Málaga’s event calendar revolves around Semana Santa (Holy Week), the August Fair, and a growing roster of cultural festivals reflecting the city’s investment in museums and the arts. Here are the major events with dates and practical details.
Málaga Events and Festivals Calendar
Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March or April (Week Before Easter)
Málaga’s Semana Santa is one of Spain’s most dramatic Holy Week celebrations, second in scale only to Seville. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, 40+ religious brotherhoods (cofradías) carry elaborate wooden tronos (floats) weighing up to 5,000kg through the streets. Processions start from individual churches and converge on the official route along Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución, and Calle Granada. The key events: El Cautivo (Monday), Cristo de los Gitanos (Monday), La Legión (Thursday, when Spanish Legion soldiers carry a Christ figure), and El Sepulcro (Good Friday, silent procession). Processions last from afternoon until the early hours (some until 4am). Streets in the center close to traffic. The city is at maximum occupancy. Book hotels in Málaga 6 to 12 months ahead. The March/April weather averages 20°C (68°F) with moderate rain risk.
Feria de Málaga (Málaga Fair) – Mid-August (9 Days)
The Feria de Málaga runs for 9 days starting the second Friday before the third Saturday in August. It commemorates the 1487 Catholic reconquest of the city. The fair splits into two zones: the daytime “Feria de Día” in the historic center (Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución) where bars set up outdoor counters serving cartojal (local sweet wine) and pescaíto frito (fried fish), and the nighttime “Feria de Noche” at the Cortijo de Torres fairground (3km west of the center) with casetas (tents), rides, and concerts. The daytime fair starts at 1pm and runs through the evening. The nighttime fairground operates from 9pm to 6am. Free entry everywhere. Dress code at the fairground: many locals wear traditional Málaga flamenco dress or smart-casual. Bus 3, 15, and 19 go to the fairground from the center. The August weather averages 32°C (90°F) with no rain, the fairground can feel extremely hot in the afternoon.
Málaga Film Festival (Festival de Cine) – March (Week-Long)
The Málaga Film Festival runs for 8 days in mid-March, focusing on Spanish-language cinema with premieres, competitions, and retrospectives. The main venues are the Teatro Cervantes (Calle Ramos Marín) and the Cine Albéniz (Calle Alcazabilla), with outdoor screenings at Muelle Uno and the Alcazaba. Individual tickets: 5 to 8 EUR. Festival passes: 40 to 60 EUR. The red-carpet premieres at Teatro Cervantes are free to watch from the street. The city center has a festival atmosphere during the week. The festival is more accessible than Cannes or San Sebastián for casual film fans.
Noche de San Juan – June 23
On the night of June 23, Málaga celebrates the summer solstice with beach bonfires, swimming at midnight, and fireworks along the entire coastline. The main gatherings are at La Malagueta Beach, Playa de la Misericordia, and El Palo. Locals bring food, drinks, and firewood to the beach starting at sunset (around 9:30pm). The city installs temporary toilets and trash collection points. Swimming at midnight is the tradition; the sea temperature averages 20°C (68°F) in June. Bonfires are lit around midnight and fireworks follow. The celebration is informal and free. Public transport runs late. La Malagueta is the most accessible from the center (10-minute walk from the old town).
Málaga Jazz Festival – November (Week-Long)
The Málaga Jazz Festival runs for 8 to 10 days in early November with 20+ performances across venues including the Teatro Cervantes and the Echegaray Theatre. The lineup mixes international headliners with Spanish jazz artists. Ticket prices: 15 to 45 EUR per concert. The festival has been running since 1985 and is one of Spain’s longest-running jazz events. Check the festival website in September for the lineup. The November weather averages 20°C (68°F) with 96mm of rain, but indoor concerts are unaffected.
Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) – January 5
On the evening of January 5, the Three Kings arrive at Málaga port by boat and parade through the city center on elaborate floats, throwing candies to children. The parade starts around 6pm at the port and follows Paseo del Parque, Plaza de la Marina, and Calle Larios. It is one of Spain’s largest Three Kings celebrations, attracting 200,000+ spectators. The event is free. Arrive by 4:30pm for a good viewing spot on Calle Larios. The parade ends around 9pm. January 6 (Epiphany) is a public holiday and most shops close.
