Nerja Carnival takes place every year in the week before the start of Lent, which itself is the run up to Easter. The finalé of the Carnival is the ‘Entierro Del Bogueron’ or the Burial of the Sardine – in this bizarre and macabre event, a giant sardine is paraded through the streets of the town before being blown up at Calahonda Beach. This symbolises the fasting that many Christians undertake during Lent.

Nerja Carnival itself is one of the most entertaining festivals of the year, with four days of partying and extravagance, in preparation for the self-denial of the Lent period.

Highlights of the Carnival include the Grand Parade which will be held on the Saturday starting at Calle Jaen at 5pm, before winding its way through the streets of Nerja, ending at Plaza de España. The Carnival Ball then takes place in the Marquee and at 9pm the Carnival winners will be announced. Read the rest of this entry »