Celebrate Málaga Carnival 2025 (22 February to 2 March 2025)

Málaga Carnival 2025 is a week-long festival that ends with a giant boquerone being paraded through the city to La Malagueta beach.

By Liza S. | Updated 19 Feb 2025 | Málaga | Events | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

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Malaga Carnival - Image by My Guide Malaga

What is the Málaga Carnival?

Málaga tends to go over the top with every event; Málaga Carnival is no exception. Preparations for the carnival start with the carnival lights, added to the Christmas lights in Calle Larios, a harlequin is put in place under the Marqués de Larios statue and a giant stage is erected in Plaza de la Constitución.

When is the Málaga Carnival 2025?

Málaga Carnival is a vibrant, multicultural festival that marks the period before Lent. Its spontaneous and colourful nature makes it a standout event in the city, celebrated both in the Historic Centre and various neighbourhoods. Usually held in February, Málaga Carnival lasts for about a week, with the party typically beginning on a Sunday and ending on the following Sunday.

Malaga Carnival 2025 will officially start on 22 February and last until 2 March 2025. In 2024, the Málaga Carnival took place from 3 to 11 February 2024.

What to Expect at Málaga Carnival 2025

Malaga Carnival 2022

Málaga Carnival starts with the traditional opening speech at Plaza de la Constitución and the selection of the god and goddess of the carnival.

Throughout the week-long festival, you can expect children’s parties, music, dancing, street food in abundance, parades, concerts, a ‘Battle of the Flowers’, and, finally, a boquerone fest in Plaza de la Constitución.

The carnival ends with a giant boquerone being paraded through the city to La Malaqueta beach, where it takes centre place on a huge bonfire, a symbolic end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent.

Málaga Carnival Highlights

While the schedule of events can differ from year to year, here's what you can usually expect at Málaga Carnival:

• Week-Long Celebration: The carnival runs from Sunday to Sunday, leading up to Lent, filled with music and events, including the vibrant Grand Parade following the proclamation and election of the Carnival's God and Goddess.
• Musical Group Meetings: The festivities kick off with performances by singers, murgas, troupes, quartets, and choirs at the Cervantes Theatre, featuring groups from across the province and other Andalucian regions.
• Official Group Competition (COAC): This contest is known for its humour, satire, and social commentary, offering a unique perspective on local, provincial, regional, and national happenings. (This event is ticketed so be sure to buy your tickets in advance if you'd like to attend!)
• Gastronomic Traditions: Local dishes like cabbage, casseroles, rice, and stews play a significant role, highlighting the region's culinary culture during the carnival season.
• Battle of Flowers: The city centre comes alive with musical performances and the Battle of Flowers, showering the streets with confetti and paper.
• Carnival Parade: Enjoy a parade of musicians, performers, and floats through the Malaga Old Town.
• Burial of Boquerón: A unique tradition, this event features a parade to the Malagueta beaches, culminating in the burning of an effigy laden with current event references, symbolizing the end of the carnival. This typically happens on the last day of the Carnival celebrations.

Malaga Carnival 2025 Programme Highlights

Photo courtesy of carnavaldemalaga.es

So what's actually gonna happen at Malaga Carnival this year?

You can find the full programme for Malaga Carnival 2025 on their official website (note: it is in Spanish).

Here is a quick overview of the key dates and events you shouldn't miss:

• Opening Ceremony (Feb 6) – The carnival kicks off with an inaugural conference at Cine Albéniz, celebrating Malaga and Cádiz’s rich musical history.
• Singing Competitions (Feb 8-21) – The famous "Batalla de Coplas" (Battle of Songs) starts on Feb 8, with performances at the Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático. The competition then moves to Teatro Cervantes (Feb 16-21), where the grand final takes place on Feb 21.
• Carnival in the Districts (Feb 15, 16, 23, 27, 28, Mar 1) – Experience local celebrations in different Malaga neighborhoods, each offering live music, food, and traditional "coplas" performances. Key districts include Palma-Palmilla, Ciudad Jardín, El Perchel, Teatinos, and Puerto de la Torre.
• Street Carnival Begins (Feb 22) – The main festivities explode onto the streets of Malaga! The grand opening speech (Pregón) will be at Plaza de la Constitución, followed by the election of the Dios Momo & Diosa del Carnaval.
• Grand Carnival Parade (Feb 23) – One of the most anticipated events! The huge Carnaval Parade will march through Calle Jacinto, showcasing incredible costumes, floats, and music.
• Drag Queen Gala (Feb 28) – A highlight for many, the fabulous Gala de Drag Queens takes over Plaza de la Constitución at 21:00, promising a night of extravagant performances.
• Battle of Flowers & Costume Night (Mar 1) – Calle Larios transforms into a sea of confetti and blooms for the Batalla de Flores, followed by a spectacular costume party and concert in Plaza de la Constitución.
• Final Day – The Burial of the Anchovy (Mar 2) – The carnival ends with the quirky Entierro del Boquerón, a grand funeral procession leading to La Malagueta Beach, where an oversized anchovy is "buried" (burned), symbolising the end of the festivities.

Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Malaga Carnival Experience

✅ Best Time to Visit? The main street party kicks off on Feb 22, so aim for that weekend! The last weekend is also great especially to see the Burial of the Anchovy.
✅ Where to See the Best Action? Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios, and Teatro Cervantes host many of the key events.
✅ What to Wear? A costume is highly recommended, especially on March 1 for the big costume party!

Where to Stay in Malaga

Málaga Carnival 2025 is a huge party and a major event in the Malaga calendar. With so many visitors coming to the city for Carnival, it's highly recommended that you book your place to stay early to avoid disappointment!

Here are some hotels to consider:

• Apartamentos Prestige Málaga Suites - These comfortable & modern apartments are great for independent travellers and offer good value for money.
• ICON Malabar - Want a luxurious stay? Check out this gorgeous hotel in the centre of town that promises an unforgettable stay!
• Sol Guadalmar - Relax and unwind at this great beachfront hotel.
• M&D Centro Málaga - Travelling in a group? This one-bedroom apartment is a good option.

For more options, check out our guide on where to stay in Malaga which includes a neighbourhood guide and more hotel recommendations!

Or check out the latest deals in Malaga below.

Booking.com

See the Best of Malaga

While you're in Málaga to experience Carnival, don't forget to check out the city's main attractions. Here are my top recommended activities and tours:

• Complete Walking Tour of Malaga
• Tour of Malaga Cathedral, Roman Theatre, and Alcazaba
• Malaga Tapas Tour
• Guided Tour of Picasso Museum
• Flamenco Show at Flamenco Algeria
• Relax at Malaga's Al-Andalus Hammam (Arab Baths)

More on Malaga

Read our guide to Malaga for more information on how to plan your visit.

Wondering what to see and do on your trip? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Malaga.

For more on Malaga, read our other articles:

• Historical Guide to Malaga
• One Day in Malaga
• 2 Days in Malaga
• Where to Stay in Malaga
• Best Boutique Hotels in Malaga
• Malaga Tapas Tour: Review
• Caminito del Rey Tour from Malaga
• Malaga to Gibraltar Day Tour
• Best Day Trips from Malaga Without A Car
• Malaga’s Gilbralfaro and Alcazaba
• Roman Theatre in Malaga
• Malaga Cathedral
• Port of Malaga
• La Concepcion Gardens
• The English Cemetery
• Street Art in Malaga
• Picasso Museum in Malaga
• Museum of Malaga
• Malaga Museum of Automobiles
• Astilleros Nereo in Malaga
• Malaga - Airport Museum
• Glass Museum in Malaga
• Museum of Fashion in Malaga
• Malaga - Guadalhorce Estuary

Visit the official website of the Málaga Carnival

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