Public holidays in Malaga in 2026
If you travel to Spain a lot you’ll have noticed that this is a country that loves a holiday and Malaga is no exception. In this blog post we list the public holidays in Malaga for the whole of 2026, all 14 of them! Note all but two local holidays (19 August and 8 September) are also public holidays in Andalucia 2026.
Key takeaways
▪ Malaga has 14 public holidays a year.
▪ If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is taken as a public holiday.
▪ Banks and businesses close on all public holidays.
▪ Shopping centres and large stores open on most public holidays, but small, independent shops tend to close.
▪ Bars, cafés and restaurants usually open on public holidays.
What’s open on public holidays in Malaga?
Before our list of dates of public holidays in Malaga for 2026, some information on what to expect open on a public holiday. As a general rule, the following are closed:
- Banks
- Government (regional and national) offices
- Malaga council offices
- Schools and universities
- Shops (except on permitted days – see specific dates below).
As a general rule, the following are open:
- Bars and restaurants (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)
- Public transport (Sunday timetables usually operate)
- Museums and monuments (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
Did you know?
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday after becomes the public holiday.
Wondering what’s on each month in Malaga? Read our monthly round-up of events
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Public holidays in Malaga in 2026
January
Thursday 1 January – New Year’s Day is a public holiday. Shops, businesses, monuments and museums in Malaga do not open on New Year’s Day. Some bars and restaurants may be open.
Did you know?
Malaga Christmas lights are turned off at midnight on 6 January.
Tuesday 6 January – Three Kings (Epiphany). Shops won’t open but they do open on Sunday 7 January, at the start of the sales and a great time to pick up some bargains when you’re shopping in Malaga.
February
Saturday 28 February – Andalusian Regional Day, when the region of Andalusia celebrates its autonomical status. Most shops will be closed, but bars and restaurants open.
Did you know?
In Spain when a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, some people take the Monday or Friday off as well. This is known as a ‘puente‘ (bridge).
Read our month-by-month guide to events in Malaga.
April
Easter is at the beginning of the month in 2026, with two public holidays in Malaga.
Did you know?
Easter is one of the most colourful times of year in Malaga, but also one of the busiest. Book your accommodation well ahead.
Thursday 2 April – Maundy Thursday, when shops, bars and restaurants open as usual.
Friday 3 April – Good Friday, when most shops will be closed, but many bars and restaurants open.
Check out our guide to Easter in Malaga
May
Friday 1 May – Labour Day, shops are closed but bars and restaurants open as usual.
Discover the best time of year to visit Malaga
Discover our recommended places to eat in Malaga
August
There are two public holidays this month in Malaga, one national and one local, celebrating Malaga Fair.
Did you know?
The dates for Malaga Fair 2026 are 15 to 22 August.
Saturday 15 August – Ascension Day and a holiday throughout Spain as well as Malaga. Bars, restaurants and shops are open.
Did you know?
August is usually hot and sticky, so, the beach is a great place to stay cool. Read our guide to Malaga beaches to find the sands for you.
Wednesday 19 August – the first of the two local holidays in Malaga and the high point of Malaga Fair. Shops and business close. Note that this is a holiday just in Malaga and not elsewhere on the Costa del Sol.
September
Tuesday 8 September – a local holiday (in Malaga only) celebrating the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Victory. Bars and restaurants open, but many small shops close.
October
Monday 12 October – Spanish National Day. Bars and restaurants open.
Wondering what’s on each month in Malaga? Read our monthly round-up of events
November
Sunday 1 November – All Saints Day, when Spanish people traditionally visit cemeteries and honour their dead. Note that because it falls on a Sunday, the actual holiday is Monday 2 November, shops, bars and restaurants open as usual.
December
This month in Malaga is all about Christmas.
Sunday 6 December – Spanish Constitution Day. Bars and restaurants open as usual. Note that because this public holiday falls on a Sunday, the official holiday is Monday 7 December, when shops, bars and restaurants will open as usual.
Tuesday 8 December – Immaculate Conception Day. Businesses will be closed, but shops, bars and restaurants will open.
Friday 25 December – Christmas Day, when museums, monuments, shops and many bars and restaurants will be closed. Note that restaurants in popular tourist spots such as Muelle Uno and Plaza de la Merced should be open, but family-run venues will probably be closed.
Find out all about Christmas in Malaga
Sunday Christmas shopping – shops will be open on Sunday 6, 13, 20 and 27 December, so you can do your Christmas shopping.
Start planning your upcoming trip to Malaga!
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