Malaga Carnival set to fill streets with colour

The Malaga Carnival will be the biggest street celebration on the Spanish calendar. From February 15 to March 15, the historic center of the city will be transformed into a whirlwind, full of colour, satire and music.

The real fiesta starts as soon as the COAC (official competition of singing groups) finishes at the Teatro Cervantes. Organisers of the official Malaga carnival organisation promise more than 90 free activities. These include daily performances of song and dance, costume contests and the iconic Grand Parade. Other events include the Drag Queen Gala on February 8 and the colourful Battle of Flowers during Costume Day (February 14), as well as the Burial of Sardine, a traditional but odd tradition.

600,000+ people, 50 carnival groups & 90 free activities

This year, the COAC will host nearly 50 registered groups. 39 of them are adult groups (21 comparsas and 16 murgas plus a choir, quartet, and quartet). They include hundreds of performers bringing wit, Andalusian flair, and elaborate costumes to the COAC. The event will also include thousands of locals and fans who will take part in street singing and parades.

Malaga Carnival is one of the biggest and most respected in Spain, with thousands of people travelling hundreds of kilometres to celebrate on the streets with Malagueños. The carnival is a huge draw for Malaga, and it’s a big event on the festive scene in Spain. Tourism officials and previous figures show that there are over 600,000 visitors during the entire week.

Weather forecast is good

The weather forecast for Saturday’s opener looks promising. There is a reduced risk of rain and milder temperatures compared with the recent storms that affected the COAC Semifinals. Expect sunny intervals and comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor revelry in Plaza de la Constitución, where the pregón (opening proclamation) kicks off at 8pm.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned carnavalero, grab a costume, dress up in something colourful, head to the centre, and dive into what promises to be an unforgettable “Fiesta del Invierno Cálido”. Malaga’s streets are ready—let the party begin!