Malaga Carnival &
Drag Queen Spectacular 2026

Malaga Carnival & Drag Queen Spectacular 2026

Málaga is famous for hosting over-the-top events, and its Carnival celebrations are just as crazy with elaborate parades, spectacular lighting displays, street food, concerts, dancing and drag queens. The event attracts more than 600,000 visitors.

• Stay in the centre of Malaga, close to all of the daytime celebrations at Molina Lario rated “Fabulous” by guests. The hotel is spread across two renovated 19th-century buildings with spacious rooms and a beautiful rooftop terrace.

Carnival Highlights

• Málaga’s Carnival begins with selecting the God and Goddess of Carnival. It ends with a giant boqueroná (anchovy) parading through the city to La Malaqueta beach, where it takes centre place on a colossal bonfire, a symbolic end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent. Most major events are held in the city’s historic quarter ( Casco Histórico) and Plaza de la Constitución.

The Official Opening

• Saturday – Opening Weekend – Awaiting dates – Plaza de la Constitución – The official start of Malaga carnival events begins on the first Saturday of the event with the grand opening at 8 pm
• The event includes the selection of the carnival Gods who officially represent the Carnival throughout the week.

The Great Carnival Parade

• Sunday – Awaiting dates – Held on the first Sunday of the event, the Great Carnival parade makes its way through the streets of Malaga from 5.30 pm.
• The route changes yearly but typically begins on Plaza de fray Alonso and ends on Plaza de la Merced.
• Joining the parade are the carrousels of coplas, murgas and comparsas, all dressed in elaborate costumes.
• The Gods of Carnival are also present, with their large, colourful and imposing costumes.
• The entertainment groups will begin their tour from the Explanada de Santo Domingo and will end in the Plaza de la Merced.
• At 8 pm, the finalists of the Official Singing Group Contest (COAC) perform in Plaza de la Constitución.

Gala Drag Queen

• Friday – Awaiting dates – Typically held on the Friday of the final weekend on Plaza de la Constitución.
• Enjoy the fiercest rivalries as outrageous drag queens from across Spain battle for the Queen of Malaga Carnival title.
• Expect impossibly high platforms, feathers, giant wigs and make-up as the event kicks off at 9.30 pm.
• Stay just steps from the Carnival activities the Room Mate Valeria rated “Superb” by guests featuring designer rooms with views of the Mediterranean sea. The rooftop terrace is a popular meeting spot.

Battle of the Flowers

• Final Saturday – Awaiting dates – Held on Calle Larios, where everyone throws colourful paper petals and streamers at each other.
• Seven hundred fifty kilos of confetti and 150 kilos of unpeeled flowers make this a fun and colourful event.

Gods’ and Goddess’ Carnival Parade, Costume Night & After Party

• Final Saturday – Awaiting dates – From 2 pm – The second major parade features the imposing Gods’ and Goddess’ of Malaga Carnival making their way through the streets.
• The route changes each year but begins and ends at Plaza de la Constitución.
• Events end with the big costume night in the Plaza de la Constitución, where there will be performances and the most original outfit will be chosen followed by a themed concert ’80s La Movida ‘.

Great Boqueroná

• Final Sunday – Awaiting dates – From 2 pm – Gran boqueroná, literally a huge fried anchovy and a culinary highlight during Malaga carnival. Get your free portion of fried anchovies at Plaza de la Constitución.
• From 5 pm –  A parade full of colourful floats, Carnival gods and goddesses and official mourners accompany the giant anchovy from the Plaza de la Constitución, through the port and to the beach of the Malagueta.
• An unusual tradition, the Burning of the Boquerón takes place on Malagueta Beach.
• This is the official end of Carnaval, where all our sins are burned away. Sadly for the boquerón, he always meets a fiery end.
• The Boquerón is a symbol of Málaga. Boqueron means anchovy. Anchovies, one of the most popular dishes in Malaga, are served fried or marinated in olive oil, garlic and lemon.
• Malagueños (people from Malaga) eat so many anchovies that their nickname is “Boquerones”.
• Upgrade your Malaga Fair experience at the “Superb” rated Vincci Hotel offering guests luxurious rooms with private terraces, a modern gym and highly-rated breakfasts.

Carnival Dishes

• Gastronomy plays an integral part in the Carnival celebrations. Cabbages, casseroles, rice dishes, stews and much more.
• Each district organises its popular taster sessions with Carnival songs as an essential part of the fun.
• No trip to Carnival would be complete without sampling Espeto de Sardinas, which consists of sardines with fine herbs roasted over a wood fire.
• Not a fish lover? Try Berza Malagueña, made with chickpeas, beef, vegetables and black pudding.

Carnival Lights

• Malaga reuses its Christmas lights for Carnival: so if you missed the spectacular lighting displays, it’s your second chance to see them covering Calle Larios on Christmas, with several additional Carnival motifs added, making the street look even more spectacular.

Carnival Weather

• Weather during Carnival in Malga is Spring-like, with temperatures reaching up to 20 degrees Celcius and average temperatures staying around 16 degrees.
• The city enjoys approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day in February. Sunrise is around 8 am, and sunset is around 7 pm.

Gay Malaga Districts

• Centro Histórico (Old Town): The heart of Malaga’s nightlife, with a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community.
• La Merced: A vibrant area with an eclectic mix of cultures, popular among the younger LGBTQ+ crowd.

Gay Bars and Clubs:

• El Carmen – Popular gay bar, cafe & restaurant with a mixed crowd and outdoor terrace, offering meals from breakfast to late drinks. Located at the Plaza de la Merced.
• Café de Estraperlo – Designer café bar in Soho Málaga, near the Port, with great coffee, premium drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere with a friendly vibe. Offers free WiFi.
• Calle de Bruselas –  Gay-friendly café bar in Plaza de la Merced offering drinks, cocktails, tapas, and meals with pop-up drag performances.
• Theatro Club –  LGBT-popular nightclub in Malaga city centre known for disco, concerts, and live performances, attracting a late-night crowd.
• La Comedia – Gay bar with nightly drag shows and a lively atmosphere, located on Calle Comedias. Friendly crowd and charming owners.
• Lola’s Copas – Cozy bar with drag queen-hosted bingo nights on Fridays, offering a warm atmosphere over two floors near the theatre.
• Kipfer & Lover – A cozy gay bar next to the theatre in Malaga’s old town, with a great drinks menu, from cocktails to an extensive wine list.

Gay-Friendly Restaurants:

• Restaurante Vino Mío – Offers a creative menu and live flamenco shows, popular with gay locals.
• Café de Estraperlo – A casual place perfect for brunch or an evening drink, known for its inclusiveness.

Where to stay in Malaga

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Only YOU Hotel,  Palacio Solecio,  AC Hotel Málaga Palacio, Vincci Larios Diez