Águilas begins its annual explosion of Carnival colour and partying!

Temperatures are still relatively cool at this time of year even in the Region of Murcia,  and as February begins the weather is showery and blustery, but it Águilas the sense of anticipation is red-hot as the annual Carnival celebrations are all set to begin!

This is by far best-known and most spectacular Carnival celebration in the Costa Cálida and the entire town becomes involved not only in some serious partying but also in welcoming the influx of visitors who always flock to this event of International Tourist Interest. At the same time as the parades and other events, there is also still a full schedule of free guided tours (including one in English) and various other social and cultural activities filling the February page of the calendar, although it has to be said that the program at the seafront auditorium is almost entirely dominated by Carnival over the next few weeks!

Besides Carnival, of course, the busy social life of the town continues unabated, and as soon as the sunshine becomes a little warmer the bar and restaurant terraces will hopefully enjoy a pre-Easter upturn as 2026 gets into full swing!

THE FULL CARNIVAL PROGRAMME CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Below is the agenda for February 2026 in Águilas, which, as ever, is likely to be modified and added to as the month progresses:

Sunday February 1

8.30 onwards: The 32nd edition of the annual Carnaval de Águilas duathlon outside the seafront auditorium. Registration details and other information can be found here.

20.00: The 25th annual Carnival paper costume competition at the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena, a spectacular event of great beauty. Tickets available at 10 euros online here or at the Casa de la Cultura, the archaeological museum and from the box office on the evening of the event – if there are any left! Click here for further information.

Tuesday February 3

19.00: Crónica Indómita by Lorenzo Hernández Pallarés at the Casa de la Cultura.

Friday February 6

21.30: The 22nd annual Drag Queens Contest at the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena, one of the highlights of Carnival in Águilas. Tickets are available at 15 euros online here or at the Casa de la Cultura, the archaeological museum and from the box office on the evening of the event – but at the time of publication there are not many left! Click here for further information.

Saturday February 7

9.00 to 14.00: The 5th “Carnaval de Águilas” rowing regatta at the Club Náutico.

20.00: The World Body Painting Festival at the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena, a rare chance to watch human bodies on display with absolutely no clothes on (although you would hardly know it, so brilliant is the body make-up worn!) and one of the most popular events in the Carnival calendar of Águilas.

Tickets are available at 15 euros online here or at the Casa de la Cultura, the archaeological museum and from the box office on the evening of the event – but again, at the time of publication there are not many left! Click here for further information.

Sunday February 8

9.00: The first leg of the 24th annual regatta for the Estrella de Levante trophy at the Club Náutico.

9.30: Free guided walk along the route in the protected beauty spot and nature reserve of Cuatro Calas, setting out from the beach of Calarreona and lasting approximately 2 hours. Distance 5 km. Click here for further information and registration details.

12.00: The band of the Patronal Musical Aguileño pay tribute to the “copla” genre with a selection of well-known tunes at the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena. Admission free of charge.

12.00: The Carnival Cuerva Run, a new addition to the Carnival programme this year, at the fairground – a kind of festive combination of athletic ability over a 5-kilometre route and the drinking of a few glasses of “cuerva”, the liqueur associated with Carnival in Águilas! Registration online at @c.trail.ciudad.de.aguilas, Price 10 euros to be paid in cash on the day (includes 3 cuervas and a portion of paella!).

Click here for further details.

Thursday February 12

The main events of Carnival begin with the 24th “Suelta de la Mussona”, the release of the carnal beast of Carnival from the castle, from where it makes its way down to the town centre amid taunting and provocation from the assembled crowds! The Mussona arrives in the Plaza de España at approximately 23.45, to be greeted by firecrackers and the opening of the “chiringuito” open-air bars.

Friday February 13

9.30: Schools’ Carnival parades.

15.00: The Cuerva Fiesta begins for the 36th year, a route from bar to bar in Águilas in which the “cuerva” drink features all too prominently!

17.00: The “Chirigota de Águilas” group performs at Café Bar Tumaca before visits to the Casino at 19.00 and Plaza Doctor Calero at 22.00.

17.30: The “Las Esturreas” comic songs “chirigota” group perform in Las Yucas at Churrería Cano, followed by visits to Plaza Doctor Calero at 20.30 and the Paseo de la Colonia (mext top the fountain) at 23.30.

20.00: The children’s Mussona beast is released in the Plaza de España.

21.30: The children’s Battle between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma, as well as the children’s Carnival opening speech, in the Plaza de España.

Saturday February 14

9.00: The second leg of the 24th annual regatta for the Estrella de Levante trophy at the Club Náutico.

11.00: Free guided tour of the historic town centre of Águilas starting at the tourist office.

Duration: approximately 2 hours.

This tour takes participants through the port and Plaza de España and past important monuments and buildings, such as the Ícaro (Carnival monument), Ferrocarril monument, Archaeological Museum, church of San José and the fishing port. The tour is suitable for those of limited mobility.

For further information click here: bookings for this tour throughout the year should be made online through the regional tourist board or through the tourist office - see here for the February event.

22.00: The main Battle between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma, in which eggshells filled with confetti are the main weapon, followed by the opening speech (given by singer Ruth Lorenzo) in the Plaza de España.

Sunday February 15

18.00: The first of the main Carnival parades begins, running along Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Rey Carlos III. Seats for spectators can be reserved at Calle Floridablanca 3 C (alongside Droguería Soto) between 18.00 and 21.00 or online here (price 18 euros).

Monday February 16

17.00: Children’s costume contest in the Plaza de España.

Midnight: Adults’ costume contest in the Plaza de España.

Tuesday February 17

18.00: The second of the main Carnival parades begins, running along Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Rey Carlos III. Seats for spectators can be reserved at Calle Floridablanca 3 C (alongside Droguería Soto) between 18.00 and 21.00 or online here (price 10 euros).

Thursday February 19

20.00 and 22.00: The first performances of the traditional “Los Ciegos, Ciegos Perdíos” at the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena.

Friday February 20

18.00: The third of the main Carnival parades begins, running along Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Rey Carlos III, this one featuring guest troupes rather than the “home favourites”. Seats for spectators can be reserved at Calle Floridablanca 3 C (alongside Droguería Soto) between 18.00 and 21.00 or online here (price 5 euros).

20.00 and 22.00: The second pair of performances of the traditional “Los Ciegos, Ciegos Perdíos” at the Auditorio Infanta Doña Elena.

Saturday February 21

18.00: The last of the main Carnival parades begins, running along Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Rey Carlos III, this one featuring guest troupes rather than the “home favourites”. Seats for spectators can be reserved at Calle Floridablanca 3 C (alongside Droguería Soto) between 18.00 and 21.00 or online here (price 18 euros).

Saturday February 21

Early in the morning, when the final parade ends, the ceremonial burning of the figure of Don Carnal is followed by fireworks over the bay of Poniente. This is followed by the awarding of prizes to the various troupes taking part in the festivities.

Sunday February 22

11.00: Free guided tour of the Castillo de San Juan de Águilas, starting at the tourist office.

The 18th century castle of San Juan is one of the most visible and important monuments of Águilas, offering both an insight into the town’s history and fabulous views over the town itself and the Mediterranean.

Further info can be found here. Reservations to take part in the free visit should be made through the regional tourist board website here.

Comfortable clothing and footwear are advisable!

Friday February 27

TBA: Las Esturreás perform at the Casa de la Cultura.

Saturday February 28

7.00: An early start for anglers taking part in the competition at the Puerto Deportivo Juan Montiel.

11.00: FREE GUIDED TOUR OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF ÁGUILAS IN ENGLISH!

The route is the same as the one followed on 14^th February, but this time the tour is conducted IN ENGLISH, lasting approximately 2 hours.

Registration is online here: for further information click here.

18.00: The final of the national “chirigotas” competition at the Auditorio Infanta Doña.

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Children's fairground in Plaza Antonio Cortijos, open on Saturday 17.30 to 21.00, Sundays and public holidays 11.30 to 14.00 horas and 17.30 to 21.00

Esparto grass weaving for beginners at the Casa del Huerto Don Jorge on Tuesdays from 11.00 to 13.00, starting on 7^th October.

Until April 14: “Vírgenes de Leche”, an exhibition of images of the Nursing Madonna on the first floor of the Casa de la Cultura, opening hours 9.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 21.00 on weekdays. Click here for further information.

Winter activities at the Centro Municipal de la Mujer (the Women’s Institute)

Details on the digital platform of the Town Hall here. 

Original version films at Multicines El Hornillo

Keep up to date with the next screenings on the cinema’s Facebook page. Ticket sales through entradas.com, phone bookings at www.entradas.com and on 968 412757 between 17.00 and 20.30. Email multihornillo@hotmail.com. Consult for days of screenings in original version. 

Activities at the Casino

Yoga with Lara Díaz, further information on 658 423462.

Rummy: all levels welcome, contact number 601 904463.

Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung with Jöel Jappain, Fridays 19.30 to 20.30. Telephone 619 501574.

Mindfulness and Meditation with Jöel Jappain, Tuesdays 10.00 to 11.00. Telephone 619 501574.

The casino office on the second floor opens to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 17.00 to 19.00. Telephone 968 447431 / 601 904463, email info@casinoaguilas.com.

 

SPORTS AND LEISURE

ISLA DEL FRAILE PAR 3 GOLF: a 9-hole course in the Isla del Fraile development, along with practice facilities and classes for beginners. Further information on 0034 622 808544 or from isladelfrailegolf@gmail.com. Open to members and non-members alike, price 15 euros for non-members and 10 euros for members.

PÁDEL ISLA DEL FRAILE: in the same Isla del Fraile development are tennis and padel tennis courts for hire: contact padelisladelfraile@gmail.com, www.padelaguilas.club or 0034 601 507 505.

Águilas Surf Club, Activities include surfing, windsurfing, paddle surfing, Bigsup, kayakking, trips to Isla del Fraile, etc. Courses for learners of all ages.

Further information on +34 601 514353 or at aguilassurfclub@gmail.com / www.aguilassurf.club.

Don Pancho tourist boat, information on 695 261216 or at www.donpancho.es.

Aguinautic Charter, boat hire, sale and tours. Half-day and full day mini-cruises, whole day outing, also available at weekends. See www.aguinautic.com or call 0034 616 737 018.

Rex Alquiler Náutico, boat hire, trips along the coast and fishing. Call 0034 647 198 329 / 0034 667 013 541 or visit www.rexalquilernautico.com.

Other nautical acitvities all year round at Club Náutico Águilas, Paseo de Parra 44, 0034 655 441 929 / 0034 968 007 874, admon@aguilas.com.

Boat trips, with or without skipper: Contact www.terrerosrutasenbarco.com or 0034 657 042 699.

Puerto Deportivo Juan Montiel

Hire of paddle and surf boards as well as kayaks all year round: information 0034 968 414 968.

Boat hire (WHALY): 0034 968 414 968.

18-hole mini-golf course, paddle tennis court, telephone 0034 968 493 493.

Juan Montiel training centre, telephone 0034 968 493 493.

Boat, kayak and paddle surf trips telephone 0034 622 428 650.

The sports centre of Polideportivo Municipal de Águilas can be contacted by telephone on 968 412023 or by email at patronato@pdmaguilas.org.

Dance, yoga, wellbeing

Salsa and bachata classes, further information from Mónica (657 472926, Mondays 20.00 to 22.00) and Luis (622 285608, Fridays 19.30 to 22.00).

TEYDE drama school, telephone 667 876584, email escuelateyde@gmail.com.

Theatre and improvisation on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 19.00 to 21.00. Contact Miguel Ángel Cárceles on 667 876584.

Batucada percussion two Fridays a month from 17.30 to 20.00. Contact Miguel Ángel Cárceles on 667 876584.

Risotherapy on Tuesdays from 17.00 to 18.30. Contact Miguel Ángel Cárceles on 667 876584.

Biodance on Mondays from 18.30 to 20.30. Contact Laura on 645 963455.

Yoga on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10.30 to 12.00. Contact Sergio on 660 890457.

The RINCÓN DE GAIA is a cultural charity association based at Calle Gaviota nº2 in Calabardina (next to Pastelería Katy), with many activities throughout the year which are designed to raise funds for animal charities. Contact elrincondegaia1@gmail.com for information on activities including language exchanges, chess classes, Rummycub competitions, ludo, recitals, concerts, etc.
 

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