One of the most important holidays, if not the most important in Andalucia and across Spain is Holy Week {Known as . Semana Santa}

While every City, town and village celebrates , one of the best places in Andalucia to enjoy the festivities is the provincial capital Malaga. The event attracts visitors from all over the world who join the locals in the celebrations.

This year is no exception with the town hall in Malaga working around the clock to ensure everything runs like clockwork.

This year the celebrations run from the 16th March though to the 23rd March.

The festivities are a wonderful blend of the strong religious feelings, the traditions of the Spanish people and the Spanish people’s deep seeded passion of having a good time.

During the whole week there are numerous processions with stunning floats, beautiful costumes and all sorts of religious events and ceremonies.

The events open with a speech by the born journalist Francisco García Muñoz who himself was born in Malaga. He is a member of several fraternities or brotherhoods. The poster for this year’s events were created by another famous Malaga born son , the renowned painter Leonardo Fernández González

Highlights of the week include.

PALM SUNDAY

The image of La Virgen de Lagrimas y Favores leaving the church of San Juan; with the procession passing through the Plaza de Felix Saenz

Waiting near the cathedral you will be able to see the departure of La Pollinica from its temple at Calle Parra and share in the joy of the children bearing palms as they herald Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem.

In the Plaza de Capuchinos the procession of El Señor de la Soledad sees a statuesque beauty of this image departing at four in the afternoon.

The festivities and processions continue right into the night

HOLY MONDAY

You should not miss the transfer of Jesus Cautivo and La Virgen de la Trinidad to their processional floats following early morning mass on the esplanade of La Parroquia de San Pablo (parish church).which begins at 8am

Other events include the descent of La Crucifixion on the steep slopes of Calle Carrion which takes place at around 16.30 or at around 22.00 the of the procession of El Cautivo as it crosses El Puentede la Aurora (bridge) with a sea of devotees in its wake who have been following it since early afternoon

HOLY TUESDAY

In the Victoria district of the city at around 17.15 you can see the procession of El Rocio making its way through El Jardin de los Monos and on to Plaza de la Merced along Calle Victoria or you could head for the Plaza de la Merced, where can see the procession of La Sentencia at 20:30 in the attractive architectural setting provided by Picasso’s birthplace and the monument erected in memory of General Torrijos.

HOLY WEDNESDAY

In the Plaza de Capuchinos the departure of Los Salesianos takes place at around 16.30 or later in the day you could attend the traditional ceremony in which a prisoner is freed by the image of Jesus El Rico at 20:30 near Plaza de la Aduana, which is located very close to the Alcazaba.

If you head for the Alameda Principal at 22:00 you will be able to enjoy the magnificent floats paraded by La Cofradia de la Paloma, in which doves, , are set free

HOLY THURSDAY

One of the best places on this day is the port area where you can witness the legionary troops arriving at 10am and watch as these soldiers lift El Cristo de la Buena Muerte onto its processional ’trono’ and subsequently carry it to the brotherhood’s procession.

You should also head for the Alameda Principal to witness a unique sight in Malaga’s Easter week; the crossing of the processions of La Esperanza and Mena at around 00:30.

GOOD FRIDAY

One of the most important days in the whole week there is so much going on but the procession of El Descendimiento throughout the park at around 17:30 is one that should not be missed

At 19.00 at the cathedral the Way of the Cross-of El Santisimo CristoMutilado is another that should not be missed

The next day is seen a day of rest before the hectic Easter Sunday . You should take time to explore the city or if you prefer just relax in one of the cities many bars and restaurants.

EASTER SUNDAY

The procession of El Resucitado is Malaga’s celebration of the resurrection of the Lord. Nazarenes from each and every one of the brotherhoods take part together, creating a colourful cortège that, due to its extreme length, is best viewed sitting in one of the seats provided by the Association of Easter Fraternities throughout the official route.
This procession reaches the Alameda Principal at 12:00 midday and finishes at La Iglesia de San Julian (parish church), near Calle Carreteria, at 14:00.
Finally, there will be just enough time to sample a typical dish washed down with local wine before heading off to one of our beaches to enjoy the benevolent climate that makes Malaga a “City of Paradise

There is so much going on it is best to contact the Malaga Town Hall on 952 135 000 or visit the website www.malagaturismo.com where you will get a more detailed rundown on the week’s events


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