Article Summary:

Article Content:
One of the most revered religious celebrations in Spain takes place during Semana Santa every April, and Malaga hosts some of the most famous processions in Andalucia.

At the top of Calle Marques de Larios, is the city´s main square, Plaza de la Constitución, where cultural, traditional and religious events are celebrated throughout the year.  Malaga Feria is not to be missed.  The city comes alive with colour, music, dance and some of the most incredible and loud celebrations you will find in this part of the world.  Processions wind through the streets, culminating in the fairground where the mayhem continues until early the next morning.

The history of holy week in Malaga
The celebration of Holy Week in Malaga began with the reconquest of the city by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487, and the conversion of the Moorish inhabitants to Christianity soon after. New residents from Castile gave a new influence to Malaga, after many years of Muslim rule. The Protestant Reform in the 16th Century, and later the Catholic counter-reform made the biggest mark on the future of the brotherhoods. The Catholic church then encouraged the worshipping of religious images to counteract the protestant movement in Spain.

Brotherhoods were formed by the noble and aristocratic families of the city, and linked to existing fraternities in Malaga. Brotherhood houses did not exist in the early days of the semana santa processions, and the platforms on which the religious images are mounted left from their respective churches.
In the early days, the religious images were carried by 10 throne bearers, and the procession included the brothers of light, who carried the candles. Modern day brotherhoods include the Nazarenes, who now accompany the images in the processions, and the brothers of blood, the Hermanos de Sangre, who once flagellated themselves during the procession. Most of the brothers joined the brotherhoods in order to obtain a holy place where their mortal remains would rest peacefully.

The Easter processions, although much more solemn, are equally stunning.  Hundreds of local men carry the effigy of Christ through the streets to the sound of a lone drum beat.  Such is the passion and emotion of these processions that many onlookers are reduced to tears.

Holy Week in Malaga, 2010 starts on Palm Sunday, 28th March, and ends on the 4th April, Easter Sunday. Itineraries and routes can  be found from all tourist information offices in the city of Malaga.

Holy Friday Malaga
Holy Friday sees a large number of societies and brotherhoods take to the streets, and recommended events include El Descendimiento at around 5.30pm. After the procession, head to the Plaza de Arriola to hear the singing by the Hermanas de la Cruz at the society of Los Dolores de San Juan. At 7pm, visit Malaga Cathedral and enjoy the solemn but beautiful Via Crucis del Santisimo Cristo Mutilado.

Easter Sunday Malaga
The procession of El Resucitado is Malaga´s most attended procession during holy week, and celebrates the resurrection of the Lord, and is also the last of the week´s parades. Nazarenes from every society take part together to create a colourful cortege which is best viewed sitting in one of the seats which are situated throughout the city centre. The procession reaches the Alameda Principal at midday and finishes at the church of San Julian near Calle Carreteria at 2pm.

Solemn and ornate processions take place from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday and each one is led by a religious brotherhood, often made up of local tradesmen, with its own deep history and traditions.  Many members of the brotherhood practice all year for Semana Santa when they are called upon to carry statues of Christ on the Cross and the Virgin Mary.

Magnificent costumes and breathtaking displays of synchronisation combine to make this one of Andalucia´s must see events.  Semana Santa is a serious fiesta and a time for quiet reflection amongst most Malagueños and not the usual extravaganza of music and fireworks, so common to many Spanish festivals.

Famous actor, Antonio Banderas, who hails from Malaga, regularly takes part in the processions through the streets of the city.

Malaga information
If you are planning to visit Malaga during semana santa, you will find a wealth of things to see and do in and around the city centre.

Holiday accommodation in the city is plentiful.  The hotels can be expensive compared to other resorts along the coast, but they are generally worth it.  Self catering apartment accommodation is also widely available to suit all budgets and requirements.

No visit to Malaga is complete without a trip to the Gibralfaro Castle and the Alhambra.
Perched high above the city is the magnificent castle, which was once the main defensive focal point of the city during the times of Moorish occupation. This impressive 14th century fortress maintains much of its original structure, and gives visitors an insight into the Arab lifestyle in Andalucia, and boasts stunning views of the harbour below.

The Alcazaba Malaga
Dating back to the 11th century, Malaga´s impressive Alcazaba, is one of the city´s most famous landmarks, and this Moorish palace was one of the city´s most important buildings during the times of Arab rule.
Protected by strong, fortified defence walls, and situated on a hill overlooking Malaga, this impressive monument was built during the time of the Emirate of Granada, when the city flourished under Moorish rule. Following the re-conquest of southern Spain by the Christian monarchs, Isabel and Fernando, the entrance to the tower was used as a Christian chapel, and the famous Torre del Cristo still attracts visitors from all over Europe.
If you decide to visit Malaga during Easter, make sure you book your accommodation as soon as possible as this is one of the busiest times of the year, and the city is one of the most visited in southern Spain.
by Jane Love (janelove1@hotmail.com)

———————