Holy Week in Malaga is celebrated in the week preceding Easter Sunday. The dates vary each year, as they depend on the lunar calendar. Generally, Holy Week can fall between March 22 and April 25. In 2024, for example, Holy Week will be celebrated from March 24 to March 31. To find out the exact dates for each year, it is advisable to consult a specific Holy Week calendar.
Holy Week in Malaga is one of the most important and recognized celebrations in Spain, standing out for its cultural, historical and religious richness. Some of the aspects that make it special are:
- Tradition and History: Holy Week in Malaga has roots that date back to the 16th century, which gives it great historical depth. Brotherhoods and fraternities have kept traditions alive that have been passed down from generation to generation.
- Steps and Processions: Holy Week processions in Malaga are famous for their impressive “steps”, which are large platforms carrying religious images. These steps, which can weigh up to several tons, are carried on the shoulders of the “costaleros”, who perform impressive physical labor.
- Music and Band: Music is an essential component of the processions. Marching bands, which can include both bugle and drum groups and symphonic bands, play processional marches that add excitement and solemnity to the parades.
- Atmosphere and Participation: Holy Week in Malaga attracts thousands of local visitors and tourists. The streets fill with people who come to see the processions, creating a festive and reverent atmosphere at the same time.
- The “Cautivo” and the “Esperanza”: The images of the “Cautivo” and the “Esperanza” are two of the most venerated in the city and have a special meaning for the people of Malaga. The brotherhoods that carry them out are some of the oldest and most beloved.
- Gastronomy: During Holy Week, you can also enjoy the local gastronomy, with typical dishes such as “pestiños”, “tortas de aceite” and “hornazos”, which are consumed during this time.
- Cultural Interaction: In addition to religious traditions, Holy Week in Malaga is a cultural event that includes art, theatre and other cultural events, making it a comprehensive celebration of Malaga’s identity.