Throughout the year, Málaga bursts into life with a variety of traditional fiestas that blend deep-rooted Andalusian customs with infectious joy and flair. For tourists, these festivals offer an unforgettable chance to experience the true soul of southern Spain.

1. Semana Santa (Holy Week)

When: March or April (dates vary with Easter)
What it means: A solemn and deeply spiritual week leading up to Easter Sunday, Semana Santa commemorates the Passion of Christ.
What to expect:
This is one of the most important and visually striking religious events in all of Spain. Massive processions featuring ornate, centuries-old floats (tronos) are carried through the streets by robed brotherhoods (cofradías), accompanied by haunting music and the scent of incense. Tourists will be moved by the powerful atmosphere, especially during the night processions, when flickering candles and solemn music create a truly dramatic effect. Be sure to find a good viewing spot in the historic centre early!

2. Feria de Agosto (Málaga Fair)

When: Mid-August
What it means: A week-long celebration marking the reconquest of the city by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487.
What to expect:
The Feria is Málaga’s biggest and most vibrant party. The city transforms into a spectacle of colour, music, and flamenco. The Feria de Día (Day Fair) takes over the city centre with food stalls, dancing, live music, and locals dressed in traditional Andalusian attire. As the sun sets, the party shifts to the Recinto Ferial (Fairground) on the outskirts of the city, with amusement rides, concerts, casetas (festival tents), and fireworks. Expect to eat, drink, and dance until dawn — this is Málaga at its most joyful.

3. Carnaval de Málaga (Málaga Carnival)

When: February (before Lent)
What it means: A pre-Lenten celebration of excess and fun, rooted in pagan traditions.
What to expect:
Carnival is all about humour, costumes, satire, and spectacle. The streets fill with parades, musical performances, and flamboyant costumes. Highlights include the Drag Queen Gala, chirigotas (witty singing groups), and the comical Burial of the Anchovy — a quirky parody funeral marking the end of Carnival. It’s a great time to join in, dress up, and enjoy the lighter, cheekier side of Málaga’s cultural life.

4. Noche de San Juan (St. John’s Eve)

When: Night of June 23
What it means: A midsummer celebration welcoming the summer solstice, with origins in pagan fire rituals.
What to expect:
Locals flock to the beaches at night to enjoy bonfires, fireworks, food, and music. At midnight, it’s traditional to jump over the fire (symbolically), swim in the sea to wash away bad spirits, and burn slips of paper with wishes or regrets. It’s a magical night of celebration under the stars, perfect for visitors looking for a mix of local tradition and seaside fun.

5. Virgen del Carmen

When: July 16
What it means: A tribute to the Virgin of Carmen, patron saint of fishermen and seafarers.
What to expect:
This maritime festival is especially popular in Málaga’s coastal districts, such as El Palo and Pedregalejo. The highlight is the procession of the Virgin’s statue carried through the streets and then aboard a flower-adorned fishing boat to be sailed along the coast, accompanied by flotillas and fireworks. Tourists can watch from the beach or the promenade, soaking up the maritime atmosphere and community spirit.

6. Fiesta de Verdiales

When: December 28
What it means: An ancient rural celebration rooted in Málaga’s mountain villages, showcasing one of the region’s oldest musical traditions.
What to expect:
This lesser-known but incredibly authentic festival takes place in the hamlet of Los Verdiales, just outside Málaga. Here, competing pandas (folk groups) dressed in colourful, flower-covered hats perform traditional Verdiales music — a lively blend of flamenco, folk, and Moorish rhythms — with fiddles, tambourines, cymbals, and guitars. The music is raw and hypnotic, with spontaneous dancing, local wine, and rustic food. It’s a wonderful way to experience a truly local tradition far removed from the tourist trail.