Holy Week in Malaga 2026 will be celebrated from 29 March (Palm Sunday) to 5 April (Easter Sunday). During these days, the city is completely transformed: the smell of incense fills the streets of the city centre, bands play music that echoes off historic façades, and dozens of floats parade through the old town amid a sea of devotion and emotion. Whether it’s your first time or you want to be better organised than in previous years, this guide gives you everything you need to experience Holy Week in Malaga from the inside.
When is Holy Week in Malaga in 2026?
The most intense days are concentrated between Palm Sunday (29 March), Holy Monday (30 March) and Holy Thursday (2 April), when the centre is at its peak in terms of atmosphere, crowds and religious fervour. A total of 45 “cofrades” take part in the processions, spread between Palm Sunday (the busiest day in terms of number of “cofradías”, with nine) and Good Friday, the most solemn and serious day of the week.
One feature that sets Malaga apart from the rest of Andalusia is that here they do not refer to ‘pasos’ but rather ‘tronos’, which are formed by external poles and carried on the shoulders of men and women. This collective effort, visible from the outside, is part of the devotion.
The Official Route: Where to See “the Trones”Tronos” in the City Centre
The official route is the fixed section of the city centre through which all the “cofradías” pass, where the grandstands and season ticket holders are concentrated. It starts at Plaza de la Constitución, continues along Calle Larios, goes down towards Martínez, Atarazanas, Torregorda, Alameda Principal, Plaza de la Marina, and ends at Molina Lario in the Cathedral area (South Tower).
If you wish, you can watch several processions from the official route without any hassle. For greater comfort, the wider areas (Alameda, Plaza de la Marina or Molina Lario) allow you to see the thrones in perspective. Another key spot is the Tribuna de los Pobres, on Calle Carretería: it allows you to see the thrones up close, with a spontaneous and 100% Malaga atmosphere, at no cost. “Cofradías” such as La Columna, El Cautivo, El Prendimiento, La Paloma, Mena, Zamarrilla, among others, pass by here. It is the most recommended alternative if you do not want an official seat.
Malaga Holy Week 2026 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Palm Sunday, 29 March — The festive opening
Nine “cofradías” open Holy Week with a more family-friendly and cheerful atmosphere. La Pollinica kicks things off at 9:45 a.m. with clapping and palm branches. The Lágrimas y Favores procession (closely linked to Antonio Banderas) leaves at 3:00 p.m. and is especially enjoyable in the Alameda or the Plaza de la Marina, ending its route in Calle San Juan. El Prendimiento closes the day at around 9:00 p.m. on the official route; to see it up close and without so many crowds, Tribuna de los Pobres (8:00 p.m.) is the best bet. You can also enjoy Dulce Nombre, Salutación, Humildad, Salud, Humildad y Paciencia, and Huerto in the streets adjacent to the official route, where you are sure to be impressed by the staging.
Holy Monday, 30 March — El Cautivo and the neighbourhood atmosphere
Holy Monday brings the most devout “cofradía” of the entire week: El Cautivo, known as ‘El señor de Malaga’, which leaves La Trinidad at 5:30 p.m. and passes through the official route at around 8:30 p.m. Its massive procession, with the Aurora Bridge as its iconic backdrop, creates one of the most exciting images of Holy Week. Also noteworthy are La Columna, very powerful in the Tribuna de los Pobres, and Los Estudiantes, the “cofradía” with the most young people, as it has more than 1,000 penitents, which can be seen in the Plaza de la Aduana and Alcazabilla.
Holy Tuesday, 31 March — Ideal for watching a series of processions
Six “cofradías” parade through the city centre on Holy Tuesday. This is one of the best days to plan and see several processions in one day: El Rocío (4:30 p.m., very enjoyable in Carretería), La Nueva Esperanza (5:15 p.m., recommended in the Martínez Maldonado section before the city centre) and La Sentencia (7:15 p.m., at its departure point on Calle Frailes) are the most eagerly awaited. El Rescate, Penas y la Humillación and Estrella complete the day.
Holy Wednesday, 1 April — A grand atmosphere
Seven “cofradías” transform Holy Wednesday into one of the most powerful nights of the week. El Rico (7:45 p.m.) stars in the traditional act of releasing a prisoner in front of the Plaza del Obispo, one of the most unique moments of the entire Holy Week in Malaga. La Expiración, with its Virgin of enormous popular devotion, generates one of the largest crowds of the week. La Archicofradía de la Sangre, one of the oldest “cofradías”, has one of its key points in Calle Carretería and Tribuna de los Pobres at 7:30 p.m., which is not to be missed. At the same point, the La Paloma “cofradía” passes by, whose name refers to the pigeons that perch on it. Don’t miss the departure of Fusionadas at 5:15 p.m., which is composed of four majestic thrones. And to end the night, you can see Mediadora and Salesianos on their return journey, spreading elegance.
Holy Thursday, 2 April — The big day: Mena and La Legión
Holy Thursday is the most intense day and the one that attracts the most visitors. The highlight comes with cofradía de Mena: La Legión disembarks at the Port of Malaga early in the morning and carries the Cristo de la Buena Muerte to its church in a procession that combines military solemnity and religious fervour. It is probably the most unique moment of the entire Spanish Holy Week. Mena’s night-time procession follows the official route at around 8.20 p.m.; the Puente de la Esperanza bridge and the Plaza de Arriola square are the best places to experience it. Zamarrilla, la Esperanza, Cena, Santa Cruz, Viñeros, Veracruz and la Misericordia complete a very long night that lasts until dawn.
Holy Friday, 3 April — The highest solemnity
Holy Friday changes the tone completely: a solemn atmosphere, silence and scenes of great emotional power. El Descendimiento departs from La Malagueta (4.30 pm), combining sea and city on a route along Paseo de Reding, Aduana and the Cathedral. El Santo Sepulcro (7:20 p.m.) is the grand ceremonial procession of the day; the Alcazabilla and Plaza de la Aduana area is the best place to experience it in all its solemnity. Las Servitas close the week at dawn, with an intimate, nocturnal atmosphere that impresses even those who are not members of the “cofradía”.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Holy Week in Malaga 2026
With a little planning, you can see a lot, get around easily and return with the feeling of having truly experienced Malaga’s religious:
Choose 1–2 ‘must-see’ “cofradías” per day and leave the rest as extras. That way you won’t be rushing around and you’ll enjoy yourself more.
Arrive with plenty of time to spare: at popular spots, try to be there 30–45 minutes early. Even earlier if it’s Thursday, Palm Sunday or Holy Monday.
Don’t rush to Calle Larios. Alameda, Plaza de la Marina, Alcazabilla and Carretería offer better visibility and are less crowded.
The weather during Holy Week in Malaga is usually spring-like: highs of 18–22 ºC, but with cooler nights. Bring a jacket and comfortable footwear.
To follow the processions from home or live, 101TV Málaga, APPPenitente and Canal Sur are the best options for live broadcasts and coverage.
Experience Holy Week from the Heart of the City Centre: Our Spaces Along the Route
If you want to enjoy Holy Week in Malaga in 2026 without compromising on comfort or location, our establishments are located in the heart of the Central District, in areas that are either on the route or very close to the official route of the floats.
Hotel Málaga Premium and Terraza de San Juan — 11 San Juan Street
Right onCalle San Juan (a street where several religious “cofradías” pass by, especially onPalm Sunday with Lágrimas y Favores and Dolores de San Juan on Good Friday), the Hotel Málaga Premium with Bendito offers quality accommodation in the heart of the action. La Terraza de San Juan is the ideal place to enjoy views of the historic centre and the religious atmosphere at street level.
Hotel Alcazaba Premium, Alcazaba Terrace and Batik Restaurant — 12 Alcazabilla Street
Hotel Alcazaba Premium at the foot of the Alcazaba, overlooking the Roman Theatre, this enclave is one of the most photogenic of the entire Holy Week: “cofradías” such as La Crucifixión (Holy Monday), El Rico and El Santo Sepulcro (Good Friday) pass through Alcazabilla, looking particularly impressive against the monumental backdrop. La Terraza de la Alcazaba and Batik Restaurant allow you to combine gastronomy and culture in an unrivalled setting.
Apartments Málaga Premium – Calle Granada – C/Granada, 42
Right on Calle Granada you’ll find Málaga Premium Apartments, one of the key spots for Malaga’s Holy Week: processions such as Lágrimas y Favores pass by here on Palm Sunday, and they look particularly impressive from the apartments’ balconies, with the bustling street scene as a backdrop. An unbeatable location for experiencing Holy Week from the heart of the action, with all the comforts of premium accommodation.
Conclusion: Holy Week in Malaga 2026, A Unique Experience
Holy Week in Malaga 2026 is much more than a religious celebration: it is a week in which the entire city pulsates with an energy that is difficult to describe. From Palm Sunday with La Pollinica to Good Friday with Las Servitas at dawn, each day has its own rhythm, its own emotion and its own unique moments. Plan ahead, choose your essentials, find the strategic spots and let yourself be carried away. Malaga awaits you.
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