Pego Carnival 2026: A Unique Festival on the Costa Blanca from 6th February
Pego Carnival 2026: A Unique Festival on the Costa Blanca from 6th February 🥁🎉
Every year, the Costa Blanca comes alive with color, music, and joy, and Pego is no exception with its highly anticipated Carnestoltes celebrations. This vibrant festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm in the town, has become a true benchmark of tradition and creativity, attracting both tourists and locals who enjoy an atmosphere full of imagination, costumes, dance, and festive spirit.
In this article, we’ll tell you what the Pego Carnival is like and why you should experience this unforgettable event on the Costa Blanca at least once in your life.
The Pego Carnival takes place on the weekend before Ash Wednesday, making it the perfect excuse for a winter getaway filled with culture, fun, and authentic local traditions.
💥 BOOKINGS: Romantic getaway in Adsubia – 2 nights including E-Bike tour and a candle-making workshop with a honey tasting 🚴♂️🍯
🎭 History of the Pego Carnival
Between 1981 and 1982, the Ateneo Libertario of Pego promoted a workshop dedicated to creating cardboard carnival masks, inspired by the traditional Carnival celebrations that took place in the town before the Spanish Civil War. These handmade masks paraded through the streets, entering bars and nightclubs, often without people realizing that they were witnessing the rebirth of what would become the most participatory festival in the town.
This initiative marked the beginning of the most popular Carnival in the entire Valencian Community, a celebration deeply rooted in creativity, community involvement, and cultural revival.
💥 BOOKINGS: Beeswax Candle-Making Workshop with Honey Tasting 🍯🕯️
Carnival Programme – Carnestoltes in Pego
February 6 – The Opening Proclamation (Pregón)
7:30 pm – Festive parade from Market Square to Town Hall Square, featuring traditional costumes, live batucada drumming, and the iconic Carnival witch.
8:30 pm – Official Carnival Opening Proclamation delivered by Carolina Ferrer, radio presenter, theatre and film actress, and lip-sync performer.
February 7 – The Baixada del Riu Bullent
12:00 pm – A fun and original boat competition descending the Riu Bullent through the Marjal wetlands. The route runs from Pas de Bullent to Blau del Calapatar.
Participants sail in creatively decorated boats made from all kinds of materials, with passengers dressed in colorful carnival costumes, creating one of the most unique Carnival events on the Costa Blanca.
👉 HERE: Full Carnival Programme
💥 BOOKINGS: Donkey Ride Through the Villages and Valleys of the Costa Blanca 🌸
Family-Friendly Activities at the Pego Carnival
One of the highlights of Carnestoltes in Pego is the wide variety of activities for all ages. Throughout the Carnival celebrations, visitors can enjoy costume-making and face-painting workshops, allowing both children and adults to unleash their creativity and fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
Live shows and street performances play a central role in the event, turning the celebration into a truly interactive and participatory experience. Music, dance, and spontaneous performances fill the streets, making the Pego Carnival especially appealing for families and groups.
Local Costa Blanca gastronomy is also a key attraction, with numerous food stalls and traditional markets offering the chance to taste authentic regional dishes. This culinary experience adds an extra layer of flavor and authenticity, making the Carnival not only a visual and cultural celebration but also a delicious one.
💫 BOOKINGS: Vermouth Tasting in Benissa – Smiles, flavors, and Mediterranean culture 🍸✨
Tourism Impact on the Costa Blanca
Carnestoltes is not only a cultural celebration but also a key driver of tourism development in Pego and across the Costa Blanca. Once again, a significant influx of visitors is expected, boosting the local economy and encouraging meaningful cultural exchange between locals and travelers.
Tourists visiting Pego during Carnival have the chance to experience the region’s rich traditions and warm hospitality, while also discovering historic corners, beautiful beaches, and natural landscapes that make the Costa Blanca such a unique destination.
The perfect blend of festivity, culture, and tourism turns this event into a must-see experience for travelers seeking authentic Mediterranean celebrations and memorable winter getaways in Spain.
💥 BOOKINGS: Beekeeping Experience & Artisan Honey Tasting on the Costa Blanca 🐝🍯
Tips to enjoy the Pego Carnival – Carnestoltes
- Dress for the occasion! Wear a costume and take part in the parades and Carnival competitions.
- Taste the local cuisine, including the traditional crosta and other typical dishes from the region.
- Dance and sing to the rhythm of the music – Carnival is all about joy, freedom, and celebration.
- Respect local traditions and customs to fully appreciate the cultural significance of the event.
- Have fun! The Pego Carnival is a festival meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.
💥 BOOKINGS: Paella Cooking Workshop for Two in Jávea 🥘🥘
Experience the Magic of the Pego Carnival
The Pego Carnival is a one-of-a-kind experience you simply can’t miss. Come and join the celebration!
Carnestoltes in Pego – Costa Blanca promises an unforgettable experience that blends tradition, innovation, and authentic Mediterranean hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this unique festival that, year after year, reinforces the festive spirit and rich cultural heritage of the Costa Blanca.
Live the Carnival and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Pego!