Marbella Carnaval 2024: A Symphony of Color, Music, and Celebrations

Get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythm of joy as Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara gear up for the Carnival of 2024! Bursting with color, music, and cultural richness, this year’s carnival promises an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll navigate through the lively schedule of events, parades, and festivities spread across different corners of Marbella and San Pedro.

Marbella’s town hall has shared two carnival schedules: one for Marbella divided by different areas, and one specifically for San Pedro Alcántara. You can check out the original programs in Spanish by clicking on the provided links below.

– Marbella (including Las Chapas & Nueva Andalucía)  |  Carnival Program 2024
– San Pedro Alcántara  |  Carnival Program 2024

marbella carnaval
san pedro carnaval

Marbella Carnival 2024 Main Events:

Official Launch: February 3, 9:00 p.m. at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

Children’s Carnival: February 11, from 12:00 p.m to  03:00 p.m. at Parque de la Represa with children’s animation show, and attractions such as inflatables, trampolines and a mechanical bull.

Carnival Humor Parade: February 17, at 5:00 p.m. along Ricardo Soriano Avenue (near the Siebla gas station), then through Ramón y Cajal Avenue, Severo Ochoa Avenue, concluding at the intersection with Nabeul Avenue. At 8:30 p.m., immerse yourself in the carnival magic with entertaining performances at Parque de la Represa (next to the Antonio Gil “El Nejo” temple). Engage in the revelry as local carnival groups take the stage and fill the air with laughter and lively music.

For more information, explore the detailed event schedule below:

Saturday, February 3:

  • 9:00 p.m.: Official launch of the carnival in Marbella’s main theater (Teatro Ciudad de Marbella) and local carnival groups’ performances and an anthology by the Carapapas Brothers.

Sunday, February 11:

  • 12:00 p.m. – 03:00 p.m.: Children’s Carnival Proclamation at Parque de la Represa  (next to the Antonio Gil “El Nejo” temple) with children’s animation show, and attractions such as inflatables, trampolines and a mechanical bull.

Tuesday & Wednesday, February 13-14:

  • – 10:00 a.m.: Semifinal of Children’s Chirigotas Competition at Adolfo Suárez Congress and Exhibition Palace.
  • – 09:00 p.m.: Semifinal of XXVII Carnival Groups Competition (“Concurso de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas”) at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

  • Thursday, February 15:
  • – 10:00 a.m.: Final of Children’s Chirigotas Competition at Adolfo Suárez Congress and Exhibition Palace.
  • – 09:00 p.m.: Semifinal of XXVII Carnival Groups Competition (“Concurso de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas”) at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

Friday, February 16:

  • – 09:00 p.m.: Final of XXVII Carnival Groups Competition (“Concurso de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas”) at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

  • – Winning children’s group from chirigotas competition performs in the final.

Saturday, February 17:

  • – At 5:00 p.m., don’t miss the whimsical Marbella Carnival Humor Parade as it winds its way along Ricardo Soriano Avenue (near the Siebla gas station), then through Ramón y Cajal Avenue, Severo Ochoa Avenue, concluding at the intersection with Nabeul Avenue.

  • – At 8:30 p.m., immerse yourself in the carnival magic with entertaining performances at Parque de la Represa (next to the Antonio Gil “El Nejo” temple). Engage in the revelry as local carnival groups take the stage and fill the air with laughter and lively music.

Sunday, February 18:

  • Noon: XXIV Carnival Mejillonada (mussel feast) at Parque de la Represa.

28th February – Chorizada de Carnaval

Saturday, February 3:

  • Noon: Las Chapas 2024 Carnival Party at Platero School with workshops, contests, and performances.

Sunday, February 4:

  • 12:30 p.m.: Carnival Party at IES Nueva Andalucía with costume contest and performances.

Thursday, February 8:

  • 05:00 p.m.: Carnival Party at CPA Nueva Andalucía with a costume contest.

Sunday, February 11:

  • – 04:00 p.m.: Carnival Party on Avenida Las Palmeras with children’s entertainment and contests.
  • – 03:30 p.m.: Performance by carnival groups.

Tuesday, February 13:

  • 10:00 a.m.: CEIP José Banús Carnival Parade in Nueva Andalucía.

 

Friday, February 9:

  • – 11:00 a.m.: Children’s Carnival Parade in San Pedro Alcántara.
  • – 05:00 p.m.: Children’s Carnival Party on San Pedro Alcántara Boulevard.

Saturday, February 10:

  • 05:00 p.m.: Humor Parade of San Pedro Alcántara Carnival.

Sunday, February 11:

  • Noon: San Pedro Carnival on the Boulevard stage with various group performances.

Tuesday, February 13:

  • – 10:00 a.m.: Semifinal of Children’s Chirigotas Competition at Adolfo Suárez Congress and Exhibition Palace.
  • – 09:00 p.m.: Semifinal of XXVII Carnival Groups Competition at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

Wednesday, February 14:

  • – 10:00 a.m.: Semifinal of Children’s Chirigotas Competition at Adolfo Suárez Congress and Exhibition Palace.
  • – 09:00 p.m.: Semifinal of XXVII Carnival Groups Competition at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

Thursday, February 15:

  • – 10:00 a.m.: Final of Children’s Chirigotas Competition at Adolfo Suárez Congress and Exhibition Palace.
  • – 09:00 p.m.: Semifinal of XXVII Carnival Groups Competition at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

Friday, February 16:

  • 09:00 p.m.: Final of XXVII Carnival Groups Competition at Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.
carnaval marbella

Musical Group competition

Get ready for the thrilling return of the Musical Group competition (“Concurso de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas”) at this year’s carnival! This contest sees various associations compete for the title of the best musical group. These Musical Carnival Groups, bring a mix of talented singers and instruments like drums, Spanish guitars, and kazoos. And, of course, they’re all decked out in fantastic costumes, adding a burst of music and color to the competition!

Marbella's Carnival Parade

Prepare for a burst of excitement as Marbella’s Carnival Parade takes over the streets on February 17th from 5:00 p.m. Starting from the main high street of Ricardo Soriano, witness a lively procession with both kids and adults dressed up in captivating costumes. The atmosphere will be filled with the joyful sounds of brass bands and traditional chirigota musical groups, adding to the festive vibe.

This spectacle is perfect for families, offering a fantastic sight as it winds through the streets. Two vibrant stages are set up on Avenida Nabeul and in Parque de la Represa, hosting captivating musical performances. You won’t want to miss the groups from Cadiz, renowned for their carnival spirit, delivering memorable acts.

As the sun sets, the Represa Park, nestled behind Marbella’s Old Town, comes alive with performances starting at 8:30 p.m. Feel free to join the festivities by dressing up and becoming a part of this lively celebration!

marbella carnival 2024
Free food and Entertainment 

Savor the essence of Spanish cuisine and carnival spirit on February 18th and 28th. Enjoy free mussels and live music at Represa Park during Mejillonada de Carnaval on the 18th. On February 28th from 13.00h, wrap up the carnival at Plaza José Rodríguez ‘El Triana’, located in front of the Asociación Cultural Carnavalesca Marbellí headquarters on Calle José Iturbi, for the Chorizada de Carnaval, featuring lively performances and delicious chorizo.

  Note that this event is about a 20-minute walk from Marbella Old Town, in a less touristy area, offering a glimpse into the “real” Marbella.

Mejillonada de Carnaval Marbella

Is the Marbella Carnaval popular?

Marbella Carnival is a beloved annual event where families come together to embrace the festive spirit. People of all ages join in, dressing up in lively costumes, engaging in city-sponsored activities, and filling the streets with energy. The community’s enthusiasm is evident in the vibrant outfits available at local shops. It’s a time-honored tradition that resonates with the heart and soul of Marbella, making the carnival a cherished and popular celebration for locals.  The celebration, marked around Shrove Tuesday (known as Pancake Day in the UK), resonates with the community’s enthusiasm and cultural spirit, making it a cherished and popular event in Marbella.

RELATED READING  | 12 Best Things To Do in Marbella in February [2024]

Conclusion:

With events spanning across three weekends, the Carnival in Marbella 2024 promises a non-stop fiesta for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, join the revelry, and don’t forget to don your most fabulous costume!

If you can’t attend in person, catch the vibrant celebrations on RTV Marbella or their YouTube channel. 

Thank you for reading: Marbella Carnival 2024: Discover the Unmissable Events
Recent Posts