Giorgia Bottiglieri
26/02/2025
7 min 
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Are you looking for some fun? The Murcia Carnival is just what you need!
This holiday has its roots in ancient celebrations marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Although an exact date for its beginning cannot be pinpointed, we do know that it stems from ancient traditions that combined religious and pagan festivities.
For centuries, Carnival has been an occasion for people to gather, celebrate, and have fun before the start of Lent. The festivities include parades, costumes, music, dancing, and abundant food and drink.
It’s an opportunity you can’t miss!
What is Carnival and when is it celebrated?
Carnival is the time to bring the sparkle of sequins and feathers to the streets, as people put on their finest costumes to enjoy dancing and music, leaving their everyday worries behind.
The exact dates may vary each year as it is generally celebrated during the days leading up to the beginning of Lent. Therefore, Carnival festivities in Murcia usually take place in late February or early March, depending on the year and the liturgical calendar.
Is there a carnival in the region of Murcia?
Of course, and we celebrate it in style! Murcia celebrates three carnivals recognized as being of Tourist Interest. We’re talking about the festivals of Águilas, Cartagena, and Cabezo de Torres, of course. Note that the first one has a history of more than 200 years!
In addition to these carnivals, there are other very important ones in the region, such as those of Beniaján, Cehegín, Cieza, Llano de Brujas, Lorca, Santiago de la Ribera, and Totana. These celebrations, although different in their characteristics, share the same festive energy and fun spirit that characterizes the carnival.
The famous Carnival of Águilas
The Águilas Carnival is one of the most renowned and famous in the region of Murcia and its surrounding areas, both for its long history and tradition, dating back to the 19th century, and for the spectacular and originality of its parades and troupes.
Four large parades wind through the main streets and take place on Carnival Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday, as well as on Piñata Saturday, the weekend after Carnival. Every year, thousands of people gather to witness the colorful floats, elaborate costumes, and musical performances that parade through the streets of Águilas.
Origins and history of the Águilas Carnival
In 1889, the first parade, known as the “Carnival Parade,” was held, marking the beginning of the carnival tradition in the city. Since then, the Águilas Carnival has evolved and grown, becoming one of the most important events in the region’s festive calendar.
Among the festival’s most characteristic elements are the “confetti shells,” which are eggs filled with colored confetti that are thrown during the celebrations, adding even more joy and fun to the festive atmosphere.
In addition, cuerva, a typical drink made from wine and fruit, is a refreshing and popular choice among Carnival participants.
The “carnevaleros”
The “carnavaleros” give heart and soul to making this celebration one of the most remarkable in Spain, becoming the true architects of the magic and splendor of the Águilas Carnival. For days and nights, they immerse themselves in the festive spirit, wearing elaborate costumes and participating in the numerous activities and events that take place around the city.
The Night Carnival and the Paper Costume Contest
In addition to the parades, the Águilas Carnival offers another key event: the Night Carnival. This exciting celebration takes place in the streets of the city center and attracts crowds of carnival-goers. It’s a nighttime celebration filled with laughter, street theater, and a contagious energy that enchants locals and visitors alike. It’s a breathtaking experience that is an integral part of the festive spirit of Águilas.
The paper costume competition has become a prominent part of the Águilas Carnival, gaining increasing importance. These handcrafted costumes are displayed in an enclosed space, allowing spectators to appreciate the beauty and detail of each piece up close. This unique competition adds a special cultural dimension to the carnival, combining art and tradition in a vibrant expression of local creativity.
If you’re passing through Águilas, don’t forget to visit the Carnival Museum! You’ll be able to see costumes of the 2019 Carnival characters, as well as those of the Peñas that won first prize in the 2020 Parade.
Cabezo de Torres
It’s impossible to get bored at the Cabezo de Torres Carnival!
The Cabezo de Torres Carnival is a tradition rooted in the history and identity of this town, considered the “Cradle of Carnival in the Region of Murcia.” The festivities date back to the 19th century, when the inhabitants of this region celebrated the approaching Lent with costumes and masks.
Over time, the carnival has evolved and been enriched with new traditions and activities, but it still maintains the festive spirit and essence of its humble, fun-filled beginnings. The history and tradition of the Cabezo de Torres carnival are a testament to the cultural and social value of this celebration in the local community.
During Carnival, Cabezo de Torres transforms into an exceptional spectacle, where the community gathers to celebrate in a festive and lively atmosphere. The massive participation reflects the community spirit and passion for this deeply rooted tradition in the city. In particular, the children’s parade and the Gala Proclamation are highlights that officially mark the start of Carnival.
In addition to the parades and musical troupes, there is a wide range of events and activities to enjoy, such as the mascot costume contest, the historical Carnival exhibition in the streets, the photography contest, and the Carnival poster contest. These activities add diversity and creativity to the celebration, allowing everyone to participate and enjoy the magic of Carnival in Cabezo de Torres.
In addition, the last weekend of September marks the mid-year carnival season, prolonging the fun and festive spirit by choosing a muse.
The”chirigotas” of Cartagena
A chirigota is a group of people who come together to sing, dance, and perform humorously; it is the lifeblood of Carnival. In Cartagena, they organize a chirigota competition where choral groups compete to the rhythm of music before an enthusiastic audience and a jury that rigorously evaluates their performances.
Cartagena Carnival offers a wide and diverse program that begins with a children’s show and the election of the Children’s Queen, followed by the Carnival Proclamation and the Queen Election Gala. Events include the Regional Choreography Competition and the “Ciudad de Cartagena” National Drag Queen Competition, as well as various parades in the historic center.
The celebration culminates with the Grand Carnival Parade, the awards ceremony, and the traditional burning of “Don Carnal,” accompanied by fireworks, marking the close of the festivities.
Who is “Don Carnal” and his counterpart, “Doña Cuaresma”?
“Don Carnal” is a Carnival character who represents fun and celebration, while his counterpart, “Doña Cuaresma,” symbolizes the seriousness and reflection of Lent. In Cartagena, these characters are important in Carnival celebrations because they represent the transition from everyday life to the Lenten period. It is the struggle between joy, sensuality, rebellion, and sympathy against penitence and abstinence, considered valuable for the intensity and liveliness it brings to Carnival.
As you can see, the Murcia Carnival represents a unique and fascinating moment that celebrates creativity, tradition, and joy. With its colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and the participation of many, it makes for an unforgettable experience.
What are you waiting for to enjoy the carnivals in the Murcia region while attending your Spanish course?
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