The Málaga Carnival is one of those festivals that turn the city into a massive open-air stage. Humor, music, costumes, and an atmosphere that hooks you from the first minute make the historic center fill up with locals and visitors every year. If you’re planning your getaway, here is a clear and practical guide with the Málaga Carnival dates, the most outstanding activities, the must-see events… without lugging suitcases from one place to another.
Keep in mind that carnival doesn’t understand rushes or fixed plans. It’s lived by walking, improvising, and stretching the day as long as possible. And doing it light on luggage completely changes the experience.
If you’re coming to Málaga by train to spend the day, take advantage of the fact that we have lockers at María Zambrano. It’s an excellent opportunity to put on your costume and leave the rest of your things in a locker!
Málaga Carnival: the festive soul of the city
The Málaga Carnival has a very distinct personality. Here, the carnival groups rule, with lyrics full of irony, social criticism, and that direct humor sung in the street without any kind of filter. It’s not a party to watch from the outside: it’s for mixing in, laughing, singing, and letting yourself go.
For more than two weeks, the city of Málaga is filled with activities spread across theaters, squares, and neighborhoods. The historic center becomes the main meeting point, especially after the opening speech, when the party definitely hits the streets.
That’s why, if you arrive in the city well before check-in or leave after check-out, the advice is clear: leave your luggage in our lockers in Málaga, located in various strategic areas, and start enjoying yourself from the very first moment.
Málaga Carnival dates: when and how it’s organized
The Málaga Carnival dates are already marked on the official calendar and run from late January to mid-February. The program combines cultural events, official contests, and plenty of street activity.
The carnival kicks off with the Official Contest of Singing Groups (COAC) and gains intensity until reaching the big days, when the center fills with stages, costumes, and spontaneous performances. The closing event is the traditional “Burial of the Anchovy”.
Although there are events spread over several weeks, the key moment for tourists is usually the weekend of the opening speech and the grand parade, when Málaga is in full swing.
Carnival activities in Málaga you can’t miss
When it comes to Carnival activities in Málaga, these are the ones that really define the experience and that you should keep in mind when organizing your Málaga getaway.
Official Contest of Groups (COAC)
From late January, the COAC preliminaries are held, followed by the semifinals and the grand final. The decisive phases take place at the Cervantes Theatre, one of the city’s most important cultural venues. Just a 5-minute walk from this theater, you have lockers in Carretería so you can leave your backpack or valuables while you enjoy one of the city’s most important festivities.
We recommend attending a session, as it allows you to understand the spirit of the festival from the inside: well-prepared lyrics, local humor, and a great connection with the audience.
Carnival Opening Speech
The opening speech officially marks the start of the carnival in the street. It’s held in the Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of the historic center. From that moment on, the atmosphere livens up and performances become very frequent. If this is your first plan, our lockers on Alameda Principal are also very close by. If you’re only going to be in the city for a day, you can reserve one of our smart lockers for as many hours as you need.
We’d like to highlight that the opening speech is one of the most crowded events and the perfect point to start experiencing the carnival without needing to buy any kind of ticket, as access is free.
Grand Carnival Parade
The parade goes along the Paseo del Parque and is one of the most important events due to the influx of people. Floats, troupes, costumes, and music turn this area into a real party for all audiences.
If you’re traveling as a family, this is one of the best plans, as the little ones are the ones who enjoy these types of events the most.
Carnival in the street
Beyond the official acts, the best of the carnival happens spontaneously. Groups singing on corners, squares full of people in costume, and bars that become improvised meeting points. This is where you really understand what to do during Carnival in Málaga: walk, dance, laugh, and join the atmosphere.
The end of the carnival: the “Burial of the Anchovy”
The “Burial of the Anchovy” is usually held on the last day of Carnival, typically a Sunday, and takes place in the La Malagueta area, very close to the beach. It’s an outdoor event, accessible and designed for all audiences, making it a perfect plan whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family.
The event includes a prior parade, a festive atmosphere, costumes (many of them improvised), and the symbolic burning of a giant anchovy, which draws applause, laughter, and that collective feeling of “until next year”.
It’s a good time to say goodbye to the carnival with a smile… and without rushing back to grab your suitcase.
If you want to experience the Málaga Carnival stress-free, trust us, LOCK & enjoy!, move freely through the center and join the party from the first minute. Staying in the city for more days? Enjoy any of the tourist activities in Málaga!
