WBF Spain 2026

Águilas
Costa Cálida

World Championships
in Bodypainting Show

7 Feb.
2026

/ WBF Spain 2026

The World Award: Bodypainting & Show category is the first World Championships in the year 2026 as a special part of the new World Bodypainting Festival series.

The competition takes place in the city of Aguilas on the Costa Cálida during the famous Carnival de Aguilas on February 7th.

Águilas, with its stunning Mediterranean beaches and warm, sunny climate, is a charming coastal town steeped in maritime history. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the San Juan de las Águilas Castle, savor exceptional seafood, and enjoy its relaxed seaside atmosphere. This vibrant destination offers something special in every season, but it’s world-renowned for its spectacular Carnival — one of Spain’s most iconic celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Since 2015, the Carnaval de Águilas has held the official title of Festival of International Tourist Interest, placing it among the most celebrated carnivals in the country.

Be part of an unforgettable experience where bodypainting comes alive with the spirit of Carnival!

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Theme

Circus – Balancing Fantasy and Reality

The circus has always been a place of wonder, where the line between what’s real and what’s imagined begins to blur. This theme invites artists to explore contrasts - transforming the human body into a canvas of magic, mystery, and emotion. Through bodypainting, fantasy becomes reality, turning the human form into a living artwork that surprises and inspires.

Program

 

February 7th

from 9:30 - Registration and welcoming
10:30 - 17:30 working time
17:00-19:00 Judging Part 1 & Photoshooting
20:00 Judging Part 2 & Show presention
21:00 Awarding of the World Championship in Bodypanitng & Show

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Photo Ralph Niebling @WBF

/ Artist Information

Prizes and Awards for 2026

  • You get a participation certificate at the registration desk after the competition has ended.
World Award: Camouflage

1 Place World Award Trophy + € 2.000 in cash + Product Prize
2 Place World Award Trophy + € 1.000 in cash + Product Prize
3 Place World Award Trophy + € 500 in cash + Product Prize

Artist Information & Guidelines 2026

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/ Host City

Águilas, Spain

Águilas is a picturesque coastal town in the Murcia region of Spain, known for its golden Mediterranean beaches, year-round sunny climate, and vibrant cultural traditions. With a rich maritime history, charming old town streets, and one of Spain’s most famous carnivals, Águilas offers the perfect blend of relaxation, history, and festivity.

/ Festival Location

Hostcity Águilas, Murcia, Spain

Address: Auditorium and Congress Palace INFANTA DOÑA ELENA

C. Aire, 153, 30880 Águilas, Murcia, Spain

/ Airports near Águilas

Closest airports Águilas, Murcia, Spain

Región de Murcia International Airport (Corvera, RMU) ~60 km / ~1h by car
Closest major option. (Closest Airport to)

Almería Airport (LEI) ~93 km
Another viable alternative. (Shuttle Direct)

Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) ~170 km
Further but usually more flight options. (Closest Airport to)

Once you're in Spain, here are ways to reach Águilas from the nearby airports or cities:

  1. From Murcia Airport (RMU)

  2. From Almería or Alicante Airports

    • You could take a bus into Murcia or a nearby hub, then onwards to Águilas. (virtoproperty.com)

    • Alternatively, shuttle services or car rentals are options. (Shuttle Direct)

  3. Between Murcia ↔ Águilas

    • There are direct buses: for example, the MUR-026-1 bus from Murcia bus station to Águilas takes about 2 hours. (Moovit)

    • Trains also run, though sometimes with only one or a few daily services, and sometimes slower or via connections. Prices from ~€7-€10 if booked in advance. (Omio)

    • Be wary: the rail service C2 / Cercanías between Murcia-Lorca-Águilas has been disrupted in recent years due to construction works. So some of the “train” legs are replaced with buses. (Cadena SER)

Here are a few example ways you might route your trip:

  • Fly into Murcia RMU, then take a bus or taxi to Águilas.

  • Fly into Almería, take bus into Murcia or directly toward Águilas if feasible, then final leg by local bus.

  • Fly into Alicante, then either bus + train through Murcia, or bus all of the way (but that will take several hours).

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Office:
Villacher Strasse 120, 9710 Feistritz, AUSTRIA