Holy Week in Marbella – What’s Happening and Where?

Holy Week in Spain is by far the most important cultural interaction of the year. More than just a holiday for one week, Spanish culture and Catholicism make for a blend of extraordinary sights that is famous the world over. There is no better place to celebrate Easter Week, or Semana Santa in Spanish, than in Andalucia.

Two particular Andalucian towns take Semana Santa to a whole new level. Accommodation in Seville and Malaga are pre-booked at least 3 years in advance during Holy Week, and with good reason.

This emotional event goes back to the middle ages, and consists of many things that can only be described as breath-taking. Before we list the times, dates and events in the glamorous city of Marbella, let’s first look at Easter Celebrations, and what it really means to the Spanish people.

Emotional, Though Provoking, and Humility – Only a Few Words Used to Describe Semana Santa in Spain

Holy Week in Spain means many things, but in Andalucia it is an event that captures the world’s attention. Here is a brief summary of Easter in Andalucia.

The Processions

Semana Santa processions are also known as ‘penance processions’ and involve members of the brotherhood (nazarenos) parading from their church to the city’s cathedral. Elaborate floats are carried on the shoulders of the Brotherhood, with the floats weighing almost 2 metric tons. The floats carry large statutes depicting the Passion of the Christ, and some hold local artistry as well.

The men wear hoods, either black or red, and it is meant to symbolise humility. The brotherhood carries these elaborate floats with statues of Mary, Jesus and other elements of Christ through the streets, at a very slow pace. As you can well imagine, it is incredibly heavy, even for 200 men carrying one float.

The Music

The sounds of Semana Santa resonate into the soul, so it is said. Emotional tributes to the processions can be heard coming from the balconies above. The procession comes to a halt when a beautiful woman in traditional attire begins to sing.

During Holy Week the towns across the region, including Malaga the capital of the Costa del Sol, are virtually transformed. For the locals, Easter represents deeply rooted traditions and beliefs. We can certainly promise you, you will never see something like this again. The crowded streets, pomp and ceremony of Holy Week must be experienced first-hand – it’s definitely worth it.

Marbella Holy Week – Schedule of Events

Even the glamour and glitz of Marbella knows when to step aside for traditional beliefs. Marbella, although not as elaborate as Malaga or Seville, celebrates Holy Week in style.

This is a summary of Marbella’s Easter Procession organised by Marbella Town Hall:

Palm Sunday “Domingo de Ramos” begins March 20^th
Start time: 20:00

SUNDAY’S PROCESSION ITINERARY

Holy Monday “La Columna”, begins on 21^st of March
Start time: 20:30

Holy Tuesday “Santa Maria” begins on 22^nd of March
Start time: 21:00

Holy Wednesday “Nanareno” begins on 23^rd of March
Start time: 20:30

Holy Thursday “Calvario” begins on 24^th of March
Start time: 18:00

Holy Thursday “Cristo del Amor” begins on 24^th of March
Start time: 20:00

Good Friday “Yacente” begins on 25^th of March
Start time: 21:00

Good Friday “Soledad” begins on 25^th of March
Start time: 21:30

MAPS OF ITINERARY