Malaga Holy Week starts with vibrant processions and full streets

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Bishop José Antonio Satué made his Semana Santa debut on a day when the winds caused several incidents

Antonio M. Romero, Jesús Hinojosa and José Antonio Sau

Malaga

Monday, 30 March 2026, 10:07

Malaga's Holy Week 2026 is now in full swing, after several intense days of local neighbourhood processions on the days preceding the official holidays. Palm Sunday had all nine brotherhoods scheduled to walk the streets of the city carry out their processions.

The streets were packed with crowds and excitement. Unlike previous years, the members of the religious brotherhoods didn't have to worry about rain, although the wind did cause some minor incidents, while the temperature dropped considerably in the evening.

The wind required sandbags and wires to stabilise the barriers along the official route. The candle bearers had to work tirelessly to keep the candelabras and candles lit.

The city council's decision to close several streets to the public in order to keep them clear in case of an emergency drew criticism.

New throne for the Virgen de Dolores y Esperanza

Living up to the local saying that if you don't wear something new on Palm Sunday, your hands will fall off, Malaga saw the new throne of the Virgen de Dolores y Esperanza. Its design stands out for a base inspired by the Baroque organs of the Cathedral, with distinctive light green tones and gold mouldings.

The other major debut was that of Bishop José Antonio Satué, who attended the departure of the Cofradía de Pollinica. He rang the first bells for both the Christ and the Virgin's thrones and addressed the bearers, encouraging them to "follow in the footsteps" of Jesus on his path of passion, death and resurrection, and to look to Mary as an example as she accompanied her son.

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