Holidays and Events in Axarquía – March 2026 | Holy Week, Málaga Film Festival and El Paso de Riogordo

Discover Axarquía in March 2026: Semana Blanca, St. Patrick’s Day, 29th Málaga Film Festival, and spectacular Holy Week in Vélez-Málaga and Riogordo. Complete Costa del Sol guide.

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Holidays and Events in Axarquía – March 2026

March 2026 is a lively month in Axarquía, with cultural events, traditional celebrations, and festive dates attracting both residents and visitors. From Semana Blanca, the Málaga Film Festival, St. Patrick’s Day, to Holy Week, this month is perfect to explore everything this region has to offer if you are considering living or investing on the Costa del Sol.

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Semana Blanca – February/March 2026

Semana Blanca 2026 school holidays and is a great opportunity for a family break. Traditionally, people would paint their houses white during this period, but today it’s ideal for family getaways on the Costa del Sol.

Many residents combine beach and snow thanks to the proximity of:

Sierra Nevada, just 1.5 hours from Axarquía.

This tradition makes the area a unique destination to enjoy sun and snow in winter.

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March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day in Andalusia

St. Patrick’s Day 2026 is celebrated enthusiastically across Andalusia, especially in towns with international communities like Nerja.

What is St. Patrick’s Day?

March 17th marks Ireland’s national holiday honoring St. Patrick, the country’s patron saint. It’s a day of celebration, music, parades, and global festive atmosphere.

Celebrations in Nerja and the Costa del Sol
• Murphy’s Irish Pub – Live music and festive atmosphere
• The Irish Harp Bar – Irish beers and whisky
• Fitzgerald’s Bar – Authentic St. Patrick’s Day party

The community organizes charity walks and solidarity activities, while visitors enjoy a unique fusion of Irish and Andalusian culture: local tapas with Guinness and flamenco shows.

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March 6–15 – 29th Málaga Film Festival

From March 6 to 15, 2026, Málaga will once again transform into a major cinematic stage for the 29th Málaga Film Festival, one of Spain’s most important cultural events dedicated to Spanish and Latin American cinema.

What to expect at the Málaga Film Festival 2026
• Over 260 productions including feature films, short films, and documentaries
• Key venues: Teatro Cervantes, Teatro Echegaray, and Villa del Mar
• Free activities and meet-and-greets with filmmakers

This event strengthens the appeal of Málaga and Axarquía as a cultural and residential destination on the Costa del Sol.

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March 29 – April 5 – Holy Week 2026

Holy Week 2026 runs from Palm Sunday (March 29) to Easter Sunday (April 5).

Key dates
•  March 29 – Palm Sunday
•  April 2 – Maundy Thursday
•  April 3 – Good Friday
•  April 5 – Easter Sunday

What is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, with processions commemorating Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, carrying palm or olive branches. It’s an event full of tradition and religious significance in Axarquía.

Holy Week in Vélez-Málaga

Holy Week in Vélez-Málaga is recognized as a National Tourist Interest Festival, featuring solemn processions, decorated floats, band music, and participation of local brotherhoods. Traditions include:
• Brotherhoods with distinctive tunics and colors
• Penitents and nazarenes
• Solemn processional music

It’s an experience combining religion, culture, and tradition in Andalusia.

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March 29 & 30 – El Paso de Riogordo

One of the most spectacular events of Holy Week in Axarquía is El Paso de Riogordo, a reenactment of Christ’s Passion performed by villagers in the historic El Calvario areaDates and schedule:

• March 29 (Good Friday)
• March 30 (Holy Saturday)
From 16:30 at El Calvario (Riogordo)

More than 600 villagers participate, adding authenticity and excitement to the performance. This tradition reenacts the key moments of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and is recognized as a National Tourist Interest Festival.

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Why March 2026 is ideal to live in Axarquía

March combines tradition, culture, and community:

Semana Blanca
Málaga Film Festival
St. Patrick’s Day
Holy Week in Vélez-Málaga and Riogordo

If you are thinking of living or investing on the Costa del Sol, March 2026 is the perfect month to explore Axarquía in all its splendor.