Delving into the spiritual environment of Holy Week in Malaga is a gift for the senses. However, there is also a place for fun during the great days of Lent, as faith and mysticism are not at odds with leisure... At least on the Costa del Sol.
Procession... at the museum
Holy Week is a good time to visit the museums of Malaga. You have more than thirty to choose from and some offer special schedules from the Friday before Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday. The options? Anything you want: from contemplating the new exhibition at the Picasso Museum to discovering the latest proposals of the Pompidou Centre or approaching the North American artist Travis Somerville at the Contemporary Art Centre of Malaga.
Special gastronomy of Lent
As well as filling the spirit, you will have to fill the stomach. Take advantage of the Holy Week to get closer to the culinary customs of Malaga. The old tradition of not eating meat in Lent has resulted in a delicious gastronomy at this time. Restaurants and bars make special menus of Lent, with dishes as typical as cod fritters and “tortillitas”, Malaga salad with orange and cod, or chickpea stew.
Sweetening the way crucis
While the brotherhoods spread out through the streets of Malaga, you can have tapas in the historic centre, eat in a snack bar or have dinner with views of the sea. But if you are looking for a characteristic flavour of these dates, none like the “torrijas malagueñas”, similar to French toast but with the intoxicating contribution of Malaga’s wine in its preparation.
A citrus flavoured tradition
The most unique snack to take outdoors during the processions are the lemons with salt. They are sold in stalls and enliven the ceaseless parades of Nazarenes and Penitents. Don’t leave without fulfilling this peculiar ritual. You’ll be tasting one of the star products of the Guadalhorce Valley.
For devotees of the nightlife
Terraces and pubs in the old town of Malaga remain open until late at night during Holy Week. You can witness the entrance of a brotherhood in its temple or let yourself be moved by the “saetas”, a flamenco song full of religious devotion that is sung when an image is passing by. After this, it will be easy to switch your mood and enjoy the latest music or relax with a drink on the versatile night of Malaga. Guaranteed!
The beach is "sacred"
Misericordia (Mercy) is not just the name of a brotherhood of Malaga. It is also one of the fifteen beaches of the capital of the Costa del Sol. Sandy areas that invite you to stroll, lie in the sun and plunge into their waters. And Easter is the perfect time to open the bathing season in the Mediterranean.
