The Carnival is Málaga's great winter festival. The pleasant temperature that exists all year round in the capital of the Costa del Sol means that celebrations can also be held in the streets during the winter months. Every year it falls on a different date because it depends on Holy Week, or Easter. In 2016, Málaga's Carnival will last from 30 January to 7 February, so this year the Carnival includes two weekends.
With so many days of Carnival, many people wonder when to dress up. In fact, any day is possible. But if you want to choose one day, the best day is without a doubt 6 February. On this date, as well as the acts that are actually part of the Carnival, bars and discotheques usually organise fancy dress parties at night. It is called Sábado de Disfraces (Fancy Dress Saturday), the eve of the Sunday known as the ‘Domingo de Piñata’ when they “bury” an Anchovy . The locals of Málaga carry an enormous Boquerón or anchovy from the popular Calle Larios to the La Malagueta beach, where it's burnt and in this way the end of Carnival is celebrated, so that Lent can begin. It's a very entertaining "procession" where most of the people who take part are in fancy dress. It usually begins around 16:00.
The epicentre of the celebrations is the Plaza de la Constitución. You can hear the typical coplas played by Carnival streetbands, carnival troupes, and quartets every day. This includes weekdays, from 21:00. On the first Saturday, the events start off with a pregón (announcement) and the election of the Momus God and the Carnival Goddess, which is a real spectacle in itself. On Sunday 31, the Grand Parade takes place in the streets of the old quarter, another day to don fancy dress and become a part of the Festivities. The route ends in the Plaza de la Merced, next to Picasso's birthplace. This is where the groups sing their coplas. You're guaranteed to have a great time.
Copla Competition
Before the Carnival takes to the streets, there is a copla competition in the theatre that is broadcast live on the main local televisions. The first stage is held in the Alameda Theatre from 15 to 20 February, and then the Grand Final is from 24 to 29 January, and is held in the Cervantes Theatre. Tickets can be obtained at the box office. The groups participating in the competition are the same as those that perform on the streets, singing the lyrics they wrote for the competition. They chronicle the life of the city, singing about things that have happened. There is an aspect of protest or making demands, for this reason it is called the Festival of Freedom, but above all the songs are catchy and hilarious. Every year the songs are new and original! It's a perfect opportunity to have fun in a different way on the Costa del Sol.
