Vélez-Málaga Carnival Schedule 2026: "Carnival Sunday" will feature a charity paella for two euros.

Vélez-Málaga is gearing up for one of its most anticipated dates on the festive calendar, the Carnival. This year, it comes with a schedule "full of events, activities and, above all, original costumes. Additionally, it will once again feature a charitable paella with a cost of two euros, which will go to the ANNE Axarquía Association for Assistance to People with Special Needs.

As detailed by the Vélez-Málaga City Council, the streets and squares of the capital of Axarquía "will showcase the creativity of its residents and visitors with an ambitious program of activities marked by a strong commitment from the Department of Popular Traditions". Lourdes Piña, the councilor for the Department of Popular Traditions, presented the program, starting with the unveiling of the poster by Rafael Jurado, and the proclamation by Darío Quintana, which will take place on February 5 at the Teatro del Carmen.

"I hope that all our residents and visitors enjoy it as they do every year, as they are the main protagonists of a program that we have prepared for them to have a great time with the verses of our groups and to come out to the streets to savor this festival, which is already part of our traditional calendar," explained the councilor.

The day after Darío Quintana's performance, on February 6 starting at 21:30, the Contest of Groups and Murgas will take place, featuring, as usual, a strong local representation and participants from Axarquía. In 2026, the Vélez-Málaga carnival will include the choir of the Peña Axarquía, presenting El Camino; La Sillita de Enea, with the comparsa La Torre; La Murga del Pachecho, attending their "unmissable" appointment with "Al-Pacheco, the worst murga in Vélez"; and the carnival association Poti Poti, appearing at the Carmen with Maestros de la costura, and the youngsters with Ladrones del tiempo.

Members of the Peña Axarquía have thanked Piña and her team for "how well they have handled everything, so that we can all enjoy a Carnival 2026 in which our groups will stand out again," highlighted Pepe Sánchez, a member of the group. Manolo Portillo, vice president of the Peña Axarquía, added: “The Department contributes in this way to making our Carnival greater. From the proclamation on Thursday the 5th, which I am convinced will be magnificent, we will enjoy and collaborate on behalf of the Peña Axarquía so that all residents and visitors have a great time.”

The parades and the prizes that will be awarded at the Vélez-Málaga Carnival 2026

The Vélez-Málaga Carnival 2026 will take to the streets on Saturday, February 7 with the celebration of the traditional parade, one of the days with the highest public participation. The parade will start at 17:00 hours from the recently restored Cruz del Cordero, and will pass through the streets San Juan de Dios, Salvador Rueda, Félix Lomas, Canalejas, calle Cristo, and Camino de Málaga, ending in the Las Carmelitas area, where the festive closure of the day will take place. Those interested in participating can register on the same day, starting at 16:00 hours, at the starting point.

During the route, parades, charangas, and local groups will animate the procession, providing a festive and family-friendly atmosphere. At the end of the parade, prizes will be awarded, with a total economic allocation of 5,400 euros, which will be distributed among the various participating categories. Additionally, the Carnival Goddess and God Momo will be named, awards that will be given after the parade. The honored individuals will receive as a prize a stay for two people in Cabo de Gata, all-inclusive.

The Carnival events will conclude on Sunday, February 8 with the celebration of “Carnival Sunday,” which will feature a popular paella at the symbolic price of two euros per portion. The proceeds will be entirely donated to the ANNE Axarquía Association for Assistance to People with Special Needs. Starting at 13:00 hours, the San Francisco market will host performances by local carnival groups, including the murga by Pepe León, putting the final touch on the festive program.