With Easter just around the corner, Malaga is once again gearing up for a host of stunning processions and moving parades that make this time of year so special on the Costa del Sol.
If you are lucky enough to be staying in a luxurious Marbella villa, why not enjoy the local attractions, before heading to Malaga, including Nikki Beach Marbella? With over 325 average days of sunshine each year, Easter is a great time to hit the beach and soak up the sun.
Hundreds of brotherhoods parade their ‘Tronos’ through the streets of Malaga during Holy Week (which precedes Easter Sunday) and the festivities run from 5th to 12th April.
The official route through Malaga takes the processions along the main Alameda and the famous shopping street, which is cordoned off: Calle Larios – a great place for shopaholics when the processions are not passing through.
Malaga is one of the most popular destinations in Spain during Holy Week. The cultural attractions and long, sandy beaches bring visitors from all over the world to Malaga each year. Take your time to explore the cathedral, the giralda and the swish Malaga port with its wide choice of restaurants, bars, boat trips and attractions.
The Easter celebrations date back centuries and scenes of the resurrection of Christ sees devotees and visitors pack the streets. The aroma of incense mingles with the solemn and often emotional processions, accompanied by single drum beats along the route.
Some of the procession highlights during Easter week include:
Tuesday 7th April – Las Penas –the Virgin’s cloak is made entirely of fresh flowers
Wednesday 8th April – El Rico – Christ’s figure is accompanied by a pardoned prisoner, recently released from prison
Thursday 9th April – Cristo de Mena – Legionnaires arrive from the sea and accompany the figure of Christ, singing on route, throughout the streets
Friday 10th April – Las Servitas – a very solemn procession – the lights of the city go out as the procession passes
Sunday 12th April – Easter Sunday – White and green gowns are worn for the joyous Resurrection procession
Why not make a day of it and enjoy lunch or dinner either side of the Malaga processions? You will find a host of fabulous restaurants, tapas bars and bodegas in and around the Old Town, including El Pimpi between the Roman theatre and the Picasso Museum, which serves amazing croquetas, Iberian ham, mixed fried fish and chorizo. Wherever you decide to dine during Easter, make sure you book a table well in advance!
If you are planning to visit Malaga during the Easter processions, it is highly recommended to take public transport as the centre gets very busy. If you are staying in Marbella, consider parking in Fuengirola and taking the Cercanias local train which runs to and from Malaga every 20 minutes.
If you are staying in a luxurious Marbella event villa, Malaga is just a 40-minute drive away and Fuengirola, 20 minutes (if you want to take the train). Don’t forget your camera.