As in so many European countries, festivals are a huge part of the tradition in Spain and a chance for locals and tourists alike to really let their hair down. Whilst many of the Spanish festivals are religious in origin, for many nowadays the religious significance comes second to the opportunity for populations to come together and demonstrate their fun-loving and community spirit, as well as being a time for music, dancing and decoration – of the people themselves and their towns and villages.
Here are some of the main festivals celebrated in the provincial capital of Malaga.
January
Known as Epiphany in England, the morning of the 6th January is a time of high excitement for the Spanish children, as this is when they receive their presents. Reyes Magos sees The Procession of the Three Holy Kings with huge parades of floats, bands and dancers taking to the streets.
February
Although the precise dates vary from year to year, the Malaga Carnival usually takes place during the latter part of January to the early part of February. Malaga’s answer to the Mardi Gras, the yearly carnival is celebrated with a host of parades and festivities.
March/April
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is celebrated not just in Malaga but all over Spain, and is one of the most important events of the year. Although a celebration which the population as a whole takes very seriously, there is still much music and plenty of colour. Again, the dates are not fixed but do always fall during March and/or April.
June
The religious festival known as The Feast of St John (Fiesta de San Juan) is celebrated on the 23rd June each year all over Spain, and not least in Malaga itself. The festivities include bonfires, firework displays, street entertainment and swimming in the sea at midnight!
July
Held in mid July, the celebration of La Virgen del Carmen features a parade of the local fishermen. Fleets of fishing boats make their way to the famous Puerto Banus district and religious statues are hidden in underwater caves by divers. The celebration ends with a magnificent display of fireworks.
August
August is the month when the people of Malaga celebrate the Feria de Malaga, or Malaga Festival, the biggest and most spectacular of their annual events. Fancy dress costumes, street entertainment, open-air concerts, traditional Spanish music and Flamenco dancing are all the order of the day…and night. The streets are decorated and everywhere there is music and dancing.
August is also the month when the Pilgrimage of Nuestra Senora de la Victoria takes place in honour of the city’s patron saint. The pilgrims themselves arrive in Malaga on horseback or with horse and carriage.
The Ascension of the Virgin Fair takes place in mid August too and includes a wine festival and dance tents.
October
October 12th is when the citizens of Spain celebrate just being Spanish, as this is their ‘Dia de la Hispanidad’ or National Day Festival. In Malaga it is celebrated with a variety of events around the city.
October is also when the people of Malaga focus on celebrating their famous artist, Picasso.