Easter in Malaga 2027
What compels an entire city to stop, stand silent, and watch as elaborately decorated floats weighing up to 5 tons are carried through ancient narrow streets at 2am? Why do legionnaires escort a wooden Christ figure through Malaga’s centre while thousands line the streets in reverent silence? And how does local actor Antonio Banderas fit into all of this?
Welcome to Semana Santa—Easter in Malaga—where Spain’s most passionate religious traditions collide with artistic mastery, creating a week-long spectacle that’s been captivating visitors for centuries.
This isn’t a parade. It’s not a show. It’s something far more powerful: a living tradition where 40 different brotherhoods take to the streets in solemn procession, each one telling the story of Christ’s Passion through breathtaking floats, haunting music, and rituals passed down through generations. If you’re planning to visit Malaga during Easter (March 29-April 5, 2026), you’re about to witness one of the most extraordinary cultural events in Europe.
Here’s your complete insider’s guide to making the most of it.
Key takeaways
Semana Santa is Málaga’s most important annual event, featuring a full week of solemn and spectacular religious processions through the city.
In 2027, it runs from 21 March (Palm Sunday) to 28 March (Easter Sunday).
There are roughly 40 processions along a shared central route, passing through Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios, Alameda Principal, and the Cathedral.
Highlights include special traditions and figures: Palm Sunday with Antonio Banderas; the flower-covered Virgen of Las Penas; Cristo de Mena escorted by legionnaires; and the 5-ton float of La Esperanza.
Our top tips include best viewing locations, approximate procession durations, transport disruptions during the week, and the option to reserve paid seats.
Top 6 Holy Week processions
In the table below, we highlight six of the best processions to see in Malaga. Crowd levels are rated 1 to 5, with 5 being the busiest processions of all.
| Name | Date | Unique features | Best for | Crowd levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Pollinica | Palm Sunday (21 March 2027) | Joyful procession. The main throne shows Jesus on a donkey. | Experiencing a procession with your family or children | 2-3 |
| El Cautivo (Lord of Malaga) | Holy Monday (22 March 2027) | Jesus in a white robe, adored by thousands of locals. | Watching and experiencing local passion | 5 |
| Jesús El Rico | Holy Wednesday (24 March 2027) | The traditional pardon to a local prisoner who joins the procession. | Seeing the rich imagery of the thrones | 5 |
| Cristo de la Buena Muerte | Maunday Thursday (25 March 2027) | Legionnaire troops accompany this Christ figure as they march and sing | Viewing one of the most unusual and popular processions | 5 |
| La Esperanza | Maunday Thursday (25 March 2027) | One of the heaviest and most richly decorated thrones | Experiencing local devotion for the city’s most popular throne | 5 |
| El Descendimiento | Good Friday (26 March 2027) | The only procession leaving from La Malagueta | Seeing a procession without so many crowds | 2-3 |
Update on Malaga Easter weather 2027
Easter in Malaga can be wet, meaning processions have last-minute changes in their schedule or are cancelled altogether.
To avoid disappointment (and waiting around for nothing), check the latest weather updates (AEMET and AccuWeather). Or follow the Malaga Brotherhoods Instagram or Facebook stories for real-time updates. The Diario SUR Instagram stories feed is another useful source of real-time information. Their stories should publish news on cancellations, re-routes and new schedules if it rains.
Guide to Malaga will not be providing weather updates or information on procession cancellation.
Malaga Easter week processions
When is Easter in Malaga this year?
Easter in Malaga takes place from 21 to 28 March 2027.
What are the Easter processions?
Organised by brotherhoods (hermandades or cofradías in Spanish), the processions are parades consisting of at least two large floats, one carrying a Christ figure and the other a figure of the virgin with members of the brotherhood carrying the floats or walking in front of them.
Read about Holy Week processions in Malaga and find out who’s who and what’s what.
Top tip – want to see the floats close up? Pop into Malaga churches and brotherhoods in the morning during Easter week
The video below gives you an idea of what Holy Week processions in Malaga look like.
When are the processions?
The processions usually start in the afternoon and continue well into the evening and in many cases, early hours of the morning. You can download a calendar of Easter week processions in Malaga here – click on ‘Horarios e Itinerarios’. There are no processions on Saturday 27 March.
Where can I find them?
All the processions (about 40 of them) start and finish in their own churches or chapels, but they all share a common route. The map below shows this route:
As you can see, the route runs through Plaza de la Constitución, along Calle Larios, Calle Martínez, Calle Atarazanas and Calle Torregorda, then along the Alameda Principal as far as Plaza de la Marina where they turn to go up Calle Molino Lario to the Cathedral entrance on Plaza del Obispo.
The map below (available at tourist offices and in some brotherhoods) shows where all the processions start and end.
Which are the best processions at Easter in Malaga?
Everyone has their own favourites and they’re all spectacular and moving in their own way. Highlights in Malaga include:
- Sunday 21 March – Palm Sunday – the most cheerful and made up mostly of children carrying palm leaves. This is also the day that Antonio Banderas joins his brotherhood and their procession – see below for more details.
- Monday 22 March – Los Gitanos (Cofradía de Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Columna). Gypsies accompany their Christ and virgin figures with song and dance as they make their way round the city centre
- Tuesday 23 March – Las Penas. This virgin’s cloak is made entirely of fresh flowers.
- Wednesday 24 March – El Rico. The Christ figure is accompanied by a pardoned prisoner, recently released from prison. La Paloma. White doves fly to and from the virgin while this procession is in the city centre.
- Thursday 25 March – Cristo de Mena. Legionnaire troops accompany this Christ figure as they make their way round Malaga. This is one of the most popular processions in Malaga. See below.
- La Esperanza. Another hugely popular procession, this one has the heaviest float – the one carrying the virgin weighs 5 tonnes.
- Friday 26 March – all processions are solemn and mostly silent. Las Servitas is the last one and the city lights go out as it parades through the streets.
- Sunday 28 March – the black and purple gowns are replaced by white and green for the Sunday of Resurrection procession.
When is the procession with Antonio Banderas in Malaga?
Malaga’s most famous actor is a keen fan of Holy Week in the city and takes part in at least one procession, sometimes two. He’s a member of the Lágrimas y Favores de Fusionadas brotherhood and takes part in their procession on Palm Sunday (21 March 2027).
It leaves San Juan Church at 3pm and takes the following route:
Calle San Juan, Calle Fernán González, Plaza Enrique García Herrera, Calle Moreno Carbonero, Calle Sagasta, Plaza de Felix Sáenz, Calle Nueva, Calle Especerías, Plaza Constitución, Calle Martínez, Calle Atarazanas, Alameda Principal, Plaza de la Marina, Calle Molina Lario, Calle Císter, Calle San Agustín, Calle Echegaray, Calle Granada, Calle Santa Lucia, Calle Carreteria, Puerta Nueva, Calle Fajardo, Calle Cisneros, Plaza Enrique García Herrero, Calle Moreno Carbonero, Calle Sebastían Souvirón, Plaza de Felix Saenz, Calle San Juan.
It reaches the Cathedral at around 6pm and returns to San Juan Church at around 10.15pm.
Best places to watch this one
We’d recommend Plaza Enrique García Herrera, Calle Atarazanas and Puerta Nueva because they’re all reasonably wide and you won’t be too hemmed in.
Legionnaire troops procession
The troops arrive at 10am in Malaga Port on Thursday 25 March. Their boat docks in the Palmeral de las Sorpresas at , where the authorities greet the troops before they begin their parade. This year, the parade follows this route:
Plaza de la Marina, Calle Molina Lario, Plaza del Obispo, Calle Molina Lario, Plaza del Siglo, Plaza del Carbón, Calle Granada, Calle Calderería, Plaza de Uncibay, Calle Méndez Núñez, Calle Tejón y Rodríguez, Calle Carretería, Pasillo de Santa Isabel, Puente de la Esperanza (bridge), Calle San Jacinto, Plaza de La Legión Española and Plaza Fray Alonso de Santo Tomás.
If you want a front-line view, grab your spot early in the morning – thousands of locals attend, so it’ll be busy.
Start planning your Easter visit to Malaga!
Where’s the best place to see the Easter processions in Malaga?
You get the best views from the Alameda Principal and the wide street here gives a good perspective. Note, however, that there are several lines of seats on either side of the road, so you’ll be behind those.
Top tip – if there’s a particular procession you want to see, get your place early (at least a couple of hours before it’s due to past) to ensure a frontline view.
What about buying a seat?
Seats for the Holy Week processions are located along the official route (see map above) and organised by the Agrupación de Cofradías (Association of Brotherhoods). In early autumn, season tickets go on sale (tickets for a seat for the whole of Holy Week from €83) and this process usually sells out available seating. Any unsold seats then go on sale online shortly before Easter.
You can also buy a seat through online platforms such as Milanuncios, Wallapop etc. Put “venta silla semana santa Malaga” in your browser and see what your options are. Expect to pay from €80 for a seat.
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How long do the processions last?
Several hours at least and they take ages to move along because the floats weigh so much the bearers can only carry them for a short distance at a time.
Are they suitable for children?
Watching a procession involves a lot of waiting around so some children will get bored. Malaga streets are extremely crowded so keep a close eye on your children.
What about cultural etiquette during Holy Week?
Maybe you’re wondering about dos and don’ts. If so, here’s your list:
Do dress respectfully. Cover up, top and bottom.
Don’t clap or applaud unless it’s appropriate – follow locals for your cues. For example, if a throne negotiates a difficult turn, spectators might applaud. Clapping is also customary after someone has sung a saeta in honour of the procession.
Do respect other people’s places in the crowd. Don’t push in front to try to get a better view. And if you’re tall, stand near the back!
Don’t chat when the thrones are going past. Stay silent as a show of respect. Note that locals often shout ‘guapa‘ (beautiful) when a figure of Our Lady passes.
Do take photos and video respectfully. Make sure your phone isn’t blocking someone’s view.
What about traslados in Malaga
In the run-up to Easter, you can also experience the traslados (literally transfers), when thrones and floats are moved from a church or chapel to their departure point for the Holy Week processions. There are also processions for Lent.
Note that the information below refers to 2026. We’ll be updating the page as soon as the information is published. Bookmark and check back.
In 2026, there are almost 30 of these processions. We’ve highlighted the following:
Friday 20 March
Rescate (Christ figure and Our Lady of Grace) leaves the Basilica de la Victoria in La Victoria district at 8.30pm and travels south via this route: Plaza del Santuario, Calle San Patricio, Calle Cristo de la Epidemia, Calle Párroco Ruiz Furest, Plaza de la Victoria, Calle Victoria and Calle Agua.
The Cruz del Humilladero marching band provides the music.
Last Supper (Christ figure and Our Lady of Peace) leaves Santo Domingo Church (in El Perchel) at 9.30pm and travels to the brotherhood on Calle Compañía via this route: Plaza de Fray Alonso de Santo Tomás, Calle San Jacinto, Puente de la Esperanza (bridge), Calle Prim, Plaza de Arriola,Calle Sagasta, Olozaga, Calle Sebastián Souvirón, Plaza Félix Sáenz, Calle Nueva, Calle Especería, Calle Cisneros, Calle Fajardo and Calle Compañía (arrival at around 11.45pm).
The Virgen de la Estrella marching band from Dos Hermanas in Seville provides the music.
Estudiantes (Christ figure and Our Lady of Grace and Hope) leave the Santo Cristo de la Salud Church (at the beginning of Calle Compañía on Plaza de la Constitución) at 10pm and travel this route: Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Granada, Plaza del Carbón, Plaza del Siglo, Calle Granada, Calle San Agustín, Calle Císter and Calle Alcazabilla.
The Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Mena marching band provides the music.
Sunday 22 March
Sangre
(Christ figure and Our Lady of Consolation and Tears) leaves San Felipe Neri Church (on Calle Parras) at 11.30am and travels to its brotherhood via this route: Calle Parras, Calle Cruz del Molinillo, Calle Alderete, Calle San Bartolomé, Calle Cruz del Molinillo, Calle Ollerías, Calle Carretería and Calle Dos Aceras.
The Virgen de la Trinidad marching band provides the music.
Gitanos
(Christ figure and Our Lady of the O) leaves the Mártires Church at 5pm and follows this route: Plaza de los Mártires, Calle Comedias, Calle Méndez Núñez, Calle Casapalma, Calle Álamos, Calle Cárcer, Plaza de Jerónimo Cuervo, Calle Ramos Marín and Calle Frailes (arriving at around 7pm).
Pollinica
(Christ figure, Our Lady and St Juan the Baptist entering Jerusalem) leaves San Agustín Church at 6pm and takes this route: Calle San Agustín, Calle Granada, Plaza de la Merced, Calle Madre de Dios, Calle Montaño, Calle Guerrero, Calle Gaona, Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre and Calle Parras.
The Vera Cruz marching band from Campillos district provides the music.
Huerto
(Christ figure and Our Lady of the Conception) leaves the Mártires Church at 6pm and takes the following route: Calle Mártires, Plaza de San Juan de Dios, Calle Coronado, Calle Pozos Dulces, Plaza Jardín Vertical, Pasaje Gordón, Calle Arco de la Cabeza, Plaza Virgen de las Penas, Calle Pozos Dulces, Calle Compañía, Calle Santos, Calle San Juan, Calle Sebastián Souvirón, Plaza Arriola, Puente de Santo Domingo (bridge), Pasillo de Santo Domingo, Plaza de la Religiosa Filipense Dolores Márquez and Calle Padre Jorge Lamothe.
Two bands accompany this procession, one for each figure.
Fusionados
(two Christ figures, Our Lady of Grief and St John the Baptist) leaves St John Church (San Juan) at 6pm and takes this route: Calle San Juan, Plaza de Félix Sáenz, Calle Nueva, Calle Especería, Calle Cisneros and Pasillo de Santa Isabel y casa hermandad.
Three marching bands provide the music.
Thursday 26 March
Descendimiento
(Christ figure, Our Lady of the Holy Shroud and Our Lady of Anguish) leave the Hospital Noble (on Plaza del General Torrijos in La Malagueta) at 8pm and take the following route: Plaza del general Torrijos, Paseo de Reding and Calle Manuel Martín Estévez.
Drums and a marching band accompany this procession.
El Rico
(Christ figure and Our Lady of Love) leave the Santiago Church (Calle Granada) at 8.30pm via this route: Calle Granada, Calle San Agustín, Calle Císter, Calle Cañón, Calle Cortina del Muelle, Plaza de la Aduana, Calle Alcazabilla, Plaza de Jesús El Rico and Calle Victoria.
The Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Mena marching band provides the music.
What’s the difference between a traslado and Holy Week procession?
Both involve thrones, but a traslado takes place before Holy Week – sometimes 10 days before hand, sometimes with just a day or two to go. Traslados are generally shorter and follow a direct route from the church or chapel where there thrones ‘live’ throughout the year to their departure point in Holy Week. There may not be accompanying music.
Is it worth watching a traslado?
Yes, because they allow you to experience Malaga’s Holy Week processions outside Easter. And they’re usually much less crowded, offering a more intimate experience.
Malaga Easter week practicalities
Do any hotels have views of the processions?
Yes, several hotels in city have bird’s-eye view of the processions, including:
AC Palacio (book a room overlooking Calle Molina Lario on one of the lower floors)
Palacio Solecio (book one of the superior doubles or suites, overlooking Calle Granada)
Soho Boutique La Equitativa (book a room facing Calle Larios).
Vincci Larios Diez (book a room on the highest floor possible, overlooking Calle Larios).
How can I get to Malaga at Easter?
The processions disrupt the traffic and many roads are cut off temporarily while the processions pass. This added to the metro works makes bringing your car in Malaga even more of a nightmare. Use public transport wherever possible.
Top tip – if you’re coming into Malaga for the day by car, park by the Palacio de los Deportes on the west side of town (free parking) and get the metro as far as Atarazanas station. Malaga Metro is running non-stop from 6.30am on Wednesday 27 March to 2.30am on Saturday 30 March.
How can I get around Malaga at Easter?
Easter in Malaga city centre is extremely crowded and making your way round the streets can be difficult. If you want to cross the Alameda Principal or Calle Larios, look for the designated crossings.
What happens if it rains?
Rain (or a high chance of rain) means processions may not take place or could start and then be forced to return to their chapels. Cancellations are usually within hours of the procession’s start time and can even be last-minute. For example, in 2025, some processions were cancelled in the early afternoon of the day they were due to go out because of rain or the threat of rain.
If you want to find out how likely rain is, this link gives you the hourly forecast for Malaga.
Read about what to do in Malaga if it rains.
Will I be able to sit down?
If you’ve got a frontline spot, you will be able to sit down while you’re waiting but you should stand up when the procession starts to go by. Otherwise, sitting down isn’t easy. There are seats along the Alameda Principal and Calle Larios, but these are usually booked and reserved months in advance.
However, in 2026, there were around 1,000 available to purchase. Most are in the back rows in the Alameda and Plaza de la Marina, with a few in Calle Larios and Calle Martínez. They go on sale on a date to be confirmed (usually a week before Holy Week) via this link. Expect to pay €70 to €150 per seat.
Which days are public holidays in Malaga?
Thursday 25 and Friday 26 March 2027.
Top tip – there’s a lot of waiting around so pace yourself with processions Easter week in Malaga. Don’t try to see them all – choose 2 or 3 and make the effort to see these. Spend the rest of your holiday in Malaga doing other things.
Will the shops be open during the Easter public holidays in Malaga?
Most shops close on both Thursday and Friday as do banks and public offices. Bars and restaurants, however, open as usual.
How does Easter in Malaga compare to Seville?
Both cities celebrate Holy Week in unique ways and both offer the chance to experience an extraordinary event. The main difference is:
Malaga processions include thrones, that are large and need up to 250 people to carry them. The carriers line either side of the throne and remain in place for the entire procession.
Seville processions include pasos, small floats, carried by up to 60 people from underneath. There are usually several changeovers during the procession.
However, both cities have several processions daily during Holy Week and locals are just as devoted and passionate. We’ve experienced both and would recommend you do the same!
Things to do in Malaga at Easter
What will the weather be like in Malaga at Easter?
The weather in Malaga at Easter is usually good – expect warm temperatures. Check out the latest Malaga weather forecasts here and here.
Are there other things to do apart from the processions?
Plenty. Choose from Malaga art museums, monuments, shopping, street art… and of course, there’s the beach.
Will it be warm enough to go to the beach?
It’s warm enough year-round to go to the beaches in Malaga. You might find it a bit chilly for a swimsuit and the sea will be cool, but it should be warm enough to sit on the beach or at a beach bar and enjoy some delicious fried fish!
Where can I find more information about Malaga Easter week?
Read our guide to who’s who at Easter.
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(Photo credits: José Hidalgo via Visit Costa del Sol)
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