Semana Santa in Málaga, or the Holy Week before Easter, is one of Andalusia’s most important and impressive religious celebrations. In Málaga, this week takes on a special meaning with ancient traditions, large-scale processions and a unique ceremony involving the release of a prisoner. Read on to discover why Semana Santa is an experience not to be missed on your holiday.

The History of Semana Santa in Málaga

Semana Santa has been celebrated in Spain since the Middle Ages. During this Catholic tradition, people commemorate the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Málaga, the first official processions began in the 15th century when brotherhoods were formed to carry religious statues and images of saints through the city.

The release of a prisoner during Semana Santa in Málaga

One of the most special traditions of Semana Santa in Málaga is the release of a prisoner. This tradition has its origins in the 18th century, when, during a plague epidemic, the processions could not continue. According to legend, prisoners broke out to hold a procession and voluntarily returned to their cells afterwards. In gratitude for their good deed, a prisoner was pardoned every year since then during Semana Santa.

This ceremony takes place on Maundy Thursday at the throne of Jesús El Rico, one of the most famous fraternities in Málaga. The King of Spain personally signs the pardon, after which the prisoner is symbolically released and plays an important role in the procession.

Semana Santa in Málaga today

Over the centuries, Semana Santa in Málaga has grown into a grand spectacle. More than forty processions walk through the city’s centre day and night. During these impressive processions, huge thrones (tronos) with images of Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried through the streets.

Some of the thrones are so large and heavy that it takes more than a hundred men to carry them. No wonder you see fraternities practicing weeks before Semana Santa to safely navigate the throne through the streets.

The thrones are accompanied by thousands of penitents who walk in long lines in front of and behind the throne. They wear traditional robes and tall, pointed hats, and mostly, their faces are covered to be even closer to God. Depending on the brotherhood, there is chanting or drumming.

What is the most beautiful, important procession in Málaga that is not to be missed?

If you don’t want to watch processions for 7 days, day and night in Málaga, these are perhaps the most interesting processes to watch.

The Gitanos, the gypsies, provide a special spectacle at the procession on Monday.

On Wednesday, the procession of the brotherhood El Rico, as we described earlier, is notable because one of the bearers of the throne is a prisoner who is granted his freedom at the cathedral in the evening.

La Legion, for many, is one of the favorite processions. Whether this has a very religious reason, I doubt. I think that, secretly, the spectators enjoy the many beautifully muscled soldiers marching along at a brisk walk while singing. If you want to witness this spectacle for yourself, you must go to Málaga on Thursday.

Friday night, during the last procession, the city lights are turned off in the centre of Málaga. The candle lighting of the procession gives a special atmosphere to the procession.

Would you like to see the whole programme for the Semana Santa in Málaga? check here.

Why go to Málaga during Semana Santa?

This year, Semana Santa will take place from April 13 to 20, 2025. Even if you are not religious, it is highly recommended to at least go somewhere to watch the processions. It is special to see how this tradition is still celebrated so grandly.

Although the cities and villages will be crowded with the processions. You can enjoy the peace in nature. Nature is beautiful in April. With us in the campo, you can enjoy a floral display, and on our website, you can download an e-book with hiking trails if you want to come and enjoy hiking.

Will we see you at Finca Las Nuevas? Check our website for cosy holiday homes in the mountains near Málaga!