Strong winds force Carnival cancellations and event changes across Murcia

Orange weather warnings bring strong winds of up to 90 km/h, prompting councils to postpone Carnival parades and cancel outdoor events

Spain's state weather agency, the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet), has issued orange alerts for strong winds in several areas across the Region. They are expecting gusts of up to 90 km/h and coastal waves of four to five metres. Because of this, some local councils have been forced to reschedule Carnival events and cancel outdoor activities as safety concerns take centre stage.

The areas most affected by the strong winds are in the northwest of the Region, Lorca and Águilas, from midday to midnight, while Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón face similar winds until early evening. The Altiplano area is also under a yellow warning with gusts of up to 70 km/h. 

Carnival schedule changes town by town

In Águilas, organisers and the council postponed Friday's children's Carnival events and moved them to Saturday evening. Festivities will start with the arrival of La Mussona at the Plaza de España, followed by children's celebrations and later the adult programme, including the traditional Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma battle and the Carnival proclamation by singer Ruth Lorenzo. 

The school parade in Cartagena has been postponed from Friday to Tuesday February 17, at the same time and along the same route. Indoor events inside the port marquee, however, will still take place, including the Carnival celebrations for seniors and the final of the national chirigota contest. From Saturday onwards, activities are expected to move back outdoors as the wind alert level drops.

In Alhama de Murcia, the children’s parade has been pushed back to Friday February 20, with organisers confirming it will move indoors if bad weather continues.

Mula has postponed both its children’s Carnival and the main parade after receiving the official weather warning. The main parade is now scheduled for Sunday February 15, at 6:00pm, while the children's event will take place Monday morning with local schools and groups taking part.

Other events cancelled

The weather has also affected some other activities. The “Jardín Secreto Kids” festival at the Auditorio Parque de Fofó has been cancelled due to the persistent strong winds.

The weekly outdoor market in Molina de Segura has also been called off, and certain sections of the Parque de la Compañía will be closed off as a precaution.

Civil Protection is advising residents to avoid areas where falling branches or objects could be a risk, such as parks and wooded spaces, until conditions settle.

Local councils say all decisions have been taken in coordination with organisers, schools and community groups, stressing that protecting participants, especially the children, has to come first while this unsettled weather continues.

Image 1: Cartagena City Hall
Image 2: Alhama de Murcia Town Hall