Málaga Carnival 2026: The Ultimate Guide, Dates & Interactive Map

Málaga Carnival is about satire, massive street parties, and the raw energy of the city's heart. From the Battle of Flowers on Calle Larios to the emotional Burial of the Anchovy procession that closes the festival, this is carnival as the locals live it.

Forget the mega-productions of Tenerife or the famous chirigotas of Cadiz.

Málaga's carnival is smaller, more intimate, and wonderfully authentic. You'll find free neighbourhood food tastings, satirical singing groups performing in tiny plazas, and a closing ceremony that involves a giant anchovy being carried to the beach and burned on a bonfire.

This guide covers everything you need to experience Málaga Carnival 2026: the complete schedule, best events, parade routes, and where to find those hidden neighbourhood parties that tourists never discover.

Looking for the best place to stay? We've rounded up our favourites for you:

• Stay in the HEART of the city ❤️ (Book here)
• Off the beaten track 🚶‍♀️ in Soho (Book here)
• 🛥️ Stay on a boat in the Málaga harbour (Book here)

Many people dress up for this event; you can find wigs or masks in most stores during this period, but if you want a full costume, we recommend Luis Carrasquilla.

Málaga Carnival 2026: Complete Schedule

Here's everything happening during the nine days of carnival, from the pre-carnival stew tasting to the final bonfire on Malagueta Beach.

Pre-Carnival

The carnival unofficially kicks off with the Berza Perchelera—a massive free tasting of traditional Málaga stew in the working-class El Perchel neighbourhood. This is local carnival at its finest: no tourists, just neighbours sharing food and building excitement for the week ahead.

Opening Weekend (February 7-8)

The Official Opening Gala features the proclamation of carnival and the crowning of the Carnival God and Goddess. It sets the satirical, irreverent tone for everything that follows.

Midweek Street Performances (February 9-12)

The heart of Málaga's carnival is its street performances.

Murgas are satirical singing groups that skewer politicians, celebrities, and local issues with biting humour and clever wordplay. Comparsas are more musical, with harmonised singing and elaborate costumes.

These groups perform throughout the week at traditional venues like the Tribuna de los Pobres (Tribune of the Poor) and Plaza del Carbón. The performances are free, the crowds are local, and the atmosphere is electric.

Peak Days (February 13-14)

The Drag Queen Gala is one of Málaga's most spectacular carnival events—elaborate costumes, fierce competition, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate.

The Battle of Flowers transforms Calle Larios into a fragrant battlefield. Decorated floats parade down Málaga's famous marble street while participants throw flowers to the crowd. It's beautiful, chaotic, and quintessentially Málaga.

Grand Finale (February 15)

The final day is the most iconic.

At noon, Plaza de la Constitución fills with thousands of people for the Gran Boqueroná—a free distribution of fried anchovies (boquerones), Málaga's signature fish. Locals and visitors alike queue for paper cones of crispy, golden anchovies.

Then comes the Burial of the Anchovy (Entierro del Boquerón), Málaga's unique twist on the traditional Burial of the Sardine that closes carnivals across Spain.

A giant anchovy effigy is carried through the streets in a mock funeral procession, accompanied by "mourners" dressed in black, dramatic wailing, and plenty of irreverent humour. The procession winds through the city to Malagueta Beach, where the anchovy is ceremonially burned on a bonfire—symbolising the end of carnival and the beginning of Lent.

Interactive Map

The Burial of the Anchovy: Procession Route

The Burial of the Anchovy procession follows this route on Sunday, February 15:

1. Start: Calle Larios (5:00pm)
2. Plaza de la Marina
3. Palmeral de las Sorpresas (The Port)
4. Muelle Uno
5. Finish: Playa de la Malagueta (Bonfire at 8:00pm)

The walk takes about 2-3 hours including stops for dramatic "mourning" performances. Position yourself along the route early—Calle Larios fills up fast.

Key Venues & Locations

Plaza de la Constitución

The main square and heart of carnival. This is where you'll find:

• Opening and closing ceremonies
• Drag Queen Gala
• Gran Boqueroná (free anchovy tasting)
• Main stage performances

The square fills to capacity for major events. Arrive 30-60 minutes early for the best positions.

Calle Larios

Málaga's famous pedestrianised marble street is the setting for:

• Battle of Flowers parade
• Start of the Burial of the Anchovy procession
• Street performances throughout carnival

The elegant 19th-century buildings provide a stunning backdrop for the colourful chaos of carnival.

Free Neighbourhood Food Tastings

One of the best-kept secrets of Málaga Carnival is the free food tastings in local neighbourhoods. These events happen away from the tourist centre and attract almost exclusively locals.

What to Wear: Costume Tips

Costumes aren't required at Málaga Carnival, but you'll feel underdressed without at least some carnival flair, especially on Saturday night.

Minimum effort: A wig, mask, or face paint from any local shop (they appear everywhere during carnival week).

Medium effort: A themed costume. Groups often coordinate, superheroes, decades, professions, or satirical takes on current events.

Maximum effort: Full costume with makeup. The Drag Queen Gala contestants set the standard for creativity and craftsmanship.

For serious costumes, visit Luis Carrasquilla, a Málaga costume institution with everything from wigs to full theatrical outfits.

Practical Tips for Málaga Carnival

Best Times to Visit

For the full experience: Arrive Friday, February 13 and stay through Sunday, February 15. This covers the Drag Queen Gala, Battle of Flowers, Saturday night party, and the complete Burial of the Anchovy.

For a shorter visit: Sunday, February 15 alone gives you the Gran Boqueroná and the Burial of the Anchovy—the two most iconic Málaga carnival moments.

To avoid crowds: The midweek murgas and comparsas performances (Monday-Thursday) are less crowded but equally atmospheric.

Getting Around

The city centre is closed to traffic during major events. Plan to walk everywhere during carnival.

From the airport: Bus A Express runs to the city centre (Alameda Principal) every 20-30 minutes.

Metro: Useful for reaching El Perchel neighbourhood (for the Berza tasting) but doesn't serve most carnival venues.

Parking: Forget about parking in the centre during carnival. Use Park & Ride facilities or your hotel parking.

Where to Stay

City centre: Walking distance to all major carnival events, but noisy during Saturday night parties.

Soho neighbourhood: Slightly off the beaten path, excellent restaurants and bars, easy walk to Calle Larios.

El Palo: If you want to experience the neighbourhood tastings and don't mind being further from the centre, this beachside barrio has local character.

Alternative: Stay on a boat in Málaga harbour for a unique carnival experience.

Day Trips During Carnival Week

If you're spending the full week in Málaga, these popular excursions tend to sell out during carnival, book in advance:

Caminito del Rey Guided Hike

from Málaga

moderate

Full day

Cliffside walkwayGorge viewsTransport included

Walk the famous pathway with vertigo-inducing views over the Guadalhorce gorge.

Read guide

Tapas & Wine Walking Tour

from Málaga

3-4 hours

Authentic local barsRegional winesTraditional tapas

Evening tour through Málaga's old town, stopping at hidden gems for tapas and wine.

Read guide

Nerja Caves, Nerja & Frigiliana

from Málaga

Full day

Impressive cavesCoastal NerjaWhite village of Frigiliana

Visit Spain's most spectacular cave system plus two of the coast's prettiest towns.

Read guide

Interactive Map

For a detailed walking map of all carnival venues, parade routes, and neighbourhood tasting locations, see our 2026 Málaga Carnival Walking Map (Google Maps).

Official Information

For the latest updates, schedule changes, and detailed event information:

Official website: carnavaldemalaga.es

The History of Málaga Carnival

Carnival in Málaga dates back centuries, though it was banned during the Franco dictatorship (1939-1975) along with carnivals across Spain.

When democracy returned, Málaga revived its carnival with the traditions that make it unique—the satirical murgas, the neighbourhood food tastings, and the famous Burial of the Anchovy.

The anchovy (boquerón) is Málaga's symbol. While other Spanish cities bury a sardine to mark the end of carnival, Málaga insists on its signature fish. The mock funeral procession is part tribute, part satire, and entirely Malagueño.

Today, Málaga Carnival draws tens of thousands of visitors, but it remains remarkably local. The satirical groups sing in Andalusian dialect about local issues. The neighbourhood tastings happen in barrios tourists never visit. And the Burial of the Anchovy procession is as much for Malagueños as for anyone else.