Marbella is a city filled with traditions and cultural events that reflect its authentic and vibrant essence. With the arrival of spring and good weather, its streets come alive with colour, lights, laughter, and an unparalleled festive atmosphere. It is in this setting that one of the most emblematic festivals begins, though it is less known by tourists: the Marbella Carnival.
When is the Marbella Carnival celebrated?
This event, which takes place from February 15 to March 8, transforms the city into a spectacle of music and colour, with a varied programme of activities starting with the Parade of Humour. This year, the Councillor for Festivals of Marbella, Yolanda Marín, has decided to move the opening day to the Adolfo Suárez Congress Centre, with all proceeds going to the Debra Butterfly Skin Association, a charitable gesture that adds even more meaning to the celebration.
How to enjoy the Marbella Carnival? Full programme
If you don’t want to miss anything and want to fully enjoy one of the liveliest parties in Marbella, stay with us and discover the 2025 Carnival programme.
Marbella Carnival 2025 Proclamation
On February 15, the 2025 Marbella Carnival began with its traditional proclamation, an event filled with emotion and symbolism that marks the official start of the celebrations. It took place at 9:00 PM at the Adolfo Suárez Fair and Congress Centre, an ideal venue for this grand carnival event.
During the evening, attendees enjoyed a series of activities designed to kick off the carnival:
- Reading of the Carnival Proclamation by Mr. Antonio Quiñones Oneto, a prominent figure in carnival tradition, who delighted the audience with a speech full of humour, history, and passion for the festival.
- Awarding of the «Golden Shield» of the 2025 Carnival, a recognition given to personalities who have contributed to the growth of Marbella’s carnival.
- Official presentation of Venus, Nymphs and God Momo, the carnival figures who embody the festive essence and spirit of the event.
Additionally, the night was lively with performances from various local carnival groups, who brought their art and creativity to the stage with songs full of criticism, humour, and tradition:
- Chirigota «Tu cara me suena»
- Comparsa «La Pureza»
- Chirigota «Los visitantes»
- Comparsa «Los Majareta de la bicicleta»
This event, in addition to being a night of spectacle and fun, also has a charitable purpose. All the proceeds from the tickets will be donated to the Debra Butterfly Skin Association, which works tirelessly to support people with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare disease known as «butterfly skin.»
Carnival for the little ones
The Marbella Carnival 2025 also reserves a special space for the youngest members of the family, offering them the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the festivities with activities designed especially for them. From February 19 to 21, children could immerse themselves in the magic of the carnival with events full of music, colour, and fun.
One of the most anticipated events was the Children’s Chirigota Contest, which took place at the Adolfo Suárez Fair and Congress Centre from 10:00 AM. This contest gathered various school groups from the municipality, encouraging creativity and musical talent among the youngest. Parents, family, and friends could enjoy the show, turning this event into a true family celebration.
On Sunday, February 23, the children’s carnival reached its peak with the Children’s Proclamation, which took place at 12:00 PM in the Parque de la Represa. This event featured:
- Reading of the Children’s Proclamation by Mario Romero González, who officially started the children’s celebration with an enthusiastic and joyful message.
- Election of the Venus, Nymphs, and God Momo Children, figures representing the magic and fun of the carnival in its youngest version.
- Animation show, inflatable castles, and attractions, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where children could enjoy a wide range of recreational activities.
The Marbella Carnival Parade of Humour
The Parade of Humour is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated moments of the 2025 Marbella Carnival. This colourful and fun procession will take place on Saturday, March 8, at 5:00 PM, filling the streets of the city with original costumes, music, and an unparalleled festive atmosphere.
The parade route will cover the main streets of the city:
- Starting point: Avenida Ricardo Soriano
- Avenida Ramón y Cajal
- Avenida Severo Ochoa
- Ending point: Intersection with Avenida Nabeul
Along the route, hundreds of participants will parade in their best costumes in an atmosphere of pure excitement. Additionally, the official carnival jury will be evaluating the best costumes to award prizes in the categories of individual, pairs, and groups (both children and adults).
Awards ceremony and final performances
Once the parade concludes, the party will continue at the stage located at Avenida Nabeul, where the awards ceremony will take place, recognising the winners in each category. This event will be accompanied by a carnival animation show, ensuring fun until the very last moment.
To crown the Marbella Carnival 2025, from 8:30 PM at the Parque de la Represa, a night of carnival performances will be held featuring some of the most notable groups from the Cádiz carnival:
- Comparsa «Los Cuervos» by Antonio Martínez Ares
- Chirigota «Los James Bond que da gloria verlos» by El Yuyu
- Comparsa «Los del otro barrio» by Piru and El Tomate
This closing show will bring together some of the greatest talents of the carnival, who, with their art and charisma, will thrill the audience with their performances. With this event, Marbella will bid farewell to its carnival until next year, leaving unforgettable memories of music, colour, and fun for all attendees.
The Marbella Carnival 2025 is a vibrant experience, full of colour, music, and tradition, where every corner of the city transforms into a stage of joy and fun. From Banús Rentals, we want you to experience a unique and immersive experience in Marbella’s culture. Get closer to the most authentic traditions of the city with the best accommodation in Marbella and dive into the festive and vibrant spirit of its carnival. Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable Marbella Carnival 2025!