It´s Carnival time in Málaga!
40 days before Ash Wednesday, the start of Holy Week or Semana Santa people take to the streets in Málaga and most towns and cities in Spain, to party before the more austere period of Lent. From 1937 to 1977 though, Málaga was not permitted to hold celebrations as they were considered to be rebels by Franco, and it was not until 1978 with the coming of democracy did Málaganians once again don their costumes, break out their music and begin making merry.
The Historic Quarter as well as other areas of the city sees a vibrant display of parades, bands, singers, groups of singers, choirs, street musicians, quartets and multi-culturalism at its finest. The Carnival starts with a music competition in the Teatro Cervantes hosted by the Fundación Ciudadana del Carnaval (Citizen´s Carnival Foundation).
What is a fiesta without food? Epicureanism is an integral part of these celebrations, with rice dishes, cabbages, casseroles, stews and more. Every area around the city organizes tastings with Carnival songs as an indispensable part of the festivities.
The Carnival culminates with the burial of the anchovy or the Entierro de Boquerón on Malagueta Beach.
Carnival will take place between January 30th and February 7th.
January 30th
Election of Gods and Goddesses
January 31st
Grand Parade
February 1st – 4th
Street Carnival
February 5th
Grand Finale on the square / street carnival
February 6th
Street Carnival / Children´s Carnival
February 7th
Street Carnival /Gods & Goddesses Parade / Battle of Flowers
February 8th
Street Carnival / Gods & Goddesses Parade / Burial of Boquerón