Nerja Carnival

Name: Nerja Carnival
Start: 2027-02-05
End: 2027-02-09
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.

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, usually in Plaza de España, 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 contest of Ninfas and Momos, in children's and adult categories. Participants compete with elaborate costumes and choreography, and the public votes for their favourites in a gala full of spectacle.

Grand parade and street procession

The great Carnival parade goes through the main streets of the centre with floats, comparsas and murgas. It is the most crowded moment and the best one to enjoy Nerja's creativity. Carnival ends with the traditional burial of the sardine.

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

Nerja Carnival on social media

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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.

Official opening speech, Ninfas and Momo competition (children’s and adults’), the grand parade of troupes through the town centre and the burial of the sardine 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.