ARCHIVED - Calendar of events for the 2023 Carnival in Aguilas

The main events of Águilas Carnival take place between February 16 and 25 this year

The definite calendar for the 2023 Carnival celebrations in Águilas, an event which has been granted International Tourist Interest status, has been published, with the fiestas lasting from February 10 to March 10.

The main events of Carnaval 2023 in Águilas are as follows:

Friday February 10

21.00: The handing over of the baton and powers for the main Children’s Carnival characters at the Pabellón Deportivo Diego Calvo Valera.

Saturday February 11

21.00: The transfer of powers between the main characters of the carnival from 2022 to 203,

Sunday February 12

9.00: The 27^th annual Carnival Duathlon is held outside the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena on the seafront.

The first leg of the Águilas Carnival sailing regatta takes place at the Club Náutico.

13.00: The 14^th National Town Bands festival at the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena.

21.00: The competition for the best paper costumes and body make-up, an extraordinary event with magnificent costumes which it is hard to believe are made of paper. Tickets are sold by the Federation of Carnival Peñas.

Tuesday February 14

20.00: Prizegiving for the Carnival literary competition at the Casa de la Cultura Paco Rabal.

Wednesday February 15

19.00: Prizegiving for the schools writing and painting competition at the Casa de la Cultura Paco Rabal.

Thursday February 16

22.30: The main Carnival events begin with the “Suelta de la Mussona” outside the castle, with this mystical beast scheduled to arrive in the Plaza de España in the town centre at around 23.45.

The Mussona is a figure which represents the dual nature of man, as both something wild, the beast within and man seen from outside, a way of expressing the battle between order and chaos; this is essentially what Carnival is all about!

Midnight: Firecrackers signal the official start of Carnival in the Plaza de España as the “chiringuito” open-air bars open.

Friday February 17

9.30: Schoolchildren’s parades begin at schools throughout Águilas.

20.00: Competition at the camp of the Federación de Peñas to find the best “Cuerva” (a local liqueur typical of the Carnvial celebrations).

20.00: The children’s Mussona heads for the Plaza de España

20.15: A traditional ceremony in the Plaza de España to weigh the main figures in the carnival, and donate their weight in products to local good causes.

21.30: Formal welcome speeches for the children’s in the Plaza de España, followed by the children’s battle of the eggshells in which supporters of Don Carnal and Dona Cuaresma pelt each other with confetti filled “Cascarones” (eggs which have been blown out and filled with confetti): a noisy, fun event!

Saturday February 18

18.30: Trophies are awarded for the Mussona Carnival regatta at the Club Náutico.

22.00: The adult Carnival officially begins with speeches by the Mayoress and guest celebrity Miki Nadal, followed by the battle of confetti eggs between adult supporters of Don Carnal and Dona Cuaresma.

Sunday February 19

18.00: The first of the grand parades of this year’s Carnival, with floats and carriages in Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Rey Carlos III.

Monday February 20

Midnight: Carnaval de Noche, the night Carnival in the Plaza de España.

Tuesday February 21

18.00: The second grand parade of this year’s Carnival in Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Rey Carlos III.

Friday February 24

18.00: The parade of visiting “comparsas” (or Carnival troupes) from other parts of the country in Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Rey Carlos III.

Saturday February 25

18.00: The final grand parade of this year’s Carnival, with floats and carriages bringing a fiesta of light and noise to Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Rey Carlos III.

Midnight: Following the parade there is the ceremonial burning of the figure of Don Carnal and a firework display in the marina of Poniente. After this, Carnival prizes are awarded in the Plaza de España.

Saturday March 4

21.00: The 19^th annual Carnival Drag Queen gala and competition at the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena.

Friday March 10

21.00: The annual “chirigotas” gala and competition at the auditorium: light-hearted and topical music from traditional Carnival groups.

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Águilas Today.

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Tourist Information Office, Plaza de Antonio Cortijos, s/n. 30880-Aguilas

Tel: 968 493 285

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Oficina de Turismo de Águilas

Águilas boasts 28 kilometres of coastline, with many fine, sandy beaches, sheltered coves and unspoilt natural beaches. It is a great summer favourite with Spanish holidaymakers, so always has a superb programme of concerts and activities throughout the summer, as well as the biggest carnival in the Region of Murcia, 40 days before Semana Santa (Easter.)

Throughout the year it also has a number of museums and historical attractions, a castle with fabulous views overlooking the bay and several other points of interest, all of which make it an good place to visit for days out. Throughout the year the tourist office runs monthly guided tours and the route of the railways, which explores the railway history of the town.

The tourist information office is located in the Plaza de Antonio Cortijos, just a short walk from the sea front and Plaza de España, a cool, shaded space in which to enjoy a coffee.

More information about Águilas including beaches, what to see, what's on and tourist information can be found on ÁGUILAS TODAY

Opening Hours Tourism Office Águilas

16th September to 30th April 2019
Monday to Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 17:00 to 19:00
Sundays and bank hollidays: 10.00 to 14.00 h.

CHRISTMAS
24th and December 31st: 10.00 to 14.00 h.
December 25th, 1st and 6th January: Closed

CARNIVAL
Carnival Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 20.00 h.
Carnival Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00 h.
Carnival Monday: 10.00 to 14.00 h.
Shrove Tuesday: 10.00 to 14.00 h.
Piñata Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00 h.

EASTER
Thursday and Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 h.

MAY, JUNE AND FIRST HALF OF SEPTEMBER
Monday to Friday: 09.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 20.00 h.
Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 20.00 h.
Sundays: 10.00 to 14.00 h.

JULY AND AUGUST
Monday to Friday: 09.30 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 21.00 h.
Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 21.00 h.
Sundays: 10.00 to 14.00 h.