Nerja Carnival

Name: Nerja Carnival
Start: 2027-02-04
End: 2027-02-07
Location: Casco antiguo de Nerja, Málaga

Nerja Carnival is an explosion of colour, humour and creativity, with parade groups, fancy-dress competitions, the election of Ninfa and Momo, and street parades through the centre.

Directions

The Nerja Carnival is one of the most fun and participative festivals in the Nerja calendar. Over several days, the municipality is transformed with parades of comparsas, fancy-dress competitions, chirigotas and street parades that fill the streets with colour and good humour.

Proclamation and opening

Carnival begins with the official proclamation at the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja, which marks the starting signal for the festivities. From there, the streets of the centre become an open stage.

Contest of Ninfas and Momos

One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the election of the Ninfas and the Momo, together with the children’s fancy-dress contests, at the Giner de los Ríos car park, where the youth party is also held.

Grand parade and street procession

The great Carnival parade, on Saturday afternoon (in 2026 it left Calle Jaén at 5 pm), goes through the main streets of the centre with floats, comparsas and murgas. It is the most crowded moment. On Sunday Carnival says goodbye with the traditional Entierro del Chanquete, a mock funeral.

The 42nd edition was held from 12 to 15 February 2026. It is a Provincial Fiesta of Tourist Singularity. Source: Nerja Town Council.

Video

1 video

Nerja Carnival — video 1

History

Nerja Carnival is a unique festival held every year in this Málaga town, full of music, dancing and colour! Over four days of fun, the people of Nerja dress up as the funniest and most original characters and compete to see who is best with their chirigotas (satirical singing groups). Don't miss the crowning of King Momo and the Carnival Nymphs, in both the children's and the youth categories.

On top of that, the last day of Carnival is the Burial of the Chanquete, when everyone dresses in mourning to lament the death of the Chanquete. This unusual celebration has been declared of Tourist Interest by the Provincial Council of Málaga, so it is well worth a visit.
Carnival is a deeply rooted and surprising tradition in Nerja that gains more interest and energy every year, as participants and visitors put ever more imagination into making costumes and floats.
Carnival takes place over four days (at least three days and one night) in the week before the start of Lent and, as with many of the town's events, its religious roots overflow with the Spanish love of a good party.
The general idea is one big party before the fast until Easter. Although the February weather is not always the stereotypical Andalusian sunshine, there is no reason to rule Carnival out: it is one of the best times to photograph the town and its people.
Simply put, it is incredible how much time participants put into winning the competitions for the best group or the best float.
Carnival includes two parades and a series of competitions that last four days until the final event, the “Burial of the Chanquete”. Frankly, it is a rather strange tradition, but it seems to be quite old and is found all over Spain.
In Nerja a large decorated (fake) anchovy is paraded through the streets with great pomp until it reaches one of the beaches in the town centre, Calahonda Beach, where it is blown up as part of a fireworks display.

Expected weather

In February temperatures reach around 17°C. Bring a light jacket for the evenings (8°C) and a raincoat just in case.

17°C

High

8°C

Low

Sun/day

Rain days

Sea temperature: ~15°C

Historical climate data — real forecast will appear within 16 days of the event

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Where to park

Hay varios aparcamientos disponibles si desea visitar los Carnavales de Nerja:

Parking Balcón de Europa / Plaza España (De pago).
Parking Carabeo (De pago).
Parking Giner de los ríos (Gratis).

Si lo prefiere, puede consultar otras opciones de aparcamiento en Nerja.

How to get to Nerja Carnival

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Frequently asked questions

Nerja Carnival is usually held in February, between 40 and 50 days before Easter. The exact dates vary each year because they depend on the liturgical calendar.

The opening speech at the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja, the election of the Ninfas and Momo, fancy-dress contests, the grand parade of troupes through the town centre and the Entierro del Chanquete as the closing event.

Yes, all Carnival events are free of charge and open to the public.

Of course. Both the parade and the street procession are open to anyone who wants to take part in costume. The Ninfas and Momo competition requires prior registration.