The Malaga Carnival: 500 Years of Colour, Satire, and Anchovies!
A few years ago (more than I’d like to admit), during my first Carnival in Malaga, I got lost in a sea of shiny costumes. While a chirigota sang about Malaga politicians to the rhythm of a guitar, just imagine: everyone laughing their heads off. The rich smell of freshly fried fish sticks to your clothes, and confetti ends up in your pockets.
That day, in my “low-cost” flamenco outfit (yep, I wore a red skirt and a flower in my hair), I understood why this festival is the soul of the city. If you want to experience something that blends tradition, satire, and overflowing joy, keep reading: I’ll tell you everything about the Malaga Carnival, including how to get around the Costa del Sol so you don’t miss a thing.
Table of Contents
What is the Malaga Carnival Like?
Imagine a celebration where freedom of expression, sharp humour, and music that makes you dance until dawn reign. That’s the Malaga Carnival, a celebration with over 500 years of history that takes place every February, just before Lent.
Its roots go back to the 16th century, when the choir boys of the Cathedral parodied religious ceremonies in the Fiesta del Obispillo (yes, like a medieval version of Saturday Night Live!). But it was in the 19th century that it took shape: the Carnival Society organised parades, masquerade balls at the Teatro Principal, and costume contests that would be trending on TikTok today.
After being banned during the dictatorship, it made a strong comeback in the 80s, reclaiming its rebellious spirit. Today, it is a multicultural explosion. From the streets of the historic centre to the outskirts, the streets fill with murgas (groups that sing social critiques with lyrics as spicy as hot sauce) and families dressed as superheroes, Netflix characters, or even giant anchovies. Yes, you read that right: fish reigns here!
Key Dates for the Malaga Carnival 2025
The Malaga Carnival 2025 is packed with coplas, costumes, and anchovies!
If you’re the type to mark every event on your calendar with fluorescent colours, this is for you. I’ve got the complete programme with everything happening day by day, so you don’t miss a single detail. My advice? If you want to move between events without missing one, rent a car in Málaga and enjoy the party with total freedom. Let’s go!
February: Warming Up the Engines
- Thursday 6th: We kick off strong! At 7:00pm at the Cine Albéniz, the Inaugural Conference with Santiago Moreno Tello. He’ll talk about “Coplas in the Second Republic in Málaga and Cádiz”, accompanied by illustrators Francis Sevilla Pecci and Guti (yes, the very same carnival announcer). Additionally, the Carnavalero de Oro, Pito de Oro, and Carnavalero for a Career awards will be handed out. Got any favourites?
- From the 8th to the 14th: The battle of wit begins! Preliminaries of the COAC at the ESAD Theatre (8:00pm). 58 groups will compete for a place in the semifinals. The best part? Tickets are already available.
- Saturday 15th: The Carnival becomes hyperlocal. Carnival in Your District comes to Palma-Palmilla, Ciudad Jardín, and, for the first time, Capuchinos (1:00pm). There will be coplas, street food, and performances from local groups. Ideal for munching and laughing!
- Sunday 16th:
- During the day: El Perchel fills with flavour and music (1:00pm).
- In the morning: Gala de la Cantera at the Cervantes Theatre (11:30am). The Superheroes Association, Un Niño Una Sonrisa, and the Carnival Foundation School will participate. The little ones steal the show!
- In the evening: The COAC Semifinals begin at the Cervantes Theatre (until February 19th, 8:00pm).
Friday 21st: COAC Grand Final at the Cervantes Theatre
Do you love laughing out loud? The COAC Grand Final is the most anticipated event: the best chirigotas, comparsas, and choirs compete with satirical lyrics about politics, society, and even the weather. Imagine a stand-up comedy with guitars and tambourines. 🎭 The tickets fly like confetti! (8:00pm).
Saturday 22nd: The Carnival takes over the streets!
- 8:00pm: Guti’s Speech (the author of 35 carnival works who started at the age of 5). His speech is a bomb of humour and emotion.
- 9:00pm: Choice of the God Momo and Goddess of the Carnival. They will be the kings of the party: charisma, spectacular outfits, and lots of attitude!
- All night long: Live music in the historic centre. From classic coplas to modern rhythms… the city beats to the rhythm of the Carnival!
Sunday 23rd: A Triple Dose of Party
- 1:00pm: Cruz de Humilladero and Teatinos are filled with colour during Carnival in Your District: coplas, local food, and a neighbourhood atmosphere.
- 12:00pm: Children’s Opening Speech at Plaza de la Constitución. The Malaga kids take the mic… and steal the show!
- 1:00pm: Choice of Prince, Princess, and Child Gods. Mini-costumes, mini-crowns, and super adorable!
- 5:30pm: Grand Parade from Calle Jacinto. Floats, shiny costumes, and music that spreads. Bring your sunglasses… the glitter blinds you! ✨
Thursday 27th: Last Moments (with a surprise)
- 8:00pm: Puerto de la Torre joins the revelry with its own Carnival in Your District. Perfect for living the party like a local.
- Same time: Final at Plaza de la Constitución. The finalist groups of the COAC give it their all… and the audience decides!
March: The Countdown
Friday 28th
- 12:00pm: Carnival at Carretera de Cádiz. Markets, workshops, and family atmosphere.
- Plaza de la Constitución:
- 12:00pm: Fantasy Parade. Outfits so extravagant that even influencers would envy.
- 1:30pm: Animation Performances. Juggling, stilt walkers, and fairy tale characters.
- 4:00-8:00pm: Best Presentation, Pasodoble, and Copla to Andalucía Contest. Pure tradition with a flamenco twist.
- 9:00pm: Drag Queen Gala with Pinkchadora. Feathers, lip sync, and an outpouring of LGTBQ+ talent.
Saturday 1st
- 12:00pm: Children’s Costume Contest at Plaza de la Constitución. Little superheroes, princesses, and even giant anchovies!
- 1:00pm: Last Carnival in Your District at El Palo and La Trinidad. Farewell with roasted sardines and little tunes.
- 8:00pm: Battle of the Flowers at Calle Larios. A ton of petals and confetti fly in this friendly battle. No white, thanks!
- 10:00pm: Tribute Concert to Barrio. Relive the hits of Los Chunguitos or Camela… and dance till dawn!
Sunday 2nd: Farewell (with the taste of anchovies)
- 12:00pm: Parade of the Gods and Award Ceremony. Last chance to see the Carnival kings and queens.
- 5:00pm: Burial of the Anchovy. A giant sardine is “buried” amid tears… of laughter. 💀 The ritual? Criticising everything bad from the year and ushering in Lent… but with some fried fish in the mix.
Why Can’t You Miss It?
- Unique experience: Few carnivals mix political satire, tradition, and beach like Malaga.
- For everyone: Kids, adults, drag queens… even the shy ones fit in!
- Gastronomy: Anchovies, espetos, and giant chorizos. The perfect costume is a bib!
Carnival on the Costa del Sol
Torremolinos: Feathers, lip sync, and Nights That Shine Brighter Than the Sea
On February 15th, the Príncipe de Asturias Auditorium hosts the VIII Drag Queen Gala, a show where wigs compete in height with heels. Vibrant atmosphere, contagious music, and a burst of creativity that attracts locals and travellers alike.
Marbella: Glamour, Chirigotas, and Sun
- Children’s Chirigotas Contest: Young artists rapping about school and video games. Pure talent in miniature!
- Parades on the Avenida del Mar: Costumes that mix elegance and humour, with a yacht on wheels.
Pro Tip: With a car from albacars.com, you can enjoy Marbella by day and return to Malaga for the carnival night.
Nerja: Carnival Between Balconies and Caves
- Choice of the Carnival Nymph: Glittery crowns and smiles lighting up the square.
- Burial of Chanquete: A festive farewell where tears mix with laughter.
Confession: Once, I snuck onto the stage during the ceremony… almost took the crown as a souvenir!
Tolox: The Festival Where Flour Is the Star
In this village in the Sierra de las Nieves, the Flour Party (midnight on Carnival Tuesday) is a unique tradition. Locals and visitors throw harmless flour at each other to the rhythm of dances like la guasa or los galeones. Warning: You’ll come out as white as a ghost… but with a happy heart.
Ronda: Carnival with Views of the Tajo
- Migas Tasting in the Plaza de los Descalzos. Traditional flavours that win hearts.
- Burning of the Doll: A ritual symbolising goodbye to the old and hello to the new. And everyone claps!
Why the Malaga Carnival Will Be Unforgettable
- Authenticity: Drag queens, century-old comparsas, and flour wars in under 100 km.
- Unique Flavours: Anchovies in vinegar, mountain migas, churros… A feast for the palate.
- Community: Even the most shy person ends up dancing in a chirigota.
Final Reflection: More than costumes, Carnival is a collective embrace where freedom and tradition shake hands.
Fun Fact: The Malaga “Burial of the Anchovy” uses this fish for its local symbolism: it’s the soul of the bay! 🐟
Book your car at albacars.com and don’t miss a second! 🚗💨
“Because on the Costa del Sol, even winter feels like summer.” 🌞
Ready to experience the most authentic Carnival? 👇 Tell us which event excites you the most!
