Malaga, like the rest of Spain is getting ready for Carnival, the first major celebration of the year following Three Kings. Carnival is traditionally celebrated the week prior to Ash Wednesday. It’s a chance to let loose before Lent. There is no fiesta more free-spirited than the carnival. The amateur groups of musicians are renowned for their witty lyrics and elaborate costumes. They will sing about anyone, from politicians and royalty to TV personalities and current news figures.

The carnival celebrations in Malaga begin at the Cervantes Theatre on Sunday, 1 February. This is when the semi-finals (until 6 February) and finals (until 7 February) of the official singing group competition (COAC), will take place.

The Malaga Carnival 2020 programme includes activities that run from Saturday, February 7, until Sunday, February 15, when the celebrations conclude with the traditional Burial the Anchovy at Malagueta Beach.

The programme includes ‘carnival in your district’, which presents parades and street performances in the neighbourhoods of El Perchel, Palma-Palmilla, Cruz de Humilladero, Teatinos and Ciudad Jardín, among others. Other events take place in Plaza de la Constitución, including the Grand carnival parade (8 February ), the drag queen gala (13 February) and the ‘battle of flowers’ (14 February), along with performances by the musical groups, a fancy-dress competition and children’s activities.

From 6 to 15 Febraury, Antequera will celebrate Carnival. There will be a welcome address, competitions and a carousel, as well as performances by local groups who combine humour and music. These groups have revived the local festival which has been waning for many years. The most popular festival part will be on 14 and 15 Feburary, with the fancy dress competition (14th) and the carousel (15th).

Carnival celebrations will also take place further along the Costa del Sol, in towns like Torremolinos, where the start of carnival is signalled by the annual drag queen gala that is held at the Príncipe de Asturias municipal auditorium on Saturday 21 February.

Las Lagunas is also celebrating its carnival on the 7th, 8th, and 15th of February. There are parades, contests in costumes, and other entertainments for everyone.

Estepona is organising a program of activities in Plaza Antonia Guerrero for Saturday, 7 February and Sunday, 8 February. If it rains, the activities are moved to the municipal “caseta” at the fairground.

Carnival is also held in Benalmádena, Marbella and San Pedro, and in inland towns like Alhaurín el Grande, Coín and Ronda.

Information is available on the council websites.