Holy Week is one of the most unique events in Málaga province. History, culture, tradition, legend and religion come together to offer visitors the possibility of experiencing an extraordinary week. Furthermore, there is a wide and interesting range of leisure activities on offer on the Costa del Sol during Holy Week.
Nazarenes and penitents from the different brotherhoods and fraternities can be found throughout the towns and villages of Málaga, accompanied by statues of Christ and the Virgin during departures, processions, penitential processions and "enclosure" ceremonies. The sight of the devotion of the penitents who accompany the sacred statues is impressive, and these religious acts are joined by live re-enactments of the Passion in different towns throughout the province.
Holy Week is an intense experience not only in Málaga, but also in the more than one hundredtowns located on the Costa del Sol (103), which are completely invested in enjoying all of the acts scheduled for these particular days.
What to visit during Holy Week on the Costa del Sol
The Holy Week processions in Antequera, Ronda and Vélez-Málaga are a must, not only to witness this religious event but also because these towns stand out for their spectacular historical heritage. In many of these towns there are traditions that have been declared as Festivals of Particular Tourist Interest such as "Correr la vega" in Antequera; Cortesías de Cartajima; Semana Grande in Arriate with Christians and Jesuits; and the theatrical performances that take place in Riogordo, Igualeja Cájiz, Carratraca and Istán.
Other interesting spots to visit over Holy Week in the province are the evening of "La Despedía" (farewell) in Álora; the rivalry between verdes (greens) and moraos (purples) in Alhaurín de la Torre and Alhaurín El Grande, the Burning of Judas in El Burgo and Holy Week in Campillos.