PGM Property World Spain Blog

In common with many other Mediterranean countries, Easter is the main celebration of the year in Spain.  Whilst Christmas pales into insignificance compared to the four-month long frenzy of commercialism in the UK, it is during the Semana Santa, or Easter Week, that the devout Spanish citizens take to the churches and the streets to celebrate the miracle of life itself.  For those living in or visiting the Costa del Sol, not only is it a wonderful time of the year to learn about the religious traditions of the region, but also a great opportunity to join in with the local celebrations and bond with the local people.

In reality, the Easter celebrations in Spain begin before the period of Lent, around the time of Shrove Tuesday, and it is then that villages and towns throughout the country truly get into party mode.  Floats and parades fill the streets as everyone dresses up in fancy dress and celebrates through until dawn.  Bars and restaurants are full to bursting and everywhere there is street music and dancing.

Running from Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) until Easter Monday (Lunes de Pascua), the Easter Week celebrations vary from place to place but are generally focussed on lively and colourful carnivals and processions, as well as music, dancing and, of course, eating.  Setting out from the churches of the towns, the processions see the local people carrying images of Christ on the cross and the Virgin Mary through the streets in what is a deeply significant and moving homage to their religious beliefs.  In many places, passion plays are also enacted, but whatever form the celebrations take, everyone from the oldest to the youngest takes part.

The city of Malaga is the place to head for on the Costa del Sol for those who want to experience some of the most spectacular Easter celebrations in the whole of Spain.  Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week, is an ideal time to visit, but be sure to get there early so that you can take in the whole day of celebration and merrymaking.