If you have studied Spanish, or have been in Spain during Easter, then you must have heard of “Semana Santa”. It is the week before Easter that is also called the “Holy Week”, and is celebrated especially in Malaga and Seville. If you are in Spain during this period, we would recommend you to go and live Semana Santa in Malaga yourself. It will be unique experience that you must have experienced once in your life and will not forget ever again.
Semana Santa in Malaga
One of the reasons why Malaga is known for Semana Santa is because of the many processions that are held here during this week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. During these processions, the suffering of Jesus is commemorated by the members of a brotherhood. There are several brotherhoods that walk through the streets of Malaga from their own village or district.
The brotherhoods are carrying “tronos” during the routes they travel; the routes can take up to 5 hours. The tronos are often silver or golden thrones with Jezus or Maria on it, that sometimes are carried by more than 200 people. In addition, they are decorated with candlesticks and flowers. Besides the brotherhoods, penitents are also involved in the processions, to make a confession or to make a sacrifice. Most dramatic processions during Semana Santa in Malaga take place on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Not only the brotherhoods that walk through the city are impressive to contemplate, but the combination of the tronos, melancholic music, incense and passion will leave you with a fierce impression. In addition, we must not forget that the party has more than 500 years of history, it is therefore of great importance for tourism in Spain.
The celebration of Semana Santa is especially popular in southern Spain, besides Semana Santa in Malaga you could also live this special tradition in cities like Seville, Cadiz or Cartagena. Remember that Semana Santa is not only visited by the Spaniards, as it is also very popular internationally – you will understand when you’ve lived it yourself.
Are you in Malaga during Semana Santa and would you like to see the processions? Make sure you visit Alameda Principal, Calle Marqués de Larios and Calle Granada, from here you will surely see all the fraternities walking by and returning to their own village or neighborhood. Discover the whole schedule of this festival in Malaga.