Traditions abound in the province of Malaga, constituting a large chunk of our culture. Virgen del Carmen processions are a case in point, a long-standing tradition that speaks of our fishing and religious heritage. On the 16 July every year, the processions bring coastal municipalities in the province to a standstill. If you’ve never seen a Virgen del Carmen procession before, this year is the year to experience one during your family getaway to Malaga province.
A yearly homage to the patron saint of seafarers
Honouring the patron saint of seafarers, Virgen del Carmen processions in Malaga province are a sight to be seen. Many people traditionally made a living from the sea in the area and today fishermen and locals come together to carry the sculpture of the Virgen to the shores of the Mediterranean where she is warmly received by a fleet of boats.
El Carmen Day, the 16 July, is an important moment in the Costa del Sol calendar as destinations throughout the province prepare events to pay homage to the patron saint. The people tasked with carrying the image wear a traditional dark-grey suit with black trousers, a white shirt, a red sash and espadrilles. The Virgen is first carried to the sea and then along the coast with boats following the procession from the water, painting a pretty picture that will get your emotions going.
Fuente: Diputación Málaga
From the 12th century to the present day
Virgen del Carmen processions date back to the 12th century. It is said that the festival originates from Mount Carmel in Israel where Elijah the Prophet promised there would be no more drought. Believers subsequently came to this site to worship, which resulted in the creation of the Carmelites, a Order who believe that Virgen del Carmen appeared to San Simón Stock, a superior in the Order, in Cambridge. From this moment on, Virgen del Carmen processions have taken place. The event is widespread in the Costa del Sol where the 16 July is a bank holiday in many destinations.
When does the Virgen del Carmen procession take place?
So where can you see a Virgen del Carmen procession? The answer is in more places than you might perhaps imagine. Over thirty processions take place in coastal and inland destinations across the province usually between the 16 and 26 July.
We tell you when the Virgen del Carmen processions will take place in 2025 in some of the towns where they are celebrated with the greatest passion:
-
The maritime-land procession of the Virgen del Carmen in Málaga (El Palo): On July 16 at 17:00h, it will depart from the Parroquia Ntra. Sra. de las Angustias in the El Palo neighborhood. It will tour the streets of the neighborhood until it embarks in front of the SAFA-ICET School for its marine crossing.
-
The Virgen del Carmen procession in Marbella: It will begin on July 16 at 06:30h from the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación to Playa del Cable. At 10:00h, the maritime procession will take place from the Puerto Pesquero to the Puerto Deportivo "Virgen del Carmen". At 11:00h, the Virgen will be transferred to her temple, and at 19:00h, the praise procession will start from Plaza de la Iglesia.
-
The Virgen del Carmen procession in Colonia Santa Inés (Málaga): It will depart on July 19 at 20:30h from the local parish. Additionally, you can enjoy the festivities from July 17 to 20 with the fairgrounds located between Juan Francés Bosca and Tamayo y Baus streets.
-
The Triumphal Procession of the Virgen del Carmen in Fuengirola: On July 16, there will be two processions: one at 19:00h from the Parroquia del Carmen and another at 20:45h from the Iglesia de Los Boliches. Both have been declared a Provincial Tourist Singular Fiesta by the Diputación de Málaga.
-
The Virgen del Carmen procession in Pedregalejo (Málaga): The procession will depart on July 16 at 19:00h from the Church of Corpus Christi, with embarkation on a jávega.
-
The Virgen del Carmen procession in Huelin (Málaga): It begins on July 16 with the Marine Festivals, and the maritime-land procession will take place on July 20 at 18:00h from the Parroquia San Patricio.
-
The Virgen del Carmen Coronada procession in Perchel (Málaga): It will be held on July 19, starting with the Rosario de la Aurora at 08:00h from the Parroquia del Carmen, followed by the Triumphal Procession in the afternoon.
-
The Virgen del Carmen procession in Torre del Mar (Vélez-Málaga): In Vélez-Málaga, two important processions are held in honor of the Virgen del Carmen. The first, in Las Melosas, will take place on July 16 at 19:00h from the Capilla de Las Melosas. The second, the maritime-land procession, will be held on July 26 at 18:30h from the Iglesia de San Andrés, coinciding with the Feria de Santiago y Santa Ana. This procession is one of the most anticipated of the year and has been declared a Provincial Tourist Singular Fiesta, further highlighting its importance in the region.
In addition, other coastal towns in the province, such as Nerja, Los Boliches, Benalmádena, Rincón de la Victoria, Estepona, Manilva, and La Carihuela, also celebrate other Virgen del Carmen maritime processions that are equally unmissable. We recommend visiting our agenda for the most up-to-date dates and times.
Fairs and Festivities of the Virgen del Carmen
The Virgen del Carmen processions are not only a religious tradition but also a way of living the culture and fervor with the fairs and festivities held in her honor. Among the most notable moments, an unmissable experience for travelers visiting the Costa del Sol, are the festivities that accompany the processions, full of events that reflect the local identity.
A clear example of this is the Virgen del Carmen Fair in Rincón de la Victoria. This celebration, which will take place from July 15 to 20, combines the traditional maritime procession on July 16 (with two departures, one from La Cala del Moral at 19:30h and the other at 20:30h from Rincón de la Victoria) with activities such as concerts, parades, and performances for all audiences.
If you’ve found this blog and are planning your vacation on the Costa del Sol, don’t hesitate to visit in the summer when the Virgen del Carmen processions, unique festivals, and local fairs offer a one-of-a-kind experience that will immerse you in the culture and traditions of the region. Don’t miss it!
.
