When are the Malaga and Cadiz Carnivals held in 2026?
Chirigotas, comparsas, choirs... Once again, one of Andalusia's most joyful celebrations returns to Malaga and Cadiz: Carnival. It's time to get your makeup, wigs, and colorful costumes ready to enjoy the liveliest celebrations of early 2026.
Key dates for Carnival in Malaga
This year, Malaga Carnival will be held between February 1 and 15, although the preliminary galas for the groups competing in this new edition have been taking place since January 23.
The Carnival will not take to the streets until February 7, after the opening speech in the Plaza de la Constitución at 8:00 p.m. and the election of the God Momo and the Goddess of Carnival at 9:00 p.m.
From this moment on, there will be five other key dates in the Malaga Carnival program:
• February 8: Pregón de la Cantera (aimed at children's groups), with the election of the Prince and Princess and the Grand Carnival Parade, and the Carnival paella in Palma-Palmilla.
• February 12: Final of adult groups (Teatro Cervantes).
• February 13: Drag Queen Gala (Plaza de la Constitución).
• February 14: Costume Day and Battle of the Flowers (Plaza de la Constitución).
• February 15: Gran Boqueroná (Plaza de la Constitución) and Burial of the Boquerón.
Main events of the Cádiz Carnival
February 12 marks the start of the 2026 Cádiz Carnival. For 10 days, this festival of International Tourist Interest will transform the city into a stage for music, humor, and fine cuisine.
The key dates for not missing anything essential in this edition of the Cádiz Carnival are:
• February 13: COAC Grand Final at the Gran Teatro Falla.
• February 14: Proclamation in the Plaza San Antonio and Grand Carnival Gala at the Gran Teatro Falla, with performances by the winning groups.
• February 15: Choir Sunday, with groups parading around Plaza de Mina and the Central Market, and the Grand Parade.
• February 16: new this year on what is known as “Hangover Monday,” the Cruzcampo Group Festival will be held in Plaza San Antonio.
• February 21: Gastronomic events (tortilla, migas, papas aliñás...) and Cabalgata del Humor (Humor Parade) through the historic center.
• February 22: Domingo de Piñata (Piñata Sunday) with a carnival atmosphere in the streets of the city center, pinchitada y frito popular (a traditional dish), and a light and drone show as the grand finale in La Caleta.