Carnivals
Málaga's Carnival is a popular festival that precedes Lent. It stands out thanks to its multicultural, colourful and spontaneous character. This event takes place both in the historic centre and in the different neighbourhoods of the city, hosting recreational activities during the warm Málaga winter.
The celebration, which is promoted by the Fundación Ciudadana del Carnaval, begins with gatherings of musical groups such as singers, murgas (street bands), comparsas (troupes), quartets and choirs in the Cervantes Theatre. These groups, from different parts of the province and other regions of Andalusia, take part in a competition that marks the beginning of the street festivities.
The Concurso Oficial de Agrupaciones is characterised by good humour, satire, sparkle and social criticism, offering an annual chronicle of local, provincial, regional and national events through performances full of talent and the best staging.
Food and drink also play an important role in the run-up to Carnival. Cabbage, casseroles, rice dishes and stews are typical of this time of year.
Carnival takes place from one Sunday to the next, during the week before the beginning of Lent. The Gran Desfile takes place on the first Sunday after the proclamation and the election of the God and Goddess of Carnival, held on Saturday night. Throughout the week, musical performances and events such as the Battle of the Flowers decorate the city centre with confetti and paper money.
Finally, on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the Entierro del Boquerón (Burial of the Boquerón) is held, a desfile through the streets of the centre to the beaches of La Malagueta, where this ephemeral work, full of references to current affairs, is burnt.