As spring arrives on the Costa del Sol, Marbella prepares for one of the most emblematic weeks of the year. Semana Santa, or Holy Week is a deeply cultural event that transforms the streets of Andalucian towns with pageantry, music and centuries-old traditions. For families visiting Marbella in April, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the region’s heritage in a way that is immersive, moving and remarkably child-friendly.
This year, Semana Santa will take place from 13 April to 20 April, culminating in Easter Sunday. Each day brings something new to discover, and with thoughtful planning, families can enjoy the highlights without the stress of navigating large crowds or late-night schedules.
Understanding the Tradition
Semana Santa marks the final week of Lent, leading up to Easter. Across Spain, religious brotherhoods (cofradías)organise elaborate processions through the streets, carrying carved wooden floats (pasos) that depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. Each float is a work of art, often accompanied by marching bands and lines of penitents dressed in traditional robes and pointed hoods (nazarenos).
Marbella’s Holy Week processions are smaller in scale than those in Seville or Málaga, but this is part of their charm. The atmosphere is reverent yet accessible, particularly suited to families seeking to experience Andalucian culture in an authentic and manageable setting.
When and Where to Watch
Most processions occur in the early evening, though a few take place in the afternoon. Many begin or end at the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, just steps from Marbella’s Plaza de los Naranjos in the heart of the Old Town. The narrow, cobbled streets provide an atmospheric backdrop, with spectators often lining the route hours in advance.
Popular locations for watching include Avenida del Mar, Calle Ancha and Plaza de la Iglesia. Families are advised to arrive early to find a comfortable spot, ideally near cafés or benches for quick breaks.
For a quieter experience, the nearby town of San Pedro de Alcántara also hosts its own processions during Holy Week. These are typically less crowded and still rich in tradition, offering a gentler introduction to the festivities for younger children.
Making It Enjoyable for Children
Semana Santa is inherently engaging for children. The music, costumes and candlelit processions are visually captivating, but a bit of planning helps make it a stress-free experience.
It is wise to choose one procession per day and arrive early to secure a good view. Evening events can run late, so families with younger children may prefer to attend earlier processions earlier in the week, such as those on Palm Sunday or Holy Wednesday.
Many Spanish children watch processions alongside their parents, collecting melted wax from candles in paper cups and moulding it into balls, a curious but beloved tradition. It is a simple way to keep little ones occupied during longer events.
Several local bakeries also offer traditional Easter treats during the week, such as torrijas (Spanish-style French toast) and roscos de vino (wine-flavoured biscuits). Stopping for a treat between processions can easily become a family ritual.
Daytime Activities to Balance the Week
Mornings during Semana Santa are generally quiet, offering families time to relax before the afternoon and evening processions. Marbella’s beaches remain a calm and scenic place to unwind, and the Paseo Marítimo is ideal for leisurely walks or cycle rides.
For more structured daytime outings, consider visiting Parque de la Constitución, with its shaded gardens and playground, or taking a short drive to Estepona, where families can explore the orchidarium or enjoy lunch along the marina.
A little further afield, Málaga offers the most spectacular Semana Santa processions in the region, though they are best suited to older children due to the size of the crowds. Daytime visits can be a good compromise, catching an early procession before heading back to Marbella in the afternoon.
Dining During Semana Santa
Restaurants in Marbella remain open throughout Holy Week, although many observe quieter hours during evening processions. It is worth making reservations in advance, especially for restaurants in the Old Town.
Several offer special menus or traditional dishes associated with Easter, such as salted cod (bacalao) or chickpea stews (potaje de vigilia), which are widely enjoyed during Lent. These seasonal offerings can be an easy introduction to local cuisine for families keen to try something new.
Navigating the Week Smoothly
Semana Santa is a busy time in Marbella, and the city adjusts accordingly. Some roads are temporarily closed in the evenings to accommodate processions, especially in the Old Town. Walking is often the best way to move around the centre during these hours.
Parking can be challenging near procession routes. Taxis and local bus services continue to operate, although minor delays should be expected around peak procession times.
For those outside the centre, it is helpful to keep a copy of the local procession schedule, usually available from tourist offices or published online by the Marbella town hall. This allows you to plan outings and meals around the day’s events, ensuring you never miss a highlight or find yourself caught in the middle of an unexpected road closure.
A Memorable Week in Marbella
Semana Santa is one of those rare occasions when tradition and tourism come together perfectly. For families, it provides an opportunity to slow down and experience something timeless. The streets are filled not with rushed visitors, but with generations of locals observing rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries.
It is a beautiful time to be in Marbella, not only for the spectacle but also for the atmosphere of shared reflection and quiet celebration that envelops the town. Children might not remember every procession they witnessed, but they will recall the music, the lights, and the feeling that something significant was happening all around them.
If you are considering making Marbella part of your family’s traditions, whether for future holidays or something more permanent, Kore Estates can help you explore your options. From second homes to permanent residences, we offer local insight and personalised guidance to help you find your place on the coast.