Fairs & Festivals on the Costa del Sol March 2026

Fairs & Festivals on the Costa del Sol in March

March is a quieter month for fairs and festivals on the Costa del Sol, but it can be an important month when Semana Santa (Holy Week) falls early. Towns and cities across the region prepare for some of Spain's most spectacular religious processions, with Málaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Benalmádena all holding traditional events.

Semana Santa is a unique experience, with historic brotherhoods, impressive floats, marching bands and thousands of people filling the streets to watch the processions. The dates change each year depending on Easter, so check the individual event pages for details.

March is also a great time to explore the Costa del Sol, with milder weather, fewer crowds and many local events taking place before the busy summer season begins.

Easter procession, Los Boliches, in Fuengirola

Easter procession in Los Boliches, Fuengirola.What to expect. watch this video

Easter (Semana Santa) – Costa del Sol

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the most important religious celebrations in Spain and one of the most spectacular times to visit the Costa del Sol. Taking place every year during the week leading up to Easter Sunday, hundreds of processions are held across towns and cities throughout the region, attracting thousands of spectators.

Many of these traditions date back hundreds of years and are organised by local religious brotherhoods (Cofradías). Magnificent floats, known as tronos, carry beautifully crafted statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary through the streets, accompanied by marching bands, candle bearers and the distinctive Nazarenos dressed in their traditional robes and pointed hoods. Some of the larger floats require more than 200 people to carry them through the narrow streets.

Every town celebrates Semana Santa in its own unique way. Málaga is internationally renowned for its spectacular processions, while Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Marbella, Mijas and many other Costa del Sol towns all hold their own daily processions throughout Holy Week. Whether you're staying in a large city or a small village, you're never far from one of these remarkable events.

What to Expect

Hundreds of religious processions throughout Holy Week.
Magnificent floats carrying statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
Traditional marching bands and religious music.
Nazarenos in their distinctive robes and pointed hoods.
A unique opportunity to experience centuries of Spanish history, culture and tradition.

Visitor Tips

Check local procession times before travelling, as every town has its own schedule.
Arrive early for the most popular processions, especially in Málaga.
Some roads are closed during processions, so allow extra time if travelling by car.
Many restaurants and cafés become busy during Holy Week, so booking ahead is recommended.
Respect the religious nature of the event by remaining quiet as the processions pass.

Good to Know

Usually Held: March or April (dates vary each year)
Location: Throughout the Costa del Sol and Andalusia
Entry: Free to watch
Suitable For: Families, photographers, history lovers and anyone wanting to experience one of Spain's most famous traditions.

Did You Know?

Some Semana Santa processions continue late into the night, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as the illuminated floats, candlelight and music wind through the streets. On the Costa del Sol, it's possible to watch several different processions in different towns during the same day, making Holy Week one of the region's most memorable cultural experiences.