Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain » Entertainment » Festivals

Malaga successfully celebrates and honours many religious and special events that take place throughout the calendar year, which in turn attracts many visitors to this festive city.

JANUARY

New Years Day

National Holiday – Celebrations are held throughout the city lasting till the early hours of the morning.

Procession of Three Holy Kings

Large carnivals and parades take place in the city centre entertaining children, the parades usually last for two days, from the 5-6th of January, and the children receive gifts on the last day.

FEBRUARY

Fiestas de Carnaval

This event takes prior to the holy 40 days of Lent every February. People dressed in traditional costumes join the festivities, which include Flamenco dancing, and a parade. One more highlight of this festival is the stalls selling traditional pottery and artifacts. Various contests are held like Queen of the Carnival and the Carnival Singing Contest where local people get to show off their talent. There's also a Fancy Dress Contest organized especially for the children.

Address: Various Venues, Malaga, Andalucia

Tel: +34 952 058 694

Andalucia Day: This day celebrates Andalucía’s autonomy since 1980. This is a state holiday which takes place on the 28th of February every year.

MARCH/APRIL

Semana Santa - Holy Week

Holy Week is an ancient tradition in Malaga that dates back to the Catholic Monarchs and is celebrated during Easter. This week is an important time for Christians and Catholics throughout Spain. The Holy Week that is celebrated in Malaga is very different from those celebrated in other parts of Spain and in contrast to meditation and silence, it is full of happiness, processions and cheerfulness. During the huge processions that are carried out in the city, paintings and sculptures of Christ are carried on decorated thrones. The festivities go on day and night.

For further information, Visit Holy Week Website.

MAY

International Labour Day

Takes place 1st of May, a National holiday in Spain.

JUNE

Feria del Libro

As summer starts in Malaga, the Feria del Libro book fair is held at Paseo del Parque in the month of June. You can view or buy various books, which include comics, encyclopaedias, second hand books and some rare collections. If you are an avid book reader then this book fair is a must visit fair for you.

Address: Paseo del Parque, 29015, Malaga

Corpus Christi

Parades take place in the city of Malaga on the 18th of June, this is a religious event but is not a holiday.

Festival de Cine Español de Málaga

The Festival de Cine Español de Málaga was started in 1998 to promote Spanish films. Organized each year in June by Solomon Castiel, all films are screened at the Cervantes theatre and are open to all. Malaga born actor Antonio Baneras acts as the honorary president and the festival has now become a well respected event.

Address: C/ Cárcer , nº 6, 29012 Málaga

Tel: +34 952 228 242

Fax: +34 952 227 760

For further information , Visit Festival de Cine Español de Málaga.

Eve of San Juan

This festival is celebrated on the eve of San Juan at various places in and around the beaches of Malaga. But the main celebration takes place at Parque del Oeste where there are various musical performances, as well as firework displays. San Juan is the longest day of the year and falls on the 23rd of June, most people enjoy campfires by the beach. It is traditional to run into the sea to wash away evil spirits and be granted eternal beauty.

JULY

Virgen del Carmen

This is said to be the patron of the sea and the protector of Seamen. On the 16th of July the statue is paraded around the city and is then taken to the harbour where boats carry it out to the sea. The boats are elaborately decorated and celebrations are acknowledged with fireworks and loud horns.

AUGUST

Fiesta de Verano

The fair takes place to celebrate the harvest season in the second week of August. As usual, the celebrations start with fireworks displays with people joining the festival on the streets. During the festival, dances by Malaga people who adorn traditional costumes and enact the traditional dance forms of 'malaguenas' and 'sevillanas'. One can have a bite of cheese, fish and ham, which forms the main course along with local red wine.

Address: Various Venues, Malaga, Andalucia

Feria de Málaga

The Malaga fair is celebrated on the Friday of the second half of August in honour of the merging of Malaga to the Castilian Crown due to the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs on 19th August 1487. The city's major summer festival starts with 30 minutes of light and fireworks display that is beautifully co-ordinated with classical music. This way the Malaga people who are waiting eagerly at the Central Park and Harbour come to know that the fair has started. This Grand Summer Fair goes on for nine days where everyone joins in the festivities as the music fills the atmosphere and people dressed in typical Andalusian outfits dance and enjoy the carnival. The fair becomes one big party with people sipping local wine and the fun continuing till the early hours of the morning.

Address: Calle De Versalles, Humilladero, Malaga, 29531

Tel: +34 952 213 445

Asuncion de la Virgen

Held on the 15th of August, this is a National holiday celebrating one of the patrons of Spain.

Local Holiday

On the 19th of August, only the province of Malaga takes a holiday as it represents the integration of Malaga with the Kingdom of Catilla.

SEPTEMBER

Día de la Victoria

This day is celebrated to honour the event of Catholic Monarchs overtaking the power from Moors during the late 1400's. Known as Victoria Day in English, this event is celebrated every year on September the 8th where a local celebrity makes a speech followed by parade from Nuestra Senora de la Victoria Church to the city centre. The Town Hall officials also join the parade. It is an exciting occasion and very different from the other festivals.

Address: Various Locations, 29013, Malaga

Tel: +34 952 058 694

OCTOBER

Dia del Hispanidad

This is the National holiday of Spanish heritage, and parades take place with celebrations lasting throughout the 12th of October.

NOVEMBER

All Saints Day

National Holiday in Spain which takes place on the 1st of November.

DECEMBER

Constitution Day

On the 6th of December Spain celebrates this day with official events.

Conception Day

On the 8th of December the country celebrates the patron of Spain, the phenomenal conception.

Christmas Day

Throughout the country many celebrate the birth of Christ, many enjoy feasts with family and friends, and in the evening parties are held throughout Malaga and the rest of Spain.

Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales

The Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales takes place every year on the 28th December during which Spain's April fool’s Day is celebrated. On this day, in Venta San Cayetano del Puerto de la Torre, there is a competition among nearby villages to decide which troupe performs the best. Along with the competition, the festivities also start which last throughout the night. Food, wine and music is offered in masses and that can be the major reason why thousands of people turn up for the party.

Address: Calle De Versalles, Humilladero, Malaga, 29531

Tel: +34 952 058 694