We present you an unforgettable getaway to enjoy holy week. Malaga is a special city, which competes directly with Seville to enjoy this festivity. Although every year it attracts more and more visitors who choose the Costa del Sol to experience Holy Week, this Andalusian gem maintains an authentic atmosphere, far removed from the tourist hustle and bustle of other cities.
Malaga is not only ideal for watching the processions, a must-see experience, but it is also the perfect place to relax for a few days and enjoy its wide range of tourist attractions. From the moment you set foot on Malaga soil, you will feel a special energy in the air. The streets vibrate with the arrival of Semana Santa, so staying in the heart of the old town to be close to the action is a good idea, but it’s also perfect to look for holiday rentals in Torremolinos or Benalmádena.
Holy Week in Malaga is also known as “Semana de Pasión” (Passion Week). Unlike in other regions, here it is experienced in a joyful way, like a real festival, but with a special emotion.
Holy Week in Malaga was declared of International Tourist Interest in 1980, but its origins go back much further.
The celebration dates back to the taking of the city by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487. The conversion of the city’s Moors to Catholicism, as well as the arrival of new inhabitants from Castile, meant a new dimension in the religious expression of the people of Malaga. From this time onwards, the Church promoted the worship of images, a hallmark of the Catholic creed, founding a large number of brotherhoods and sisterhoods.
Despite facing various historical conflicts, Holy Week in Malaga has endured as one of the city’s main collective celebrations.
The most followed processions in Malaga:
From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, every day during Holy Week in Malaga, more than 40 processions take to the streets of the city centre on the so-called “official route”. This impressive display delights both the Malaga faithful and its visitors.
Malaga’s most popular processions pass through key points in the centre, such as the Cathedral, Calle Larios, Plaza de La Marina and La Alameda. Maundy Thursday is the most important day, bringing together the largest number of participants, but every day sees the passing of popular processions.
Among the most prominent confraternities are:
Palm Sunday
The Cofradía de La Pollinica commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, with a special focus on children.
Holy Monday
One of the most important moments of Holy Week in Malaga comes on Easter Monday, when many of the people of Malaga flock to the parish of San Pablo to watch the transfer of the images of the Brotherhood of Jesus Cautivo and María Santísima de la Trinidad to the throne as they travel around Malaga. On this day, the Cofradía Cristo de “Los Gitanos” also departs from Calle Frailes and is also one of the most visited.
Holy Tuesday
The day is highlighted by the procession of María Santísima del Rocío Coronada (“el Rocío”) in front of the Cathedral.
Holy Wednesday
The Brotherhood of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno “El Rico” thrills with the pardoning of a prisoner in the Plaza del Obispo. This privilege, granted in 1759 by the monarch Charles III, allows the brotherhood to pardon a prisoner from the Alhaurín de la Torre jail during its penitential procession.
Maundy Thursday
This is the most important day of Holy Week. Santa Cruz, Sagrada Cena, Viñeros, Vera Cruz, Zamarrilla, El Cristo de Mena, Misericordia and Esperanza parade, standing out among the oldest and most representative brotherhoods and images. The procession of the Cristo de Mena is closely associated with the legionaries, who disembark in the morning in the city’s port. This military corps carries the image of the Cristo de la Buena Muerte (Christ of the Good Death) on its shoulders, making it one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the whole of Malaga’s Holy Week.
Misericordia, popularly known as “El Chiquito”, is another of the most beloved processions during the early hours of Good Friday morning in Malaga.
Finally, the procession of La Esperanza, which dates back to the 16th century, features the image of María Santísima de la Esperanza. This procession, with a special devotion among the people of Malaga, ends its route at a later hour, adding a touch of solemnity to the celebration.
Good Friday
The procession of the Siervos de María Santísima de los Dolores, which ends at the church of San Felipe Neri, is one of the most moving moments. The difference in this procession is that there is no music, the brotherhood prays practically in the dark.
Easter Sunday
The “Hermandad del Resucitado” (Brotherhood of the Risen Christ) brings the processions of Holy Week in Malaga to an end.All the brotherhoods are represented in this procession.
This Semana Santa in Malaga, not only will you witness the exciting processions, but you can also immerse yourself in a wide range of local experiences.
During these dates, the possibility of enjoying pleasant temperatures adds to the charm of this city.
A dip in the warm sand of La Malagueta beach is a must, offering the opportunity to relax and bask in the sunshine that characterises this region.
For those who crave a cultural tour, Malaga displays historical gems such as the imposing Gibralfaro Castle, the majestic Alcazaba and the elegant Marqués de Larios street. These destinations will transport visitors back in time, revealing the rich history that lies within its streets.
Malaga’s gastronomy, renowned for its authenticity, invites you to explore the traditional taverns that serve the famous sardine skewers, a local delicacy that will delight your palate. In addition, the city offers a variety of culinary options that capture the essence of the region.
For those wishing to explore beyond the city, the nearby charms of Ronda, Nerja and Marbella present tempting options. Each destination has its own magic, from the breathtaking scenery of Ronda to the coastal beauty of Nerja and the exclusivity of Marbella.
Hiking lovers will find their paradise in El Caminito del Rey, an exceptional route that winds through stunning landscapes and awakens the connection with nature. A unique experience that will add an adventurous touch to your itinerary.
At Vacalia, we are sure that choosing Malaga to enjoy Holy Week will result in an unforgettable experience. The city offers a range of possibilities, from the fervent celebration of Holy Week to the exploration of its cultural, gastronomic and natural charms.
