings together the key dates, confirmed activities and the top spots for enjoying the carnival in Málaga in 2026.
As well as the capital, towns such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Vélez-Málaga and Marbella also hold their own carnival celebrations, allowing you to plan themed getaways across the province and visit less crowded spots in February.
The preliminary round of the COAC (Official Singing Groups Competition) will take place between 23 and 30 January at the Higher School of Dramatic Art (ESAD). The semi-finals will be held from 1 to 4 February at the Cervantes Theatre. Finally, the grand final is scheduled for Friday 6 February. Once the competition has finished, the following day the celebrations will begin in the streets of the city centre and in some of the city’s neighbourhoods. Below are the most important dates and events.
📅 Key dates for the 2026 Málaga Carnival
📍 1–4 February → COAC semi-finals at the Cervantes Theatre.
📍 6 February → COAC final at the Cervantes Theatre.
📍 7 February → Opening address, election of the Carnival God and Goddess, and street carnival.
📍 8 February → Parade and children’s competition.
📍 12 February → Grand Final in the Plaza de la Constitución.
📍 13–14 February → Drag Gala and Battle of the Flowers.
📍 15 February → Grand Boqueroná and Burial of the Boquerón.
🎭 Málaga Carnival: programme and highlights
Málaga city centre hosts the most extensive programme of events. Most of the activities are free and take place in the Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios, the Cervantes Theatre and neighbourhoods such as El Palo, El Perchel and Palma-Palmilla.
Here are the best-known events of the Málaga Carnival:
🎤 Official opening speech: marks the start of the carnival in the Plaza de la Constitución.
👑 Election of the God and Goddess of Carnival: a symbolic event that is very popular with the people of Málaga.
🎺 Parade and fancy dress competitions: parades that fill the historic centre with colour and live performances.
🌈 Drag Gala: one of the most eye-catching and well-attended shows of the carnival.
🌸 Battle of the Flowers: a battle of confetti and flowers held mainly on Calle Larios.
🐟 Gran Boqueroná and Burial of the Anchovy: anchovy snacks for everyone and the traditional closing ceremony on La Malagueta Beach with the parade and the burial of the anchovy.
Finally, the combination of daytime and evening events means that everyone can enjoy the 2026 Málaga Carnival, whatever their travel style: families, couples or groups of friends.
🌍 Carnival in towns across the province
As well as the capital, other towns also celebrate their own carnivals with parades, competitions and family-friendly activities.
🥁 Torremolinos
In Torremolinos, Carnival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, a lively atmosphere and massive participation from the town’s residents. There are numerous activities, such as the ‘Chirigotas’ competition, the Carnival parade in La Carihuela, the children’s fancy dress competition and the Grand Carnival Ball at the Conference and Exhibition Centre. Furthermore, the Drag Queen Gala, a key event in the LGBTIQ+ community, will take place on 21 February. Finally, the traditional Burial of the Sardine is held near the San Miguel neighbourhood.
🎷 Benalmádena
The Benalmádena Carnival takes place across Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena Pueblo and the Marina. The highlights include the batucada performances, the parades with floats, the group competition and the children’s parties in squares and parks. In addition, daytime events are held at the Marina, accompanied by dancing and carnival troupes. It is therefore an ideal destination for those looking for a Carnival by the sea. Finally, whilst there are no official dates yet for the Benalmádena Carnival, it is set to take place in mid- to late February.
👨👩👧 Fuengirola
Fuengirola offers a very family-friendly Carnival, with neighbourhood parades, children’s workshops, entertainment and fancy dress competitions in central squares. In addition, events are usually organised in the Plaza de España, featuring local performances and music. In this case, the programme is accessible, convenient and highly rated by those travelling with children. Finally, it will take place during the first fortnight of February, although no official dates have been announced yet.
🌆 Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara
Marbella celebrates its Carnival with parades through the town centre, fancy dress competitions, dances in the squares and activities for children. The Carnival begins with the Carnival Poster Competition in mid-January and ends in mid-February. Meanwhile, in San Pedro Alcántara, a separate programme is organised featuring street parades, school performances, bouncy castles, entertainment and music. In short, the combination of an urban setting and family-friendly activities ensures it is well received by locals and visitors alike.
🌊 Estepona
Now let’s talk about the Estepona Carnival, which takes place on 7 and 8 February. Here, the festivities are centred around squares and open spaces, where children’s and adults’ competitions, performances by local groups, parades and daytime carnival events featuring food and music take place. In the evening, there are usually live performances and dancing. In short, the programme allows you to enjoy both family-friendly activities and nightlife.
🌄 Vélez-Málaga and Torre del Mar
In Vélez-Málaga, the Carnival is held from 21 to 24 February (although the date has not yet been confirmed). It includes a grand parade along the main avenues, featuring groups, costumes and floats. In addition, children’s competitions, shows and music are organised in the town centre’s squares. In short, the town turns out in force onto the streets, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere.
Torre del Mar celebrates its own Carnival from 11 to 14 February with parades, children’s entertainment and events along the seafront promenade, giving it a distinctly Mediterranean feel. There are also fancy dress competitions, performances and prize-giving ceremonies. In short, it’s a great option for anyone wanting to enjoy Carnival by the sea.
🎺 Coín, Alhaurín el Grande, Alhaurín de la Torre, Cártama and Álora
The towns in the Guadalhorce Valley celebrate Carnival with parades, competitions, children’s entertainment, local groups and festivities in the town squares. What’s more, each town tailors the programme to its own style, offering intimate experiences that are ideal for those seeking a Carnival away from the crowds. In this case, the festivities take place throughout February and into early March.
🏘 Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas and La Cala
Mijas has three towns, each celebrating Carnival in its own way: Mijas Pueblo with events in squares and charming narrow streets; Las Lagunas with parades, competitions and open-air stages; and La Cala with daytime Carnival, children’s performances and parades by the sea. Here, the variety on offer means you can choose according to your preferred style of celebration. Finally, it takes place in late February and early March.
🐟 Nerja
Nerja offers a lively Carnival that usually includes parades, parties in the Plaza de España, children’s competitions, music and the ‘Entierro del Chanquete’ – a highly symbolic and entertaining event that brings the festivities to a humorous close. It takes place from 12 to 15 February. In short, it is one of the most picturesque carnivals on the eastern coast.
🏞 Ronda
Ronda comes alive with Carnival in its main streets, featuring parades along Carrera Espinel and events in the squares of the historic centre. It takes place from 14 to 22 February. There are also fancy dress competitions, children’s activities and performances by local groups. Against the backdrop of the impressive cityscape, the Carnival takes on a very special atmosphere.
💡 Tips for enjoying the 2026 Málaga Carnival
✔ Book in advance if you’re travelling in February.
✔ Check timetables on each local council’s official website in the days leading up to the event.
✔ Arrive at the parades in good time to avoid the crowds.
✔ Use public transport to get around Málaga city centre more easily.
✔ Try the local cuisine (boquerones, pescaíto, tapas)
🏨 Where to stay during Carnival
Depending on your travel plans, you can choose:
Málaga city centre: perfect for getting around on foot, experiencing the carnival and avoiding the need for a car. Here are the best places to stay.
Costa del Sol: combine the beach with the carnival (Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola).
Inland towns: quieter family getaways where Carnival is also celebrated (Alhaurín el Grande, Coín, Cártama).
In short, if you need accommodation, at Cubo’s Holidays Homes we’ll help you find the right option based on the number of people, location and type of trip.
🔗 Useful links
🎉 The province of Málaga awaits you in February
The 2026 Málaga Carnival is one of the most colourful winter events in Andalusia. With confirmed dates, street events, competitions, music and local cuisine, it’s a unique opportunity to discover the province from a different perspective. Whether in the capital or in the coastal and inland towns, the carnival offers something for every type of traveller. Come and experience unforgettable moments.