9 Incredible Festivals in Malaga in 2026

If you wonder which events and festivals in Malaga you can’t miss this year, I’ve got you covered!

The Three Kings parade, the Holy Week processions, and Malaga’s fair are only a few of the amazing festivals and traditional events in Malaga.

The city knows how to celebrate every occasion and make it special. No matter what time of the year you visit Malaga, it’s worth checking out its event calendar so you don’t miss out on celebrations which will show you a different side of the city.

If you want an authentic experience, I’m going to tell you all about the special events and festivals in Malaga from a local perspective.

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3. Festival de Cine de Málaga

📅 When: 6th to the 15th of March 2026

📍 Location: different locations in the city centre

The film industry is big in Andalucia, and Malaga is one of the top cities where many directors choose to record their films and series.

Given the importance of the film industry in Malaga, the city has been hosting the Malaga Film Festival since 1998. This festival aims to promote Spanish films, including those from Latin America, as well as those from Malaga.

The festival showcases some of the best documentaries, series, films, and national actors and actresses. These films are shown in various locations across Malaga, though most take place in the city centre, such as Albéniz Cinema and Cervantes Theatre.

On top of this, the Malaga Film Festival awards the best film. The prize, called Biznaga de Oro, consists of a golden sculpture with a bunch of jasmine flowers, the flowers that represent the city of Malaga.

4. Semana Santa (Holy Week)

📅 When: 29th of March to 5th of April 2026

📍 Location: Malaga city centre

Semana Santa is a unique event which takes place at the beginning of April and celebrates Holy Week. 

It lasts seven days, and you can expect processions all day long. Locals carry these heavy floats depicting scenes of Jesus and Mary, from the Last Supper to Jesus’ rebirth.

Calle Larios, as well as the main streets in the city centre, are full of locals, people from different parts of Spain and international tourists watching this unique event. 

The smell of incense and the live band music make this event memorable. Even if you aren’t religious, it’s a celebration that is worth experiencing.

Did you know that you can reserve seats to watch the Easter processions? The price per seat starts from 70 euros, and the closer you are to Molina Lario Street, the more you will pay.

5. La Noche en Blanco

📅 When: Saturday, 16th of May 2026

📍 Location: different locations across the city

La Noche en Blanco is one of the most important cultural festivals in Malaga. During this evening, you can expect an amazing selection of free cultural activities – from street performances to unique exhibitions at the museums and live concerts.

This event has a different theme each year, which makes it more exciting. Even if you’ve attended previous events, you won’t know exactly what to expect; you’ll be surprised again and again.

The event usually lasts 5 hours and starts at 8:00 pm. On average, you can find over 100 activities during this evening, so the choices are endless.

Before attending La Noche en Blanco, I highly recommend planning an itinerary with all the activities you’d like to do because these five hours will fly by, and you won’t have time to see it all.

8. Procesión de la Virgen de la Victoria

📅 When: 8th of September 2026

📍 Location: Basilica and Royal Sanctuary of Santa Maria de la Victoria

This event in Malaga is dedicated to Virgen de la Victoria (the Virgin of the Victory), the patron saint of Malaga.

You’ll see many locals attending this festival in which Virgen de la Victoria is taken from her sanctuary to the Cathedral of Malaga early in the morning. Once in the Cathedral, you can go to the novena to worship the Virgin.

After this, there’s also a religious parade in which the Virgin is taken from the cathedral to her temple.

This is a great event to attend if you’re up for authentic experiences.

9. Luces de Navidad en Malaga

📅 When: last weekend of November

📍 Location: Calle Larios

Last but not least, one of the best traditional events in Malaga is the switch-on of the Christmas lights, which happens on Larios Street every year on the last weekend of November. This is a magical event to attend because it officially marks the festive season in Malaga.

The Christmas lights are different every couple of years, so it doesn’t matter if you have come to Malaga on Christmas before.

What makes this event special is the fact that the lights dance to the rhythm of Christmas carols – both in English and Spanish. The atmosphere is incredible, and everyone is dancing and singing.

Luckily, if you aren’t in Malaga on the first day they switch on the lights, this light show is set up every single day at specific times (between 6 and 10 pm) until the last day of Spanish Christmas, which is the 6th of January.

Other festivals near Malaga

During your time in Malaga, you might also want to check if there are any festivals and cultural events taking place in towns close to Malaga. Here are some of the best festivals.

Festival de las Culturas de Torremolinos

📅 When: middle of June

📍 Location: Plaza de la Nogalera, Torremolinos

Torremolinos knows how to throw a party and celebrates its multicultural heritage. This festival showcases the different nationalities that you can find in Torremolinos, which is over 120, from the British and Americans to Mexicans and Jamaicans.

Over three days, you can expect a variety of food and product stalls featuring unique dishes and gifts from countries around the world.

The atmosphere is incredible, and who doesn’t like getting to know other cultures?

Festival Weekend Beach Torre del Mar

📅 When: 9th to 11th of July 2026

📍 Location: Playa del Poniente, Torre del Mar

If you are looking for a big festival in Malaga, Festival Weekend Beach Torre del Mar is the answer. This event takes place in the town of Torre del Mar, 35 minutes drive from Malaga city centre.

When you get tickets, they include the camping spot as well as the concerts. You can see everyone having fun with friends at Poniente Beach, where the festival is, and then attending the concerts.

You can enjoy electronic music as well as pop and reggaeton.

Starlite Festival

📅 When: from 29th June to 19th August 2026

📍 Location: Cantera de Marbella, Marbella

Starlite Festival is one of the most important festivals in Marbella. It isn’t only about music, but fashion, gastronomy, cinema and more, so it attracts everyone, locals and tourists.

It occurs in Cantera de Marbella in an open space where you can enjoy live concerts while watching the stars. It’s quite a fantastic festival to attend.

Suppose you wonder what singers attend Starlite Festival, well, national and international singers from Anastacia and Sebastián Yatra to Spanish singers like Pablo López and David Bisbal.

If you’re a foodie, just like me, you must go to the gastronomy section, where you can taste delicious traditional appetisers as well as small international bites (finger foods), or go to one of the restaurants. Their fusion cuisine and atmosphere are amazing.

Conclusion on the best events in Malaga

Malaga hosts many incredible festivals, events and concerts, so it’s worth checking the calendar before heading there.

Many of these festivals take place in spring and summer; however, great events, such as the Three Kings parade, also occur in winter.

If you aren’t staying in Malaga city centre but in a town in Costa del Sol, go to the town or village’s official website and glimpse their calendar because even the smallest towns celebrate fairs and other unique traditional events.

Are you adding these festivals in Malaga to your calendar?

Enjoy your time in my hometown!

Cristina