February 14 to 21 The Carnival of the North-west in Cehegín

Blow-out Night on Shrove Tuesday and the Grand Parade on February 21 are the highlights of this year’s Carnival in Cehegín

Billed as “The Carnival of the North-West”, the celebrations of the start of Lent in Cehegín start in earnest on Saturday February 14 and continue the following day with more than 1,800 youngsters taking part in the children’s parade before a huge party for all of them. On Shrove Tuesday (February 17) the locals make something similar to the traditional British pancakes in their fried “tortas” and celebrate the "Noche del Reventón" (loose translation “blow-out night”!) before going out into the streets disguised behind their masks, while the official Masked Ball is held in the Palacio de los Fajardo.

On February 21 the grand Piñata event takes place, followed by the main parade when over 40 troupes await the starting signal of the traditional “Grito de Salida” (which is performed by the winner of the Masks Competition).

The programme for the Carnival of 2026 in Cehegín includes the following:

Saturday February 14, “THE DAY OF THE MASCARÓN”

12.00: The character known as “El Mascarón” nips out for a few tapas in Calle Ginés de Paco!

13.45: All of the “Mascarones” gather in Plaza de la Verja to make their way to Restaurante la Fama, with musical accompaniment as they go.

14.00: A community lunch in Restaurante la Fama, registration at Espacio Joven (telephone 968 740737).

18.00: DJ music.

20.30: Tributes to the Mask of the Year and the Mask of Memory.

22.00 to 22.30: Registration for the Mascarón contest in the fiestas marquee on Gran Vía, which begins at 22.30 and is presented by Drag Queen Sharonne.

Sunday February 15

11.00: The children’s Carnival parade, starting in Calle San Agustín. Route: Calle el Convento, Carretera de Murcia, Gran Vía, Calle Alfonso X El Sabio.

12.00 to 18.00: Children’s activities and games in the Parque Ginés Ibáñez, including a Carnival show at 12.30 with Bluey, Drilo and Bingo, Bluey and Bingo at 13.15 and Mario and Luigi at 13.45.

Tuesday February 17, Shrove Tuesday

16.30: Children’s show in the fiestas marquee on Gran Vía.

21.00: The Grand Carnival Ball begins in the Casino of Cehegín, presided over by the Lady Mayoress and the “Máscara del Año”. A costume ball with classical music and plenty of surprises!

Saturday February 21, “Sábado de Piñata”

17.00: The Grand Carnival Parade is officially announced at the Palacio de los Fajardo.

17.30: The parade begins in Plaza del Castillo, featuring over 40 troupes. Route: Calle Mayor, Mesoncico, López Chicherri, Cuesta del Parador, Carretera de Murcia, Plaza del Alpargatero, Gran Vía.

21.30: The Noche del Piñata begins in the fiestas marquee on Gran Vía, with DJ music, confetti and other entertainment…

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.