Carnival Season in Málaga — 2026 Guide
(Plus Marbella, Benahavís & Estepona)
Just when it feels like the Costa del Sol has finally exhaled after Christmas and Three Kings, Andalucía proves it has another gear. Carnival season arrives with sequins, satire and street music — and it’s less about watching a “show” than joining in. You’ll see families in costumes at lunchtime, friends drifting between plazas at night, and local singing groups turning everyday life into theatre.
Why Carnival feels so “Andalucía”
Carnival has deep roots across Spain as the playful build-up to Lent, but in Andalucía it has a very particular flavour: humour, wordplay and community participation. The stars of the season are the chirigotas and comparsas — singing groups who perform witty, often satirical songs that comment on daily life, culture and politics. Some performances are polished and competitive; others are spontaneous, unfolding in the streets when you least expect it.
Málaga Carnival 2026
Málaga is the big, easy-to-reach Carnival choice for much of the Costa del Sol. You can do it spontaneously (an evening in the historic centre), or plan around the headline dates if you want the full experience. In 2026, the season builds from the singing competition into the main street celebrations, finishing with the much-loved closing traditions.
1) The COAC (singing groups competition) — the “brains” of Carnival
If you love wordplay and local humour, try to catch at least one COAC night. It’s where the best groups compete and where many of the jokes and songs you’ll later hear in the streets begin their life. Tickets and details are published through Teatro Cervantes and the official Carnival channels.
Key COAC dates (2026): Semifinals run from 1–4 February, with the Grand Final on 6 February (Teatro Cervantes).
Useful links: Teatro Cervantes listings | COAC 2026 ticket info
2) The street celebrations — the “heart” of Málaga Carnival
Once the competition wraps up, Carnival becomes a street festival. You’ll find performances and events across the centre (and often in neighbourhoods too), with daytime family moments and livelier evenings. If you only do one day, aim for a Saturday afternoon into evening — it’s the easiest way to absorb the atmosphere without over-planning.
Street programme period (2026): The main street Carnival runs 7–15 February, with standout moments including the Drag Gala / Battle of Flowers and the closing Boquerón traditions.
Official programme links: Carnaval de Málaga site | Entierro del Boquerón listing
A simple “best day” plan for Málaga
If you want Carnival without stress, keep it simple: arrive mid-afternoon, wander through the historic centre, follow the sound of music, and leave yourself time for tapas. Málaga Carnival is at its best when you let it unfold in front of you.
Easy itinerary: early dinner in the centre → a plaza performance → a slow walk down Calle Larios → a final drink near the old town before heading back along the coast.
Carnival nearby: Marbella, Benahavís & Estepona
One of the joys of Carnival season is how each town does it differently. Málaga has scale and buzz, while the coastal municipalities often feel more local and family-led — still lively, but easier to enjoy with children or as an early-evening plan.
Marbella
Marbella’s Carnival usually blends community events and theatre nights with a short burst of street celebration later in the month. In 2026, you’ll see organised events earlier (such as Carnival group competitions), and then the main celebration dates published for the town towards the end of February.
Useful links: Marbella Carnival dates | Concurso de agrupaciones (11–12 Feb) | Final (20 Feb)
Benahavís
Benahavís tends to keep Carnival intimate and community-led — the kind of event where families show up in costume, neighbours recognise each other, and the village feels especially warm. Dates and timings are often confirmed close to the day, so it’s worth checking official channels before you plan.
Check updates: Ayuntamiento Facebook | Ayuntamiento Instagram
Estepona
Estepona’s Carnival is a great “two-day” option if you want a lively programme that’s still easy to navigate. In 2026 it runs on 7–8 February, with daytime performances, contests and a big evening programme (including the Drag Queen Gala).
Official details: Ayuntamiento programme
Practical tips (so you enjoy it like a local)
Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light layer for the evening, and don’t over-plan. If you’re heading to Málaga on a peak day, arrive a little earlier than you think — the centre fills up fast. And if you want the culture behind the costumes, book one COAC night and you’ll start catching the jokes everywhere else.
For more seasonal ideas around Benahavís (events, weather and weekend plans), you can also browse our What’s On in Benahavís hub. And if you’re pairing Carnival with a food-focused day out, our dining guide is a great place to start.
More events coming soon
If you’re visiting and want a quick recommendation (best day to go, easiest parking, or which Carnival suits your vibe), email us at info@benahaviscollection.com and we’ll point you in the right direction.
