Planning a trip to southern Spain? One of the best ways to experience the local culture is through the festivals and holidays in Andalucía and the Costa del Sol. Beyond the region’s golden beaches and sunshine, you’ll find a land alive with Spanish traditions, colourful fiestas, and unforgettable celebrations. From sacred processions to lively ferias with flamenco and wine, the Costa del Sol offers something magical in every season.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Andalucía — March or April
Semana Santa is the most famous religious celebration in Spain and an unmissable event in Andalucía. During Holy Week, the streets of Málaga, Seville, Córdoba, and Úbeda transform into open-air cathedrals. Religious brotherhoods (cofradías) carry ornate floats (tronos) depicting the Passion of Christ, accompanied by haunting music and deep devotion.
Travel tip: If you’re visiting Málaga in spring, make sure to witness at least one of its breathtaking processions.
Christmas and New Year in the Costa del Sol — December to January
Spending Christmas in Andalucía is a joyful mix of tradition and modern celebrations. Families gather on December 24th (Nochebuena), and while Santa Claus has become popular in recent years, the main gift-giving day remains January 6th, Three Kings Day (Epiphany).
This extended festive season, from Christmas Eve to Epiphany, makes winter one of the most enchanting times to visit the Costa del Sol.
The Famous Ferias of Andalucía — Summer and Beyond
Ferias (local fairs) are some of the liveliest celebrations in southern Spain. Expect horse parades, flamenco, tapas, music, and late-night dancing. Each city and town has its own, but here are some highlights:
- Feria de Málaga (August) — A week-long summer party in the city centre with wine, music, and flamenco.
- Feria de Sevilla (April/May) — Spain’s most traditional feria with horse carriages, locals in flamenco dresses, and casetas (marquees) filled with food and music.
- Feria de Jerez (May) — Famous for sherry (vino de Jerez) and elegant horse shows.
Other Costa del Sol ferias include:
- Marbella — Feria de San Bernabé (June)
- Estepona — Feria de San Isidro (May) + another in July
- Fuengirola — Feria del Rosario (October)
- Torremolinos — Feria de San Miguel (September)
👉 Must-see: If you’re visiting in August, the Málaga Feria is one of the top things to do in the Costa del Sol.
La Noche de San Juan — June 23
The Night of San Juan is one of the most exciting summer festivals in Spain. On beaches across the Costa del Sol, people light bonfires, watch fireworks, and take a midnight dip in the sea for good luck.
Marbella, Torremolinos, and Málaga have some of the most spectacular San Juan celebrations.
Carnaval in Andalucía — February
Before Lent, Andalucía bursts into colour with Carnaval. While Cádiz is home to the most famous carnival in Spain, Málaga’s carnival is also full of parades, costumes, satire, and live music. Expect street performances, humour, and a party atmosphere everywhere you go.
Romerías (Pilgrimages) — Spring & Summer
Romerías are traditional Andalusian pilgrimages, blending spirituality with fiesta. Pilgrims travel by horseback or decorated carts to shrines, celebrating with music, food, and dancing.
Highlights include:
- Romería del Rocío (Huelva/Cádiz) — Spain’s most iconic pilgrimage.
- Romería de San Isidro (Estepona) — A colourful local celebration.
- Romería de la Virgen del Carmen (coastal towns) — A blend of sea and spirituality.
Virgen del Carmen — July 16
One of the most moving Costa del Sol festivals, the Virgen del Carmen honours the patron saint of fishermen. Statues of the Virgin are carried through town and out to sea in fishing boats, followed by fireworks and celebrations.
You can experience this tradition in Fuengirola, Marbella, Estepona, Nerja, and many other coastal towns.
Fiesta de los Patios in Córdoba — May
Though just outside the Costa del Sol, the Fiesta de los Patios in Córdoba is a must-see if you’re visiting Andalucía in May. Locals open their homes to reveal flower-filled courtyards, turning the city into a living work of art.
Bank Holidays in Andalucía
In addition to these festivals, Andalucía also celebrates several national and local bank holidays.
National Holidays in Spain
- 1 January — New Year’s Day
- 6 January — Epiphany (Three Kings Day)
- 28 February — Day of Andalucía
- Holy Thursday & Good Friday — Easter (dates vary)
- 1 May — Labour Day
- 15 August — Assumption of the Virgin
- 12 October — Spanish National Day (Día de la Hispanidad)
- 1 November — All Saints’ Day
- 6 December — Constitution Day
- 8 December — Immaculate Conception
- 25 December — Christmas Day
Local Holidays in the Costa del Sol
- Marbella — 6 June, San Bernabé
- San Pedro — 19 October, San Pedro
- Estepona — 15 May, San Isidro Labrador
- Fuengirola — 16 July, Virgen del Carmen & 7 October, Feria
- Málaga — 18 August, Toma de Málaga; 8 September, Virgen de la Victoria
Conclusion
From solemn processions during Semana Santa in Andalucía to lively beach bonfires on San Juan in Marbella, the Costa del Sol offers unforgettable festivals year-round. Whether you’re drawn to flamenco, Spanish food, local traditions, or religious celebrations, there’s always something to experience.
If you’re planning your trip, make sure to check the festival calendar — it might just be the highlight of your holiday in the Costa del Sol.
