Ensenada carnival 2026: dates, events and routes
Ensenada Carnival 2026: Events, Parades, and the Best Road Trip Route
If you are planning a trip through Baja California to start the year with joy, music, and tradition, the Ensenada Carnival 2026 is one of those events that cannot be missing from your route.
With more than one hundred years of history, this celebration is one of the most important festivals in northern Mexico and an excellent excuse to hit the road, tour the coast, and have an experience full of colors, troupes, live shows, and gastronomy.
Here we tell you when the Ensenada Carnival 2026 is celebrated, what the most anticipated events are, what the traditions are like, and the best way to drive there from Tijuana and Mexicali.
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When is the Ensenada Carnival 2026 Celebrated?
Dates change every year, but it is usually celebrated during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday.
For 2026, it will be between late February and early March, coinciding with the cool season, ideal for walking, exploring, and enjoying the parades without extreme heat.
For six days, Ensenada transforms into a huge open-air party: decorated streets, stages, concerts, the coronation of carnival kings and queens, traditional comparsas, and the awaited parade along the boardwalk (Malecón).
What are the Main Events of the Ensenada Carnival 2026?
The Ensenada Carnival 2026 will present a varied agenda facing the Pacific.
Each event has its own charm, and together they build one of the most beloved celebrations in Baja California.
Coronation of Kings and Queens
The coronation marks the formal beginning of the festival. Each year, the "Ugly King" (Rey Feo), the Child Queen, the Carnival Queen, and several representative figures who make up the royal court are chosen.
This moment is usually accompanied by musical performances, official speeches, special lighting, and the first appearance of comparsas.
If you arrive by car, keep in mind the parking in signposted areas near the boardwalk to enjoy the event from early on.
Free Concerts in Main Squares
One of the great attractions of the carnival is that many concerts are completely free.
Thus, you can enjoy artists of regional Mexican music, pop, norteña, tropical, and contemporary fusions on outdoor stages.
Some performances take place right by the sea, creating a unique atmosphere: cool breeze, ocean view, and live music.
Parades along the Malecón
The parades are, without a doubt, the soul of the Ensenada Carnival.
Monumental floats, comparsas, handmade costumes, batucadas, dance groups, schools, and cultural associations participate in a route full of energy.
Families usually take their spots early to watch the parade pass along the boardwalk, one of the most popular areas of Ensenada.
Gastronomic Zone and Crafts
During the carnival days, several streets are transformed into a culinary and artisan corridor.
You can enjoy everything from fresh seafood to tacos, traditional snacks (antojitos), regional sweets, and typical drinks.
In addition, local crafts—ceramics, textiles, and leather work—are ideal for taking home an authentic souvenir of the region.
Burning of Bad Humor (Quema del Mal Humor)
Among the traditions of the Ensenada Carnival, the "Burning of Bad Humor" holds a special place.
This ritual marks the start of the party and symbolizes leaving behind everything negative from the year.
Generally, a representative figure is set on fire, accompanied by music, narration, and fireworks.
It is an exciting moment that brings the community and visitors together to officially give way to joy, dance, and festivities.
How to Get to the Ensenada Carnival 2026 from Tijuana and Mexicali by Road?
One of the best ways to live this experience is to travel by road.
Driving gives you freedom, allows you to take advantage of spectacular landscapes, and offers the possibility of exploring beyond the downtown area.
How to Get to the Ensenada Carnival 2026 from Tijuana?
It is approximately a 110-kilometer journey, usually taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes along the Transpeninsular Highway, also known as Mex 1. It is a spectacular coastal route, especially if you travel at sunrise or sunset.
By renting a car in Tijuana, you can make stops in Rosarito, the northern beaches, or various viewpoints facing the Pacific.
How to Get to the Ensenada Carnival 2026 from Mexicali?
The route from Mexicali has a different dynamic. It is about 260 kilometers that take approximately 3 and a half hours, passing through La Rumorosa, Tecate, and finally, Ensenada.
The stretch through La Rumorosa is known for its mountainous landscape and sharp curves, so it is advisable to drive calmly.
Even so, the landscape is completely worth it and is one of the most beautiful routes in the north of the country.
Take advantage of car rental in Mexicali to live the adventure!
This edition promises a celebration full of energy, identity, and unforgettable moments for those arriving by road.
The Ensenada Carnival 2026 will be one of those events you will remember for a long time. See you on the road!