Carnaval de Malaga 2025

It's time to revel on the streets of breathtaking Malaga!

The Carnaval de Málaga boasts a colorful history that dates back to the 18th century when it first emerged as a celebration of music, masquerades, and street performances. Over the years, the carnival evolved into a grand spectacle full of satirical humor and daring costumes. However, its vibrant spirit faced a dark period during the Franco regime, when it was suppressed, and public celebrations were banned. However, the resilience of Málaga's people kept the flame alive, and in the late 20th century, the carnival made a triumphant return.

Today, it’s a whirlwind of parades, cheeky chirigotas (humorous, politically charged songs), and extravagant costumes, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe to revel in the city’s passionate celebration of freedom, creativity, and culture!

The Malaga Carnival will last from February 22 to March 2. These days will be majestic, so prepare for your trip to Spain!

What to Expect When Attending Carnaval de Malaga 2025

As preparations for the Malaga carnival start, unique carnival lights are placed along Calle Larios,, and the funny harlequin sits next to the Marqués de Larios statue.

Most events will happen in Plaza de la Constitución. On the first day, the grand opening will mark the official start of the festivities, along with the selection of the Carnival Gods. The Carnival Gods are a unique and symbolic feature of the Carnaval de Málaga, representing the spirit and essence of the celebration. They consist of the God and Goddess of the Carnival (Rey del Carnaval and Diosa del Carnaval), who are chosen annually to represent the event's ambassadors.

The next day, on the first Sunday, the Great Carnival Parade will enter the city center from Pasillo de Santo Domingo to Plaza de la Merced. Expect to see colorful floats and many people in fancy dress! The parade route is well-known. Some places it goes through are Plaza de Fray Alonso de Santo Tomás, Plaza de la Legión, Puerta del Mar, Calle Granada, Plaza Uncibay, and Plaza de la Merced.

If you're coming with your kids, the essential part for their fun is the Children’s carnival. Children’s fun and games will be organized on Plaza de la Constitución.

On February 28, the Drag Queen Contest will take place. Expect impossibly high platforms, giant wigs, and make-up in spades as Malaga drag queens compete for the Queen of Malaga carnival.

Another carnival event is Battle of the Flowers – a brightly colored parade where people throw confetti and streamers into the crowd before the final shower of thousands of petals.

The grand finale is the Burial of the Gran Boqueroná. This quirky tradition, in which a sardine (or huge fried anchovy) is paraded through the streets and symbolically “buried,” marks the end of the carnival with a mix of humor and ceremony. The boquerone travels through the city to La Malaqueta beach, taking center stage on a huge bonfire—a symbolic end to Carnival and the beginning of Easter Lent.

You can enjoy carnival songs, dancing, street food, live entertainment, and more at all carnival events!

The weather will be mild. Daytime highs will average around 16 C (60 F), while nighttime lows will drop to approximately 7 C (44 F). Dress to impress, but bring something like a jacket to stay comfortable and warm!

Tickets

You can attend the majority of the events for free. However, some competitions and performances, such as those held at the Teatro Cervantes, may have ticketed entries. These tickets are for the official carnival group contests, including the COAC (Official Contest of Carnival Groups), which presents musical performances like chirigotas, choirs, and comparsas.

Security Protocols

• Security personnel will check all bags upon entry, monitor the crowd, and keep everyone safe.
• Medical personnel will be available at the venues to assist in emergencies.

How to Get To or From the Event

It's best to use public transport to reach the carnival:

• Bus: Key bus lines that serve the city center, where many carnival events take place, include Line 1 (Parque del Sur – Alameda Principal), Line 3 (Puerta Blanca – El Palo), Line C1 and C2, circular routes that loop through central Málaga. You can purchase tickets directly on the bus (€1.40 per ride).
• Metro: The metro system has two lines (L1 and L2) connecting outer areas to the city center. L1 runs from Andalucia Tech to El Perchel, while L2 runs from Palacio de los Deportes to El Perchel.
• Car: If you're driving, Málaga is accessible via major highways like the A-7 and AP-7, which run along the Mediterranean coast.

Carnaval de Malaga 2025 Bag Policy

The Málaga Carnival doesn't impose a formal bag policy, as it's a public city-wide celebration with events across different venues and streets. However, security measures may be in place for specific events, such as performances at the Cervantes Theatre (Teatro Cervantes) or ticketed competitions, and smaller bags are recommended to ensure a smooth entry.

It's best to avoid carrying large backpacks or luggage during street events to navigate the crowded areas more comfortably.

If you don't know what to do with your belongings during your stay in Spain, Bounce can help!

Bounce powers the luggage storage network that helps people freely explore without the weight of their things. We partner with local businesses in more than 15,000 locations in 4,000+ cities worldwide.

Carnaval de Malaga 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bag With Bounce and Enjoy the Malaga Carnival Events

Contact us through our website or mobile app, and we'll help you store your luggage in your chosen area.

For the price of only €3.90 per day, no cancellation fee, and 24/7 support, you can relax and have fun at the Malaga Carnival!

How to Stow Your Bag at Carnaval de Malaga 2025 With Bounce

Follow these simple steps:

• Book: Just choose when and where you want to drop off your bags, contact us, and pay online.
• Head to the store: Show your booking confirmation to a store employee and leave your luggage!
• Enjoy: Have fun as much as you can! After that, just come back and pick up your stuff. We’ll keep it safe.

How to Make the Most Out of Carnaval of Malaga 2025

• Check the schedule: Plan your visit by checking the schedule on the event's official website as soon as it's revealed. Don't miss the Grand Parade, the Drag Queen Gala, and the traditional Burial of the Sardine on the last day!
• Sample the carnival food: Málaga’s carnival is famous for its gastronomic delights, including Berzas Carnavalescas (a hearty stew), paella events, and unique street food specialties like boquerones (anchovies). Try them!
• Capture the moment: Bring your camera or phone to capture the elaborate costumes, parade floats, and decorations. Create iconic pictures and videos that truly represent this festivity.

Malaga is waiting for your arrival! Come, store your bags with Bounce, and spend wonderful days surrounded by vivid colors and energy that make for great memories!