Carmen

Since joining the smugglers’ band, Carmen and Don José’s relationship has deteriorated. When he tells Carmen that his mother lives in a nearby village, she mocks him and suggests that he return to the village. Meanwhile, Frasquita and Mercédès read their fortunes in the cards, predicting great wealth and great love. Carmen joins them, but the cards predict death for her and Don José.

The smugglers set out on a mission, leaving Don José to guard the camp. Micaëla arrives, searching for Don José in the hope that she can save him from Carmen, just as Escamillo also arrives at the camp. He introduces himself to Don José and tells him that he has come to meet Carmen, with whom he is in love. Don José challenges Escamillo to a knife fight, and they fight until the smugglers return and separate them.

Escamillo invites the smugglers to his upcoming bullfight, and as everyone is about to leave, Remendado discovers Micaëla hiding. She tells Don José that his mother sent her to persuade him to return with her to the village. Carmen encourages him to leave, but he swears that he will not let her leave with her new lover. In a desperate attempt to persuade him, Micaëla informs Don José that his mother is dying and wishes to see him. He decides to leave, threatening Carmen that they will meet again.