Malaga Carnival 2026
Dates and programme for Malaga Carnival 2026
In this article, you will find essential information about Malaga Carnival 2026:
- A few words about Malaga
- The 2026 Carnival dates
- The Carnival programme
- Booking accommodation
- Things to do in Malaga
- Some useful links
- The major traditional ferias of Andalusia
A few words about Malaga
Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, is a beautiful city and well worth a visit in its own right.
Founded by the Phoenicians, this city has a prestigious past and offers an incredibly rich historical and artistic heritage. You’ll need several days to properly visit Malaga, the Mālaqah of Al-Andalus.
During Malaga Carnival, and to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, here is a link to discover the unusual and secret side of Malaga.
Note: the following link allows you to book several tours of Malaga online with English-speaking guides. These tours can be private.
2026 Malaga Carnival dates
The 2026 Malaga Carnival will take place from 7 to 15 February.
Malaga Carnival programme
Note: this is still the 2025 programme. The street programme for Malaga Carnival is shown. However, there is also a programme for the Official Malaga Carnival Group Competition (COAC), where brass bands, troupes, choirs and quartets (murgas, comparsas, coros y cuartetos) compete at the Cervantes Theatre.
Saturday, 22 February
8:00 p.m.: Opening speech for Carnival 2025 in the Plaza de la Constitución.
9:00 p.m.: Election of the God Momo and the Goddess of Carnival in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Sunday, 23 February
12:00 p.m.: Election of the princes and princesses, election of the child god Momo and the child goddess. (Plaza de la Constitución)
5:30 p.m.: Grand Carnival Parade. The parade starts on Calle Jacinto and ends at Plaza de la Merced.
Carnival Friday – 28 February
12:00 p.m.: Costume parade, entertainment and children’s activities in Plaza de la Constitución.
9:00 p.m.: Drag Queen Gala in Plaza de la Constitución
Costume Saturday – 1 March
12 noon: Children’s costume contest in Plaza de la Constitución.
6 pm: Parade of entertainment groups and gods in the historic centre. Departure from Plaza de la Constitución.
8 pm: Battle of the Flowers in Calle Marqués de Larios.
9:00 pm: Costume night: shows and tribute concert.
Piñata Sunday – 2 March
12:00 pm: Parade of gods in the historic centre. Departure from Plaza de la Constitución. Coplas contest, Gran Boqueroná, groups in the street.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Entierro del Boquerón parade to Malagueta beach.
Booking accommodation in Malaga
To book accommodation in Malaga at the best price, it is advisable to do so well in advance.
For those staying on the Costa del Sol and wishing to visit Andalusia, here are 8 wonderful excursions from Malaga, Torremolinos, Estepona or Benalmadena.
Book activities in Malaga
Below you will find the best guided tours and activities on offer in Malaga.
You can also book them online today (with free cancellation):
You can also purchase an entrance ticket for the Caminito del Rey.
Some useful links for your trip to Andalusia
- A map of Andalusia. It is an interactive map; simply click on each city to see the best places to visit.
- Here’s an idea for those lucky enough to be continuing their stay in Andalucia: after the feria, treat yourself to a wellness retreat in Andalucia on one of the following themes: yoga, pilates, meditation, detox or ayurveda.
- If you’re planning a trip to the Costa del Sol, you’ll also find some great wellness retreat ideas in and around Marbella.
The great ferias of Andalucia:
The Malaga Feria 2026 in August
The Romeria Pilgrimage El Rocio 2026 in May
Patio Festival in Cordoba 2026 in May
Cadiz Carnival 2026 in February
Ronda Romantic Fair in May
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