Not long after we have bid farewell to Christmas, the Costa del Sol is revving up for one of the most eagerly anticipated popular celebrations of the year: Carnival 2024. Our destination, the Costa del Sol, promises to be an explosion of colour, music and fun that you won’t want to miss out on with your friends.
In fact, this celebration has become one of the biggest events in the province, attracting locals and visitors alike.
But what are the activities scheduled for Carnival 2024 on the Costa del Sol? Read on to discover more about them and experience these truly unforgettable celebrations.
What will Carnival 2024 look like on the Costa del Sol?
If you’re still reading, it's because you want to know all about Carnival 2024 in the province of Malaga, right? So, without further ado, these are the activities you can expect to see.
City of Malaga: competition of choral ensembles and street parties
In the city of Malaga, the Official Choral Ensemble Competition (COAC in Spanish) will hold its preliminary phase from 21 to 26 January, and the semifinals will be held from 28 to 30 January in the theatre of the ESAD Drama School. The grand final will be at the Teatro Cervantes, scheduled for 2 February.
The street celebrations for Carnival in Malaga will be held from 3 to 11 February, with the largest number of activities taking place in the Plaza de la Constitución.
- Saturday 3 February: Inauguration of the Malaga Carnival 2024 with the Election of the Gods and the Drag Queen Gala.
- Sunday 4 February: Children's Costume Contest, Grand Parade and Carnival Route 2024.
- Monday 5 February: Children's Carnival and Carnival Concert.
- Friday 9 February: Parade of gods and goddesses.
- Saturday 10 February: Farewell parade for the gods, Battle of the flowers and Song Contest.
Finally, on Sunday 11 February. Carnival comes to an end with the traditional Gran Boquerona, serving free fried anchovies in the Plaza de la Constitución, and with the Burial of the Sardine, a parade that begins in the aforementioned square and culminates at La Malagueta beach with the burning of the “Sardine” in a bonfire.
Carnival 2024 in Malaga capital is looking great!
Torremolinos: a dazzling carnival gala
Torremolinos has also begun preparations for the season of costumes, wigs, masks and streamers.
Its grand Carnival Gala 2024 will be on 2 March at 8pm in the Príncipe de Asturias Auditorium. The music ensembles set to perform include: Que ni las hambres vamos a sentir (La chirigota del Selu), La oveja negra (Martínez Ares), Los Colgaos (Comparsa del Chapa), and the rest of the line-up is yet to be confirmed.
It’s going to be an incredible show with guaranteed fun.
Marbella: you won’t want to miss it
Marbella also holds its own in Carnival season. The city puts on several events including parades of floats, costume contests, and live music, among others.
The main events are the official start of the festivities with the proclamation, the election of the Carnival Venus and Nymphs, and the Comedy Parade.
Also, from 13 to 16 February, the XXVI Contest of Carnival Groups will be held at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.
Nerja transforms: Fun and a whole lot of Carnival!
In Nerja, this eagerly anticipated celebration will be from 8 to 11 February.
It begins on Thursday with the traditional proclamation and the festival of carnival groups. On Friday there will be a costume contest, children's activities and, around 9pm, the Momo Presentation of the Carnival will be held along with the election of the Carnival Nymph.
The high point in the proceedings comes on Saturday afternoon with the Grand Carnival Parade, culminating in the Plaza de España with the awards ceremony. The celebration concludes on Sunday with the popular Burial of the Goby Fish and ends with a fireworks show.
This series of events promises a vibrant and joyful experience for all participants and visitors!
Vélez-Málaga: mejilloná, callos carnavaleros, comparsas and chirigotas
Carnival 2024 in Vélez-Málaga will start on 13 January with the official proclamation, followed on 20 January by the traditional mejilloná, where you can enjoy some delicious mussels at Peña La Axarquía.
The following week, on 28 January, you can sample some callos carnavaleros (tripe stew), also at Peña La Axarquía.
On 1 February, the official proclamation will be delivered by Miguel Ángel Ruiz Castillo 'Landro' at the Teatro del Carmen. The murgas and comparsas music ensemble contest will be held on Friday 2 February in the same theatre.
On Saturday 3 February, the Carnival takes to the streets with a cheerful procession through Vélez-Málaga, and it will culminate on Sunday 4 with celebrations at the San Francisco market, which will feature guest comparsas and chirigotas (traditional choral ensembles), free paella and a bar so you enjoy the day in the best possible way.
A sure-fire hit!
Tolox and its traditional festival of powders
One of the destinations on the Costa del Sol with a long history of Carnival celebrations is Tolox.
In fact, its local festivities are known as the “Festival of Powders”, which takes place during Carnival. Nowadays, it is held in the Plaza Alta and around the streets of the old town, especially after the performances of murgas, chirigotas, comparsas and the costumes contests.
It begins at midnight and ends with the Burial of the Sardine in the afternoon of the Tuesday of Carnival, which is always before Ash Wednesday.
During this celebration, boys, girls, men and women all share in the fun, throwing powder at one another to the beat of popular carnival music and dances, such as "La guasa", "Los galleones", "La Rueda", among others.
It’s quite simply an unmissable experience!
Ronda: line-up for Carnival 2024
Immerse yourself in the magic of Carnival 2024 in Ronda and enjoy an attractive programme of activities designed to share laughter and unforgettable moments with friends.
- 8 February: carnival proclamation
- 10 February: music ensemble gala
- 11 February: migas (dish based around fried breadcrumbs) at 12pm in the Plaza de los Descalzos
- 17 February:
- Children's parade at 11am
- Chorizada (chorizo tasting) in the neighbourhood of la UVA
- Paella in the neighbourhood of San Cristóbal
- Grand Carnival Parade at 7pm
- Burning of the effigy at midnight
- 18 February: callos (tripe stew) and performance of the chirigota choral ensemble of the herald of Cadiz Carnival, Juan Manuel Braza “El Sheriff”
These are just some of the celebrations that will take place during Carnival 2024 on the Costa del Sol, but there are many more to enjoy with friends.
Come to the Costa del Sol for Carnival 2024
The Costa del Sol invites you to experience Carnival 2024, with unforgettable moments and great celebrations.
The variety of events ensures there is something for everyone, from dazzling parades and lively galas to unique activities with guaranteed fun.
Discover the festive joy of our destination and create special memories in good company.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Carnival on the Costa del Sol with friends!
