It’s Carnival time in Benalmadena!

This traditional festivity of colourful fun, singing and dancing which starts on the 2nd February 2024, and goes on until Sunday 11th February 2024, offers local residents and visitors a full events programme with activities and entertainment to suit all ages.

The fun-packed programme takes place in Benalmadena Pueblo and in Arroyo de la Miel; however, to save you the hassle of deciding what to see, we’ve taken the liberty of putting together a few suggestions… 

#1: Drag Queen Gala

This fun show takes place in ‘Plaza de la Mezquita’ on Friday 2nd February at 9:30pm. Spectacular costumes and professionally choreographed performances make this one of the Carnival’s most popular events. It’s also quickly established itself as one of the best Drag Queen galas in the whole of Spain.

#2: Gastronomic Carnival

From 1:00pm in Plaza de la Mezquita on Sunday 4th February you can try the typical ‘Callos Carnavaleros’, a tasty and popular dish here in Andalucia.

At 2:00pm on Saturday 10th February you can enjoy the ‘Potaje Carnavalero’ at Plaza de las 3 Culturas in Benalmadena Pueblo.  

#3: Great Carnival Parade 

This year the Carnival Parade takes place in Benalmádena Pueblo and in Arroyo de la Miel on the following dates:

Benalmádena Pueblo Parade at 5:30pm on Saturday 3rd February. Starts at Jardines del Muro, making its way through the town. From 4:30pm to 5:30pm you can collect your bib number (if you plan to take part in the fancy dress competition) in Jardines del Muro. 

Arroyo de la Miel Parade at 5:30pm on Saturday 10th February. Starts from the Tivoli World Parking area and makes its way through Arroyo de la Miel to Plaza de la Mezquita. From 4:30pm to 5:30pm you can collect your bib number (if you plan to take part in the fancy dress competition).

#4: The Great Carnival Ball

The Great Carnival Ball actually takes place in two locations and on two different days. Head up to ‘Plaza del Agualcil’ in Benalmadena Pueblo from 7:00pm Saturday 3rd February and join the party with live music and guaranteed fun!

The second ball takes place on Saturday 10th February from 7:30pm in Plaza de la Mezquita, up in Arroyo de la Miel. You’ll be able to enjoy live music with the popular Kalima Orchestra and the prize giving for the fancy dress competition.

#5: The Traditional Parade & Burning of the Lizard

This unique – and rather odd – event marks the official end of the carnival. A large cardboard lizard gets paraded through the streets of Arroyo de la Miel before being burned on Santa Ana Beach (next to Windmill Roundabout) in front of thousands of Carnival goers!

The parade starts at 12:00pm on Sunday 11th February in ‘Plaza de la Mezquita’ with the burning taking place at 1:30pm on Santa Ana Beach. If you still have the energy, see off the Carnival in style at the big Gastronomic Carnival grand finale with lots of yummy food, drink, music and dancing outside Bil-Bil Castle from 2:00pm!

For more information about the Carnival and the full events programme, please ask at the Sunset Beach Club reception or leave a comment below.

If you’re looking for a hotel to stay in, Sunset Beach Club offers fantastic apartment-style accommodation and superb facilities as well as an idyllic seafront location. You can find more information and check availability at www.sunsetbeachclub.com.