The province of Malaga fills with colour, music, and joy between the 11 and 19 of February. Carnival has arrived! And in order to welcome in the most anticipated celebration of the year, the Costa del Sol’s streets and plazas transform into truly magical stages for what’s to come. Eye-catching parades, live music and peculiar traditions define the carnivals in the province of Malaga, whose two main ingredients are freshness and fun. Do you want to know what not to miss during carnival to ensure you celebrate the fiesta in style in the Costa del Sol? Keep reading.
Carnival by the sea
If you love the beach and atmosphere of the seaside, you’re going to love experiencing carnival in one of the charming villages on the Malaga coast. Spanning from Manilva to Nerja, passing by Torremolinos and Algarrobo, carnival takes over every corner of the Costa del Sol, with its parades, masked balls, and murgas (street performers) and comparsas (dance troupes) competitions.
- Marbella
One of the unmissable events during the carnival season is Carnaval de Marbella. This includes events such as the traditional float parade, fancy dress competitions, live music, activities for the kids, chorizo and mussel feasts, and a carnival carousel.
- Nerja
Carnaval de Nerja has been listed a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest by Diputación de Málaga, and is one of the most popular events during the carnival season. This fiesta includes the traditional children’s “Ninfa y Momo” competitions, the Big Parade, and the entierro de Chanquete - a burial ceremony.
- Benalmádena
Benalmádena’s Drag Queen contest is another of the most entertaining carnival events in the province of Malaga. But it’s not by any means the last. On the 17 February, don’t miss Certamen de Agrupaciones, which will see groups from the Costa del Sol and Campo de Gibraltar compete, and on the 19, Carnaval de Benalmádena comes to a close with the Quema de la Lagartija - the burning of the lizard.
Celebrations in the Costa del Sol’s inland
Pagan winter festivals bring inland towns like Ronda to life. Though if you want to make the most of your time in the mountains and experience the local traditions, you won’t want to pass on the opportunity to visit destinations like Algatocín, Genalguacil and Júzcar, the “blue village”.
- Humilladero
Located in the Antequera region, Humilladero hosts Chuchete de los Botijos, which coincides with the carnival celebrations. Held every year, the festivity revolves around a game that sees the locals - who are wearing fancy dress - throw a botijo (an earthenware pitcher) around, trying to make sure that it doesn’t hit the ground. A unique and entertaining event.
- Ronda
Carnaval de Ronda will kick off with the pregón (opening ceremony) led by journalist Ezequiel Macías 'Eski'. Gala del Carnaval will take place on the 18 in which you can see local groups and the comparsa of Jona 'Los Peliculeros' perform. The next day, it’s time for the traditional 'Migas del Carnaval', serenaded by the chirigota of Manolito Santander 'Los Villano'.
- Alhaurín de la Torre
This year’s Carnaval de Alhaurín de la Torre is coming to town on the 12 February with a full day of events that take carnival to the next level. The fiesta starts in the morning with a parade, and continues at Recinto Ferial with bouncy castles, face-painting and balloon modelling for the kids. But that’s not all: there will also be a costume competition with different categories for individuals and groups. The perfect opportunity to show off your look and take home a prize.
- Alozaina
The village of Alozaina hosts one of the most unusual carnival events in the province of Malaga. We’re talking about Carnaval de la Harina, in which the locals throw flour at each other in an incredible battle. A word of warning: running away won’t stop you from getting covered in the stuff! The destination also hosts traditional costume competitions and chirigotas.
- Tolox
After Alozaina’s “harineo”, it’s time for Fiesta de los Polvos in Tolox, which is held on Carnival Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. At the event, the battle is disputed with talcum powder, harking back to an old tradition in which the young men would declare their love in this peculiar way. Fancy experiencing it for yourself?
Carnival in Malaga city
The capital of the Costa del Sol comes to life with joy and fun during its world-class carnival celebrations, which haven’t been able to take place for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An event that transcends the province’s borders, carnival draws in people from all four corners of the globe. The reason is simple: Malaga carnival goes hand in hand with tablas, passion, art and culture. In the lead-up to the event, the city’s 11 districts get in the party spirit with costume and dance competitions. On the 11 February, the official fiesta kicks off with the pregón (opening event), the selection of the carnival Dios and Diosa, the battle of the flowers, parades and much, much more. Don’t miss Carnaval de Málaga, a unique opportunity to get to know the city.
If you love local fiestas and carnival in particular, don’t miss the celebrations in the province of Malaga. The perfect excuse for your next getaway. The most unusual and entertaining traditions await in the Costa del Sol, promising you a unique and exciting experience. Start getting your costumes ready now so you can have an incredible time at the carnivals in Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
