Marbella & Estepona Prepare for Carnival Chaos! What to Expect Next Weekend?!

Carnival craziness starts next weekend on the streets of Marbella & Estepona! That's right, folks, dust off your costumes and prepare for a vibrant explosion of colour and laughter. Estepona and Marbella are gearing up for their 2026 Carnival celebrations, offering a much-needed dose of fun as we shake off the post-holiday blues here on the Costa del Sol.

Marbella & Estepona Prepare for Carnival Chaos! Wh...

Estepona is coming out swinging with a jam-packed two-day event on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8. The local council has clearly pulled out all the stops, promising a family-friendly mix of music, satire, and good old-fashioned revelry. I'm particularly excited about the Gala Drag Queen Estepona 2026, which kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos. With a €1,500 top prize, I'm expecting some seriously fierce competition! If you fancy your chances, remember to register via galadragqueenestepona@gmail.com. They're also running La Gran Noche del Disfraz, a fancy-dress competition with no registration required - perfect for those of us who prefer spontaneity.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. The real spectacle happens on Sunday with the traditional Carnival Parade and Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) at the fairground. The parade starts at 4 p.m. at the Caseta Municipal, leading to the ceremonial burning of this year’s sardine effigy, endearingly named “Alice.” I'm told everyone is encouraged to dress up and join the parade; it’s a fantastic way to bid a colourful farewell to the festivities. I've seen this before, and it is quite the sight – expect a lot of noise, laughter, and general mayhem!

Meanwhile, Marbella is taking a slightly different approach. Their Carnival 2026, which runs from February 7 to 22, is a more extended affair, offering a rich tapestry of events. Think group competitions, children’s chirigotas contests (mark your calendars for February 11–12!), and, of course, the ever-popular Desfile del Humour (Humour Parade) along Avenida Ricardo Soriano on February 21 at 5 p.m. I've always enjoyed the Marbella parade – it’s a great opportunity to see some truly inventive costumes.

The town is offering some pretty serious prize money – up to €20,000 across costume and musical group categories – which should certainly attract some talent! The result is a combination of community spirit, satire, and street celebrations that draw in both residents and tourists alike. So, whether you’re drawn to Estepona’s compact, high-energy weekend or Marbella’s more expansive schedule, the Costa del Sol is the place to be in early February 2026. Get ready to embrace the pre-Lenten spirit of joy, disguise, and irreverent fun. Trust me, this is one fiesta you won't want to miss. Dress up, join the crowds, and let the party begin!

By Adam Woodward