Semana Santa in Málaga what to know
Semana Santa in Málaga, celebrated from April 13 to April 20, 2025, is a deeply significant cultural and religious event. Throughout this week, numerous brotherhoods (cofradías) organize processions that wind through the city’s historic streets, each with its unique starting point and schedule. Below is a comprehensive guide to the processions for each day, including their starting locations and approximate times.
Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025)
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week ( Semana Santa in Málaga ) with several brotherhoods commencing their processions:
- La Pollinica: Depicts Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
- Fusionadas: Features multiple sacred images in procession.
- Dulce Nombre: Honors Jesus of the Sweet Name.
- Salutación: Dedicated to the Holy Christ of the Salutación.
- Humildad y Paciencia: Represents Christ’s humility and patience.
- Humildad: Focuses on the image of Christ’s humility.
- Salud: Dedicated to the Virgin of Health.Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
- Huerto: Commemorates the prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
- Prendimiento: Depicts the arrest of Jesus.
Holy Monday (April 14, 2025)
The processions on Holy Monday Semana Santa in Málaga include:
- Crucifixión: Represents the crucifixion of Christ.
- Pasión: Dedicated to the Passion of Christ.
- Gitanos: Features the image of Christ of the Gypsies.
- Dolores del Puente: Honors Our Lady of Sorrows of the Bridge.
- El Cautivo: Known as “The Captive,” one of Málaga’s most venerated images.
- Estudiantes: Associated with students, depicting Christ the Redeemer.
Holy Tuesday (April 15, 2025)
Processions for Holy Tuesday are as follows:
- El Rocío: Affectionately known as “The Bride of Málaga.”
- Las Penas: Notable for the Virgin’s floral mantle.
- Nueva Esperanza: Represents New Hope.
- Humillación y Estrella: Depicts the Humiliation and features the Star.
- Rescate: Dedicated to the Rescued Jesus.
- La Sentencia: Represents the sentencing of Jesus.
Holy Wednesday (April 16, 2025)
The schedule for Holy Wednesday includes:
- Mediadora: Dedicated to the Mediator Virgin.
- Salesianos: Associated with the Salesian community.
- Fusionadas: Continues with multiple images in procession.
- La Paloma: Known for releasing doves during the procession.
- El Rico: Performs the traditional act of releasing a prisoner.
- La Sangre: Dedicated to the Most Holy Christ of the Blood.
- La Expiración: Represents the expiration of Christ.
Maundy Thursday (April 17, 2025)
On Maundy Thursday, Semana Santa in Málaga the processions are:
- La Cena: Depicts the Last Supper.
- Santa Cruz: Dedicated to the Holy Cross.
- Viñeros: Associated with vineyard workers.
- Vera Cruz: Honors the True Cross.
- Zamarrilla: Known for the legend of the bandit Zamarrilla.
- Mena: Features the Christ of the Good Death, associated with the Spanish Legion.
- Misericordia: Dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy.
- La Esperanza: One of the most anticipated processions, dedicated to the Virgin of Hope.
Good Friday (April 18, 2025)
The processions on Good Friday Semana Santa in Málaga include:
- El Calvario: Represents Mount Calvary.
- El Descendimiento: Depicts the descent of Christ from the cross.
- Dolores de San Juan: Honors Our Lady of Sorrows of Saint John.
- Amor: Dedicated to Christ of Love.
- Traslado: Represents the transfer of Christ’s body.
- Piedad: Depicts the Pietà, Mary holding the dead Christ.
- El Sepulcro: Represents the burial of Christ.
Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025)
Holy Week concludes with the procession of:
- El Resucitado: Celebrates the Resurrection of Christ.
General Procession Information
Each procession follows a designated route through Málaga’s historic center, typically passing through key locations such as:
- Plaza de la Constitución
- Calle Larios
- Calle Martínez
- Alameda Principal
- Plaza de la Marina
- Calle Molina Lario (near the Cathedral)
From there, they return to their home churches or brotherhood houses, sometimes after several hours of solemn music, candlelight, and devotion.
Most processions in Semana Santa in Málaga start in the afternoon and continue into the night, with each day featuring a carefully coordinated timetable to ensure smooth transitions between brotherhoods.
While exact start and return times may vary slightly depending on organization and procession length, the following time ranges can help guide your viewing plans:
- Afternoon departures generally begin between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
- Evening departures typically range from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Return times to their churches can be as late as 2:00 or 3:00 AM, especially for major brotherhoods like El Cautivo or La Esperanza.
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially along Calle Larios or Plaza de la Constitución. These areas fill quickly, especially for popular processions like El Cautivo (Monday) or Mena (Thursday).
- Dress respectfully, especially if you plan to enter churches or follow processions closely.
- Remain silent during moments of prayer or musical performances, such as saetas (traditional flamenco prayers sung from balconies).
- Be patient—the processions are long, and streets are often crowded. But the atmosphere, music, and emotion make it worthwhile.
- Download the official Semana Santa Málaga app or get a printed program from local tourism offices for real-time updates, routes, and maps.
Final Thoughts
Semana Santa in Málaga is an unforgettable experience—a mix of pageantry, passion, music, and faith. Whether you come for the cultural spectacle or spiritual reflection, you’ll witness the heart of Málaga in every paso (float), every candle, and every tear.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Semana Santa in Málaga a tradition that has shaped the identity of the city for centuries.
