The Carnaval de Águilas will take place from January 31, 2027 to March 6, 2027.
The Carnaval de Águilas is celebrated in Águilas. A town on the southeastern coast of Spain, situated in the region of Murcia.
The Carnaval de Águilas marks the last festive hurrah before the solemn period of Lent, offering an ideal opportunity to indulge in merriment and revelry. This lively celebration is a perfect occasion to unwind, embrace your eccentric side, and immerse yourself in days of carefree enjoyment. The carnival is characterized by extravagant outfits, vibrant processions, energetic street festivities, and captivating musical performances. The town comes alive with color, grandeur, and beauty during the four significant parades held on Carnival Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday, along with Piñata Saturday (the weekend following the main Carnival event). As night descends, the area around Plaza de España becomes a bustling hub of activity, especially on Carnival Monday, as people adorn themselves with costumes and masks.
Several notable aspects define the festivities, such as the playful cascarones de confeti (confetti-filled eggs thrown during the celebrations) and cuerva, a traditional beverage crafted from wine and fruit. Notably, the paper costume competition has gained popularity in recent years, showcasing dazzling disguises crafted entirely from paper.
A visually captivating event where participants carry illuminated lanterns through the town.
A highly anticipated event is the Drag Queen Gala, where contestants showcase elaborate and glamorous drag performances. This gala is known for its entertainment value and the creativity of the participants.
Extravagant processions feature vibrant floats, stunning costumes, and energetic dance performances, with participants competing for prizes.
These are musical and satirical performances by local groups, often parodying social and political topics.
In addition to the Drag Queen Gala, there is a separate gala to crown the Queen of the Carnival. This event features a spectacular show with music, dance, and the presentation of the contestants.
This symbolic event marks the end of the carnival, featuring a solemn yet humorous procession where a sardine effigy is burned.
Note: carnival organizers can switch-up routes, times, etc. at the last minute so tap the “ViewAllEvents” button to check for updates.
Águilas is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Spain, across Europe, or internationally.
To score the best Carnival fares, compare prices across top travel sites like:
KAYAK – Perfect for comparing flight prices at a glance.
Expedia – Ideal if you want to bundle your flight + hotel.
Trip.com – Great for flexible travel dates and multilingual support.
Omio – Compare and book trains, buses and flights in Europe with one search.
The best place to stay is in Águilas town itself, close to the parade routes and events. Since Águilas is a coastal destination, many visitors also stay in nearby towns like Lorca or Mojácar, which offer more hotel options but require a short drive to Carnival.
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Águilas during Carnival is easy thanks to its coastal layout and walkable town center:
We’ve gathered some of our most useful Carnival blogs to help you plan for Aguila’s Carnival and other global festivals:
Book flights, hotels, and car rentals in one place and score package discounts for your carnival getaway.
Find fun, affordable hostels close to carnival routes and meet other travelers.
Easily book trains across Europe — perfect if you’re visiting multiple carnival cities.
Read real reviews, compare experiences, and book unforgettable adventures to enhance your Carnival getaway.
Stay connected with Airalo eSIMs — affordable, no SIM swaps or roaming stress!
Get reliable travel insurance for medical issues, trip delays, or lost bags.
Stay secure on public Wi-Fi while traveling.
Claim compensation if your carnival flights get delayed or canceled.
