Get ready for costumes, masquerade, parades, singing, dancing, music, activities, food & drink.
It’s time to celebrate La Herradura & Almuñécar Carnival! The parades begin at one location and end with a party at another location. This year the party locations are at El Majuelo Park in Almuñécar and at the Plaza del Centro Civicoor Plaza de la Independencia in La Herradura. Keep on reading for detailed events and locations.
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What is Carnival?
Carnival is typically an annual Christian feast time leading up to Lent. This is the time to eat, drink, and be merry. It is often celebrated in style with costumes, masquerades, parades, singing, dancing, music, activities, foo,d and drink. The biggest Carnival event in the world is in Rio de Janeiro. There is also a very large Carnival celebration right here in Spain too, with 10 days of fun at Carnaval in Cádiz. The final night is the biggest parade and costume contests.
You may have also heard of Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday is the last night to indulge in rich and fatty foods before lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is the period from Ash Wednesday to Easter (Semana Santa). This is a period of 40 days and changes each year according to the date of Easter on Christian calendar. Lent is the time for reflection, awareness, “fasting” or giving up something indulgent, as well as preparation for Easter celebrations. These 40 days of Lent are intended to have Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
Other terms used: Carnivale, Carnivals, Carnavals, Carnavales
Please see holiday calendar here
La Herradura & Almuñécar Agenda 2026
Almuñécar Carnival 2026
📅 February 13, 14 & 15
📍 El Majuelo Park Tent
This is always great fun, and you can enjoy an intimate celebration in La Herradura or a slightly bigger festival in Almuñécar. Either way you are in for a treat and will enjoy the experience! The Carnaval de Almuñecar main party location is held at El Majuelo Park.
Concejalía de Cultura y Fiestas de Almuñécar
Children’s Center Carnival: 11:00 at the El Majuelo Park
17:00 Carnival Bike Parade in Almuñécar
Urban bike parade for adults and kids. Departing from the Municipal Stadium and finishing at the El Majuelo Park.
The participants will gather at the gate of the “Francisco Bonet” Municipal Sports Stadium and depart at 17:00.
Get in your best costume and bring your bike. This is a fun event for children and adults, as you parade around town in costume, riding your bicycles. The parade departs from the Stadium at 17:00, but show up about 45 minutes early to register for the event, or it is preferred that you register in advance.
Registration can be made now at the Culture and Festivals department of the Almuñécar Town Hall, located on the second floor of the Casa de la Cultura, or in the Majuelo park itself, before the competition begins.
20:00 Carnaval Costume Parade and Contest!
Costume Contest with €2,000 in prizes and Carnival Fest with guest
artists Pedro Calderón and José Peibol.
- COMPETITION
The Costume Contest and the Jury’s decision will be held during the Carnival festival,
The use of pyrotechnic devices such as flares, firecrackers, rockets, fireworks, animals, fires, torches… is completely prohibited. - GROUPS AND CATEGORIES
In the Costume Contest, there are the following categories:
- Individual Category
- Short Group Category (3 to 5 members)
- Long Group Category (more than 6 members)
The groups will put together their choreographies and songs and must perform them on the stage of El Majuelo Park. The minimum age to participate in the contest will be 14 years old.
23:00 Carnival Party!
Following the costume contests, the carnival day will end with our “Carnaval Fest”. It will be a carnival party dedicated to the general public, with local DJ Emilio González, Silvia G, and Clsae A in concert, as well as entertainment and performances. El Majuelo Park
Almuñécar Family Carnival – Sunday, February 15, 2026
The family carnival will take place, with a party designed for the little ones, which will start at 13:00, in El Majuelo Park. This is livened up by characters well known to the little ones, with bouncy houses and other attractions, and an entertainment show. In addition, giant paella, migas, and barbecue for lunch at popular prices.
13:00 Show: “The Magic in a Child’s Eyes”
16:00 Costume exhibition
Special mention for the best group and individual costumes
‼️THIS IS CARNIVAL from the past‼️
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La Herradura Carnival 2026
Coming Soon, I Hope.
La Herradura will celebrate two big Carnival parties next weekend.
– ADULT CARNIVAL
– CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL
Both include parades, games, costumes, song contests, and lots of fun.
The La Herradura Carnaval Parade
will start at 20:00. It will depart from the Las Tejas futbol field and continue down the paseo and over to the Plaza del Centro Cívico, where the Carnival party will take place with DJ Moi Franco, a costume contest and a bar with popular prices to benefit the Spanish Association Against Cancer.
La Herradura Chirigotas and Costume Contest
Following the parade, you may enjoy the chirigotas singing and costume contest. Come see who will win the prizes this year!
La Herradura Carnaval Party
Following the contests, the night will end with a Guateque Carnival Party that will be inspired by DJ Moisés Franco.
On XXXX it will be the turn of the little ones, with a children’s parade that will leave at 4 pm
Infantil Carnival in La Herradura
The La Herradura Children’s Carnaval parade will start at 16:00. It will depart from the ‘Las Tejas’ football field to the Plaza de la Independencia, where a children’s party will be held, with bouncy houses, a children’s costume contest, and entertainment. There will also be a bar with great prices to benefit the AMPA of the Las Gaviotas school in La Herradura.
La Herradura Carnival Children’s Party!
Following the parade will be The Carnival party, with bouncy houses, activities and more. Plaza del Centro Civico! Where the costume contest will take place, for both individuals and groups.
The events will take place at the Plaza Independencia, including parades, costume contests, workshops, parties and performances!
La Herradura & Almuñécar Carnival Image Gallery
Guide to Carnivales in Andalucia
Read more about the various events in Andalucia here.
