Every year from late February to early March, a peculiar scene unfolds on the beaches of Malaga: a giant anchovy figure is set ablaze like a funeral pyre, as thousands of people cheer.
"It's a big parade with an anchovy over three or four meters long. We carry it on our shoulders and march through the old town in the city center. But instead of burying it, we burn it. It’s a huge fire in the middle of the beach," said Paloma Rovira, a Spanish lecturer from Malaga.
Thousands of people join the "Entierro del Boquerón", or "Burial of The Anchovy" procession to the Malagueta beach. (Photo: Michael Gaylard/Flickr)

But don’t be mistaken. This isn’t some kind of sacrificial ritual or an act against an innocent fish. "The Burial of the Anchovy" is actually a ceremony marking the end of Malaga’s carnival season.

A time of non-stop music, grand parades, satirical costumes, and, of course, a four-meter-long anchovy consumed by flames, Malaga’s carnival is a spectacle for both first-time visitors and longtime residents of this sun-drenched city.

It all began about 500 years ago when the carnival was celebrated in the week leading up to Christianity’s fasting period. The festivities were seen as a final indulgence before people abstained from worldly pleasures. And what better way to enjoy one last feast before 40 days of fasting than with the region’s most popular dish? That’s how the unique anchovy ritual was born.
Paloma poses in front of the historic Alcazaba of Malaga, a majestic Muslim citadel. (Photo: Paloma Rovira)

“It marks the end of the carnival, that's why it's a burial. It's like a funeral, like we're burying our feelings and preparing for Lent. This one is different from others in Spain. In most Spanish carnivals, they celebrate the burial of the sardine, but in Malaga, anchovy is the most famous dish and the best-known fish. We even call ourselves anchovies—it’s the symbol of the city,” Paloma explained.

Before becoming the celebration it is today, the Malaga carnival was once banned under the Franco regime. It was a dark chapter in Spain’s history,

“There have been a lot of changes, especially in the last century. We had a dictatorship under Franco in the 20th century, and he banned the carnival because of the freedom it gave people and its sarcastic tone. But when he died, we got our democracy back, and we were able to celebrate again,” said Paloma.

By the 1980s, carnivals across Spain made a strong comeback. As music filled the streets once more, the processions and performances became even livelier. One thing, however, has never changed: the locals are always at the heart of the carnival. For the people of Malaga, just watching isn’t enough –it’s a party where everyone takes part.
(Photo: Michael Gaylard/Flickr)
“The special thing about this carnival is that you're not just a viewer, you also participate. It's not about going to the old town and just watching a parade. You need to get dressed up and get involved,” Paloma said.
In Spain, this time of year is all about self-expression through quirky costumes. Compared to the elegant attire of Venice’s carnival, Spain’s version is more relaxed. Instead of elaborate ballroom masks, Spaniards focus on fun and relevance. From video game characters to political figures, the possibilities for creative carnival outfits are endless.

Performances are another key part of the Malaga carnival. Large groups known as chirigotas or comparsas take to the streets, wearing matching costumes and singing witty, satirical songs – often poking fun at politics. But these performers aren’t professional artists. They’re just everyday people from Malaga who do this for fun. Some spend months preparing, choosing topics, and writing their own lyrics. This strong local involvement gives the Malaga carnival its unique charm.

A group of locals in Malaga perform a skit during the carnival. (Photo: Michael Gaylard/Flickr)

“Sometimes, they’ll pull someone from the crowd to join their performance, or you might just jump in spontaneously. It’s a time to express yourself, embrace freedom, interact with others, make new friends, and create fun memories. I think that's what the carnival is about and that's the spirit of a lot of the festivals we have in Spain,” Paloma told VOV.

As Paloma said, perhaps, in today’s fast-paced world, everyone could use their own version of the Malaga carnival to let loose and celebrate life.