Once again, music, fantasy and costumes flood the capital of the Costa del Sol this February. Carnival is here, a festival that in Malaga is lived with intensity for more than three weeks. But before joy takes over the streets, it is necessary to go to the two main theatres of the city, converted for a few days into temples of fun.
On their stages, the “murgas” (with their special comical songs), “comparsas” (who put the most emotional touch), quartets (in which four members play funny sketches) and choirs (the largest groupings) will compete in a new edition of Carnival Singing Group Contest. These unique groups add the musical and satirical ingredient to a celebration that excites both adults and children.
Dates to come and enjoy
The Alameda Theatre, located in the vicinity of the Port of Malaga, hosts the preliminary stage of the carnival group contest between the 2nd and the 10th of February. At the rhythm of cuplés, pasodobles and potpourri and dressed in their elaborate costumes, these groups draw laughter and ovations from the audience.
Only the best are classified for the semifinals of the contest, which takes place from the 12th to the 15th of February at the Cervantes Theatre.Although the most awaited event will be the grand final, scheduled for the 17th. It's a magical night, where feelings emerge and laughter is assured thanks to the ironic lyrics of the so characteristic songs of this festivity.
Murgas, comparsas, choirs and quartets
Musical groups from six provinces of Andalusia participate in the “coplas” competition of the Carnival of Malaga. The most representative ones are the murgas, known for their casual tone, and the comparsas, whose songs are more sentimental. The name of the group, the repertoire and the costumes make up what is called the “tipo”.
The cuplés are the compositions of the murgas, while the comparsas go for the pasodobles. In the lyrics, regardless of the genre, there are allusions to Malaga and a comic review to the current news in a sarcastic tone.
If you can’t go to the theatre during the contest, you can still enjoy the performances of the outdoor singing groups. These spread their joy and good humor through the squares of La Merced and La Constitucion from the 19th of February.
The Street Carnival
A fantasy show, a carousel of coplas through the historic centre and two parades presided by the “Gods” of the festivities are some of the surprises that the Carnival of Malaga has to offer. In addition, there are gastronomic tastings in several corners of the city, such as “Potaje Perchelero” (a stew of chickpeas, vegetables and sausages) which is organised in the traditional neighbourhood of El Perchel.
Prepare your costume, go out with your best smile and let yourself be trapped by the magic that surrounds the capital of the Costa del Sol. And remember: Anything is posible until the Entierro del Boqueron (typical fish of the Costa del Sol), the event that marks the end of this fun celebration on the 16th of February.
