The dates of Carnival vary each year because they are closely linked to the Christian liturgical calendar and the calculation of Holy Week. This festival, characterized by joy and celebration, culminates just before the start of Lent, a 40-day period of reflection and spiritual preparation.

Carnival officially begins two weeks before Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the end of the Carnival festivities and the official start of Lent. For this reason, the exact start date changes annually, falling between the end of January and the beginning of March.

Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma Presentation  +info

Date and place to be determined.

Presentation Program of Events  +info

Date and place to be determined.

Cartagena Carnival Opening Speech +info

Friday, January 29, 2027, from the balcony of the City Hall in Cartagena's Plaza del Ayuntamiento.  How to get there

Gala-Competition Queen Election  +info

Saturday, January 30, 2027 (two weekends before Ash Wednesday), at the Central Sports Pavilion of Cartagena, located at C. Manuel Wssell de Guimbarda, 46, 30204 Cartagena.  How to get there

Regional Choreography Competition  +info

Sunday, January 31, 2027, at the Central Sports Pavilion of Cartagena, located at C. Manuel Wssell de Guimbarda, 46, 30204 Cartagena.  How to get there

National Drag Queen Competition  +info

Monday, February 1, 2027, at the Central Sports Pavilion of Cartagena, located at C. Manuel Wssell de Guimbarda, 46, 30204 Cartagena.  How to get there

Gala-Contest King Election  +info

Tuesday, February 2, 2027, at the Central Sports Pavilion of Cartagena, located at C. Manuel Wssell de Guimbarda, 46, 30204 Cartagena.  How to get there

National Chirigota Competition  +info

Semifinals: Wednesday, February 3 and Thursday, February 4, 2027, at the El Batel Auditorium in Cartagena, located at Paseo Alfonso XII, s/n, 30201 Cartagena.  How to get there.
Final: Friday, February 5, 2027, at the El Batel Auditorium in Cartagena, located at Paseo Alfonso XII, s/n, 30201 Cartagena.  How to get there.

School Carnival Parade-Contest  +info

Friday, February 5, 2027. ROUTE: Plaza de Juan XXIII, C. Santa Florentina, C. Carmen, C. San Roque, C. Jabonerías, C. Puertas de Murcia, Plaza de San Sebastián, C. Mayor, Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Carnival Contest for Adults  +info

Friday, February 5, 2027, in the official Carnival tent located in the Plaza Mayor (Port Esplanade next to the El Zulo sculpture).  How to get there

Children's Carnival Contest  +info

Saturday, February 6, 2027, in the official Carnival tent located in the Plaza Mayor (Port Esplanade next to the El Zulo sculpture).  How to get there

Grand Carnival Parade and Competition  +info

Saturday, February 6, 2027. START: Corner of Alameda de San Antón / Francisco de Borja. ROUTE: Alameda de San Antón, Plaza de España, C. Carmen, Puertas de Murcia, Plaza de San Sebastián, C. Mayor, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza Héroes de Cavite, Plaza Mayor (Port Esplanade).

Street Parade - Competition of Foreign Carnival Groups  +info

Sunday, February 7, 2027. ROUTE: Calle del Carmen, Puertas de Murcia, Plaza de San Sebastián, C. Mayor, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza Héroes de Cavite, Plaza Mayor (Explanada del Puerto).

Parade of Carnival Groups and Dance Troupes  +info

Monday, February 8, 2027. ROUTE: Calle del Carmen, Puertas de Murcia, Plaza de San Sebastián, C. Mayor, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza Héroes de Cavite, Plaza Mayor (Explanada del Puerto).

Carnival Parade  +info

Tuesday, February 9, 2027. ROUTE: San Juan Street, Juan XXIII Square, Santa Florentina Street, Icue Square, Carmen Street, San Roque Street, Jabonerías Street, Puertas de Murcia, San Sebastián Square, Mayor Street, Town Hall Square, Heroes of Cavite Square, Mayor Square (Port Esplanade).

Awards Ceremony and Farewell to Don Carnal  +info

Tuesday, February 9, 2027, in the official Carnival tent located in the Plaza Mayor (Port Esplanade next to the El Zulo sculpture).  How to get there