ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR events to attend this year, this is the Fascinating Carnival of Nerja 2025. This Carnival is one of the most popular on the Costa del Sol.
The Nerja Carnival takes place from February 27, 2025 to March 2, 2025. The festival will officially begin on Thursday, February 27, and concludes on Sunday, March 2, 2025 with the traditional “Muerte del Chanquete” (remember that Chanquete is a typical fish of the area).
Informative note: Dates may vary. It is important to note that specific details about Nerja Carnival events and activities may vary for different reasons, it is always advisable to check local sources or official websites. Never make a reservation without checking this information first. For up-to-date information about the programme and planned festivities you can check the town hall website, the official Nerja Carnival website or the Nerja lovers Facebook group here: Nerja lovers group

History of the Carnival of Nerja
The history of the Nerja Carnival goes back many years. Nerja has been year after year one of the most popular carnivals in the Malaga region. The Nerja Carnival parade is one of the most impressive in the province of Malaga. Hundreds of costumes, light and color in the streets of Nerja. Performances and music.
The Nerja Carnival has organized different events to further popularize this festivity.

Over the years, the Nerja Carnival has become a much more elaborate affair. It has been promoted at major events such as FITUR or International Tourism fairs. A rigorous planning has been developed by the City Council, associations and local businessmen.
Traditionally, the Nerja carnival is one of the most important festivities in the town. This festivity is highly anticipated and admired in the social calendar of the city of Nerja. There are many tourists and expatriate neighbors who travel from different countries of the world to be present at the Nerja Carnival every year.
Nerja Carnival Route
| Street/Square | Description |
|---|---|
| Jaén Street | Start of the parade |
| Diputación Street | Walk of the comparsas |
| Cavana Square | Main carnival stop |
| Granada Street | Continuation |
| Ermita | Meeting point |
| Calle San Miguel | Parade and activities |
| Plaza de Cantarero | Space for performances |
| Calle Pintada | Costume area |
| Puerta del Mar | Last area of the parade |
| Balcón de Europa | End of the parade, party and awards ceremony |
Accommodations near the Carnival Streets of Nerja
These apartments are ideal if you are going to visit the Nerja carnival.
Hotel Balcón de Europa
- Address: Paseo Balcón de Europa, 1
- Description: Facing the sea, ideal for enjoying the views and the carnival atmosphere.
- The final party of the Nerja carnival is next to this hotel. on the balcony of Europe.
Centurion Apartments
- Address: On Calle San Miguel de Nerja.
- Description: Located in the center of Nerja. If you choose an apartment with a balcony, you can enjoy the parade from one of the balconies. The carnival passes in front of this hotel.
La Ermita Hostel
- Address: Plaza de La Ermita
- Description: Cozy and economical accommodation, near the area of the carnival.
Plaza de España Apartments
- Address: Plaza de España, 1
- Description: Well-equipped apartments, ideal for groups. Located in the centre of Nerja next to the carnival festival.

Nerja Carnival and grand Carnival parade, Costa del Sol, Spain
The Nerja Carnival illuminates the streets of the city, gladdens the hearts of thousands of participants and neighbors who enjoy watching the parade. The center of Nerja shines with its own light.
The organizers of the Nerja carnival always promise a spectacular event, a full carnival of color, dance and celebrations in the streets.
The awards attract a lot of entrants from other cities. You can see the prizes in the official Carnival 2025 program.
NERJA CARNIVAL OFFICIAL PROGRAM
Informative note: Current programme not yet available.






The street parades of Nerja and some associations that participate in the Carnival parade are inspired by the traditional festivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Rio de Janeiro.

Nerja is a town. We will never get to be that big. But we do aspire to be one of the most beautiful Carnivals in Malaga 🙂
The Nerja Carnival awards and public recognition. There is a lot of money and prestige at stake. For most carnival visitors this is one of the main attractions to improve each year. In the street event we will also see dancers, dance schools and musicians.
Activities Carnival of Nerja
Within the carnival we find many small events and activities to attend or participate. Also many prizes at stake. We find the Parades of the Carnival Queen, music and street performances, costume contests, Chirigotas contest and musical associations, Awards for the best costumes, prizes for the most original costumes, tapa route, Costumes and parade of mascots.
When is the Nerja Carnival?
The Great Carnival Parade takes place from Saturday, February 18. (in the afternoon), starting in the streets of the center of Nerja and going through the main streets of Nerja.
Nerja Carnival 2024 and great Carnival parade on the Costa del Sol.
On Sunday, February 10, the last Carnival parade will take place. The burial of Chanquete ends the Nerja Carnival 2024. In this peculiar parade we will see many costumes and people crying over the death of this typical Nerja fish.
Within the framework of the Carnival of Nerja we also find the organization of the Route of the Carnival cover. Organized by some local businessmen. Where many people dress up as a previously selected theme for each year. And they visit the local bars tasting the best tapas.
For more information on the Nerja Carnival, click here to visit the official website. – NERJA CARNIVAL –

Photos Nerja Carnival
To see photos of the Nerja Carnival, visit Nerja Lovers on Facebook or the Nerja Lovers Youtube channel
Looking for vacation ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favorite recommended activities to do in Nerja at www.nerjalovers.com or join the Nerja Lovers Facebook group to share the best carnival photos and experience carnival from the inside. Find out what’s happening in the local area.
