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.
Nerja Carnival 2018
Please note all events listed are subject to confirmation by Nerja Council and are for guidance only based on last year’s schedule.
The opening address for the 2018 Nerja Carnival will take place at 9pm on Thursday the 8th of February 2018 at the Nerja Cultural Centre. This will be followed by the Festival de Agrupaciones. Tickets are free until full, with the box office open from 8pm.
On Friday the 9th, from 6.30pm onwards the childrens fancy dress competition will be held in the marquee in Plaza de España (behind the townhall). The childrens Nymph and Fool will also be elected. At 9.30pm the Carnival Fool will be presented along with the election for the Carnival Nymph.
On Saturday the 10th of February at 5pm the Grand Parade will be held, starting at Calle Castilla Perez then El Barrio, Plaza Cavana, Calle Granada, Plaza de la Ermita, San Miguel, Plaza de Cantarero, Pintada, Puerta del Mar and ending at the townhall and Plaza de España. The Carnival Ball then takes place in the Marquee and at 9pm the Carnival winners will be announced.
The final day of the Carnival is Sunday the 11th of February, starting at 11.30am with a fancy dress competition for pets. One hour later there will be a competition for the best child mourning costume.
The Entierro del Chanque (the burial of the sardine) will start at 4.30pm in the marquee, with the Town Band and the funeral procession will start at 5pm along the following route: Calle Carmen, Plaza Cavana, Granada, Plaza de la Ermita, La Cruz, Puerta del Mar and finally Calahonda beach, where the sardine will be blown up, accompanied by fireworks (7pm).
Afterwards there will be a prize ceremony in the Marquee for the best mourners.
If you are in Nerja during the festival do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this great few days of fun. Have a look at our photo gallery of the 2014 Carnaval de Nerja.
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