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 Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento) in Almuñécar and at the Plaza de la Independencia in La Herradura. Keep on reading for detailed events and locations.
Table of Contents
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, masquerade, parades, singing, dancing, music, activities, food 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 2022
Almuñécar Carnival 2022
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 for 2022 will held in Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento).
Concejalía de Cultura y Fiestas de Almuñécar
10:30 Infantil Carnival party in Almuñécar
The local Children’s centers will have a party, to be held in front of the Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Constitución.
17:00 Carnival Bike Parade in Almuñécar
Urban bike parade for adults and kids. Departing from the Municipal Stadium and finishing at Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento).
The participants will gather at the gate of the “Francisco Bonet” Municipal Sports Stadium and depart at 17:00 with the following route:
departure from Puerto de la Cruz street (Municipal Stadium) to access Mariana Pineda street from Baracoa street and Hurtado de Mendoza, arrive at Plaza Madrid. Then the entourage will go along Paseo del Altillo and Paseo Prieto Moreno to Paseo San Cristóbal, and take a detour along Calle Guadix, to Avenida Costa del Sol, Carrera de la Concepción, Avenida Rey Juan Carlos I, Calle Hurtado de Mendoza, Plaza Madrid , Paseo del Altillo, Paseo Prieto Moreno, Paseo San Cristóbal, Calle Guadix, and access via Calle Vélez to the Plaza de la Constitución, where gifts will be distributed to the participants.
Get on 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 11:00, but show up about 30 minutes early to register for the event.
18:00 Children’s Carnival Party!
This free event will be held in Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento). There will be fun for everyone with bouncy houses, music, games, face painting, activities and great performances.
20:00 Adult Carnival Parade!
As for the Adult Carnival, a parade will be held from 20:00, with departure and arrival in the Plaza de la Constitución. With the following route:
Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Jesús Nazareno, Puerta Granada, Carrera de la Concepción, Avenida Andalucía, Calle Montevideo and Aduana Vieja, to access via Plaza de la Rosa to Calle Baja del Mar, Calle Real and Plaza de the Constitution, where the award ceremony for the best costumes in the different sections will take place.
There is no need to register to join in on this parade. Get your costumes on and join in! It will depart from Plaza Constitución at 20:00 and make the route to Calle Jesus Nazareno, then Avenida Andalucia and through the city center.
Also there will be a great costume contest, for everyone. You can participate by signing up at the booth.
The following prizes will be awarded by categories (over 14 years old):
- Individual Categories
- 1st prize: €250
- 2nd prize: €100
- Small group category (from 3 people up to 6)
- 1st prize: €250
- 2nd prize: €100
- Large group category (from 6 people)
- 1* prize: €500
- 2* prize: €250
All prizes are gift cards, to be spent at local shops.
Following the costume contest is the big CARNIVAL PARTY! With live music and DJs. Spend the night doing something different and enjoy all of the fun with your friends and family!
‼️THIS IS CARNIVAL‼️
La Herradura Carnival 2022
20:00 Entertainment
Music and entertainment at Plaza de la Independencia
21:00 La Herradura Carnival Parade
Once again costumes are on parade for the adults! You will see individual costumes, small groups and large group costume themes as well. Join in on the fun or just come to watch. The parade will depart from the Civic Center at 21:00 and make its way to Plaza de la Independencia.
22:00 La Herradura Chirigotas Contest
The chirigotas will be singing and the costume contest will be held on stage beginning at 22:00. Come see who will win the prizes this year!
The night will end with a Guateque Carnival Party that will be inspired by DJ Moisés Franco, all with the Plaza Nueva as the center stage.
12:00 Infantil Carnival in La Herradura
The La Herradura Children’s Carnaval parade will start at 12:00. It will be departing from the Civic Center and continue down the paseo and over to the Plaza de La Independencia.
12:30 La Herradura Carnival Children’s Party!
The Carnival party, with bouncy houses, activities and more. Plaza de La Independencia! At 12:30 the costume contest will take place, for both individuals and groups. The Children’s Carnival has the collaboration of the Association of Mothers and Fathers of Students (AMPA) Bahía Fenicia of the Las Gaviotas de La Herradura School, the Pura Danza School and the organization corresponds to the Mayor’s Office of La Herradura and the Sexta City Council.
Carnival Nerja 2022
Feb 24 -27
Nerja Carnival is on from Thursday, 24th February with the main parade on Saturday 26th and the funeral of the sardine on Sunday 27th ending with fireworks. This year the Carnival is a different location, so refer to the map. The carnival is based at Parque Verano Azul over by the the River Chillar. The timetable is in the photos.
La Herradura & Almuñécar Carnival Image Gallery
Guide to Carnivales in Andalucia
Read more about the various events in Andalucia here.
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