Málaga Holy Week
Floats, the Legion and the release of a prisoner.
Key points
- Declared of International Tourist Interest, it is one of the most crowded Holy Weeks in Spain.
- Its tronos (floats) are huge and carried on the shoulders of hundreds of hombres de trono.
- Famous moments: the Christ of Mena with the Spanish Legion and the release of a prisoner by Jesús el Rico.
- In 2027 it runs from 21 March (Palm Sunday) to 28 March (Easter Sunday).
What Málaga's Holy Week is like
For eight days more than forty brotherhoods process through the centre. Unlike other Andalusian cities, in Málaga the floats are carried from the outside, with long poles, by the hombres de trono, who rock the images to the sound of marching bands. The atmosphere is festive and open: people applaud, bands play and balconies fill up.
All brotherhoods pass along the official route (Alameda, Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución), where there are paid stands and seats.
Unmissable moments
- Palm Sunday: la PollinicaThe procession loved by children, which opens the week.
- Holy Wednesday: el RicoThanks to a privilege granted by Charles III, the brotherhood frees a prisoner every year.
- Maundy Thursday: Mena and the LegionLegionnaires land at the port and carry the Christ of the Good Death singing "El novio de la muerte".
- Good Friday: the Holy SepulchreThe official procession, solemn and silent.
Holy Week around the province
Also worth seeing: Holy Week in Antequera, famous for the uphill "run" of its floats; the Riogordo Passion play, a sacred drama performed by the villagers; and the processions of Ronda, Vélez-Málaga and Alhaurín el Grande.
Tips for watching
Check the routes
The Brotherhoods' Association publishes timetables and routes; mobile apps show where each float is.
Look for narrow streets
Away from the official route, in streets such as Calle Granada or around the brotherhood houses, you will experience the most intimate moments.
Book accommodation early
It is one of the busiest weeks of the year.