It’s Carnival time in Benalmadena!

This traditional festivity of colourful fun, singing and dancing which starts on the 2nd February 2026, and goes on until Sunday 15th February 2026, 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 6th February at 9:30pm. Spectacular costumes and professionally choreographed performances make this one of the Carnival’s most popular events. It has also quickly established itself as one of the best Drag Queen galas in Spain.

#2: Gastronomic Carnival

From 1:30pm in Plaza de la Mezquita on Sunday 8th February you can try the typical ‘Callos Carnavaleros’, a tasty and popular dish here in Andalucia.

At 2:00pm on Saturday 14th February you can enjoy the ‘Potaje Carnavalero’ at Plaza de las 3 Culturas in Benalmadena Pueblo. 

Both of the above are FREE (you just have to be willing to queue for a while). 

#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 5:00pm on Saturday 7th February. Starts at Plaza 3 Culturas, making its way through the town. From 4:00pm to 5:00pm you can collect your bib number (if you plan to participate in the fancy dress competition). 

Arroyo de la Miel Parade at 5:00pm on Saturday 14th February. Starts from the Tivoli World Parking area and makes its way through Arroyo de la Miel to Plaza de la Mezquita. From 4:00pm to 5:00pm, you can collect your bib number (if you plan to participate in the fancy dress competition).

#4: The Great Carnival Ball

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

The second ball takes place on Saturday 14th 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 15th 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 at Plaza Cruz Roja (Puebloquinta) 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.