Carnaval de Águilas
When is the 2027 Carnival in Águilas?
TBA. Events are usually held in January - February.
Where is the Carnival in Águilas celebrated?
The Carnaval de Águilas is celebrated in Águilas. A town on the southeastern coast of Spain, situated in the region of Murcia.
What is the Carnival in Águilas?
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.
What to Expect at Carnival in Águilas?
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.
Here’s what you can expect during Águilas Carnaval:
Paper Lantern Parade
A visually captivating event where participants carry illuminated lanterns through the town.
Drag Queen Gala
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.
Grand Parades
Extravagant processions feature vibrant floats, stunning costumes, and energetic dance performances, with participants competing for prizes.
Chirigotas and Comparsas
These are musical and satirical performances by local groups, often parodying social and political topics.
Carnival Queen Gala
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.
The Burial of the Sardine
This symbolic event marks the end of the carnival, featuring a solemn yet humorous procession where a sardine effigy is burned.
2026 Carnaval de Águilas Schedule
Release of the Mussona
Date: Feb 12, 2026
Time: 23:45 (11:45PM arrival Plaza de España)
Location: Explanada del Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas → Plaza de España, Águilas, Spain
The symbolic release of the Mussona — a half-man, half-beast creature — marks the ceremonial start of Carnival. The Mussona is guided through the town by the Musician-Tamer to Plaza de España.
Desfiles Escolares (School Parades)
Date: Feb 13, 2026
Time: 09:30 (9:30AM)
Location: Various schools, Águilas, Spain
Local students parade through the streets in colorful costumes, bringing youthful creativity and Carnival excitement to the town.
XXXVI Fiesta de la Cuerva
Date: Feb 13, 2026
Time: 15:00 (3PM)
Location: Participating bars and venues, Águilas, Spain
A beloved Carnival tradition where locals gather to enjoy cuerva (a festive drink) while music and performances take over different hospitality venues across town.
Children’s Mussona Release
Date: Feb 13, 2026
Time: 20:00 (8PM)
Location: Plaza de España, Águilas, Spain
A family-friendly version of the Mussona tradition, giving younger Carnival participants their own magical moment in the town square.
Battle Between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma for Children & Proclamation of the Children’s Muse
Date: Feb 13, 2026
Time: 21:30 (9:30PM)
Location: Plaza de España, Águilas, Spain
The symbolic Carnival-versus-Lent battle unfolds in a playful children’s version, followed by the official proclamation of the Children’s Muse.
Second Leg of the 24th Cruiser Regatta – 12th Estrella de Levante Trophy
Date: Feb 14, 2026
Time: 09:00 (9AM)
Location: Club Náutico Marina, Águilas, Spain
The nautical side of Carnival continues with competitive sailing at the marina, blending maritime tradition with festival celebrations.
Battle Between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma, Proclamation by the Muse, Proclaimer & Welcome by the Mayor
Date: Feb 14, 2026
Time: 22:00 (10PM)
Location: Plaza de España, Águilas, Spain
The official proclamation ceremony formally launches the heart of Carnival. Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma clash symbolically before speeches from the Muse, the town crier, and the Mayor.
First Grand Parade
Date: Feb 15, 2026
Time: 18:00 (6PM)
Location: Avenida Juan Carlos I & Calle Rey Carlos III, Águilas, Spain
The first major desfile fills the main avenues with spectacular floats, choreographed comparsas, elaborate costumes, and thousands of spectators.
Second Grand Parade
Date: Feb 17, 2026
Time: 18:00 (6PM)
Location: Avenida Juan Carlos I & Calle Rey Carlos III, Águilas, Spain
Another high-energy parade night showcasing new performances and competing Carnival troupes along the main route.
National Competition of Foreign Carnival Groups
Date: Feb 20, 2026
Time: 18:00 (6PM)
Location: Avenida Juan Carlos I & Calle Rey Carlos III, Águilas, Spain
Visiting Carnival groups from across Spain compete in a vibrant parade filled with creativity, choreography, and competitive spirit.
Final Grand Parade
Date: Feb 21, 2026
Time: 18:00 (6PM)
Location: Avenida Juan Carlos I & Calle Rey Carlos III, Águilas, Spain
The grand finale parade delivers one last spectacular display of floats and performances before Carnival comes to a close.
Burning of Don Carnal & Fireworks Display
Date: Feb 21, 2026
Time: N/A
Location: Poniente Port (Colonia Beach), Águilas, Spain
The symbolic burning of Don Carnal marks the official end of Carnival, followed by a dramatic fireworks display over the port.
2026 Carnival Awards Ceremony
Date: Feb 21, 2026
Time: N/A
Location: Plaza de España, Águilas, Spain
Final awards are presented to the best comparsas, floats, and performances of the 2026 Carnival season.
Note: carnival organizers can switch-up routes, times, etc. at the last minute so tap the “ViewAllEvents” button to check for updates.
How to Get to Águilas for Carnival?
Águilas is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Spain, across Europe, or internationally.
- Fly into nearby airports such as Region of Murcia International Airport (RMU), located about 1 hour from the city center, with flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Brussels, Manchester, and other European cities.
- You can also arrive via Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC), about 1.75 hours away, which offers routes from London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and etc.
- Regional trains run from Murcia, Lorca, Cartagena, and other nearby cities into Águilas Station, located close to the town center and Carnival areas.
- Long-distance and regional buses operate between Águilas and major cities in the Murcia region. Regular services connect Águilas with Murcia, Cartagena, Lorca, Vera, and surrounding coastal towns.
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.
Where Should You Stay During Águilas Carnival?
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!
How to Get Around Águilas During Carnival?
Getting around Águilas during Carnival is easy thanks to its coastal layout and walkable town center:
- Getting around Águilas during Carnival is easy thanks to its coastal layout and walkable town center:
- Local Buses: Town buses connect residential neighborhoods and nearby beaches, operating regularly throughout the day.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Available throughout Águilas and useful for late-night travel after Carnival events.
- Rental Cars: Not needed in Águilas but handy for trips to Cartagena, Murcia, Mojácar, or exploring the beaches of the Costa Cálida.
What Else Can You Do in Murcia During Carnival?
Here’s how to keep the Carnival adventure going across Murcia:
Looking for More Carnival Travel Advice?
We’ve gathered some of our most useful Carnival blogs to help you plan for Aguila’s Carnival and other global festivals:
Handy Travel Resources for Your Carnival Trip
Expedia
Book flights, hotels, and car rentals in one place and score package discounts for your carnival getaway.
Hostelworld
Find fun, affordable hostels close to carnival routes and meet other travelers.
Rail Europe
Easily book trains across Europe — perfect if you’re visiting multiple carnival cities.
Tripadvisor
Read real reviews, compare experiences, and book unforgettable adventures to enhance your Carnival getaway.
Airalo
Stay connected with Airalo eSIMs — affordable, no SIM swaps or roaming stress!
VisitorsCoverage
Get reliable travel insurance for medical issues, trip delays, or lost bags.
NordVPN
Stay secure on public Wi-Fi while traveling.
AirHelp
Claim compensation if your carnival flights get delayed or canceled.
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