Malaga Carnival
Murgas and comparsas singing at the Cervantes Theatre, a parade and the Battle of Flowers on Calle Larios, and the Burial of the Anchovy at La Malagueta.
When
The 2027 dates have not been published yet.
In winter, before Lent. The dates are set every year by the Fundación Ciudadana del Carnaval: the contest runs over several weeks and, in recent editions, the street carnival has taken up the final nine days, from Saturday to Sunday.
Last time: February 7 to 15, 2026.
What it is
The Malaga Carnival is organised by the Fundación Ciudadana del Carnaval de Málaga with the support of the City Council. The festival begins weeks before it takes to the streets, with an opening lecture and the Official Singing Groups Contest (COAC), in which murgas, comparsas, cuartetos and choirs from much of Andalusia compete.
The preliminary rounds are held at the theatre of the Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático, and the semi-finals and grand final at the Cervantes Theatre. Then comes the street carnival, with the opening speech in Plaza de la Constitución, the grand parade, the galas and the Battle of Flowers.
The festival ends with the Burial of the Anchovy: instead of the sardine burned in other carnivals, Malaga burns a boquerón, the fish that identifies the city, on La Malagueta beach.
Where
The singing groups contest holds its final stage at the Cervantes Theatre. The street carnival takes place in the historic centre: Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios and Calle Granada host stages, the opening speech, the galas and the Battle of Flowers.
The Burial of the Anchovy ends with the burning on La Malagueta beach. There are also events in the districts, such as El Perchel, El Palo and Palma-Palmilla.
Customs and traditions
The groups sing their humorous and critical songs on the stages in the centre and at the Final in the Square. On the last Saturday comes the Battle of Flowers, when the public and carnival-goers throw petals and confetti at each other along Calle Larios.
Other fixtures are the children's opening speech, the election of the God Momo and the Carnival Goddess, and the Drag Queen Gala in Plaza de la Constitución.
On the final Sunday, before the anchovy is burned, comes the Gran Boqueroná, when paper cones of fried anchovies are handed out.
FAQ
What is the Burial of the Anchovy?
It is the event that closes the Malaga Carnival: a mock funeral procession that ends with the burning of a giant anchovy on La Malagueta beach.
Where is the final of the singing groups contest held?
At the Cervantes Theatre, which hosts the semi-finals and the grand final of the Official Singing Groups Contest.
What is the Battle of Flowers?
An event on the last Saturday of carnival when the public and carnival-goers throw petals and confetti at each other on Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución.
Who organises the Malaga Carnival?
The Fundación Ciudadana del Carnaval de Málaga, with the collaboration of the City Council.