Málaga Holidays and Fiestas

Málaga commemorates its patron saint, San Jerónimo, the first week of January. Besides the usual masses and processions, there is a carrazo, or car float, competition pitting different sectors of population against each other, as well as elections of kings, dog and cattle shows and bull fights.

March 10 is the city's birthday, with horse riding and other events.

Semana Santa (Easter Week) is marked with processions from Wednesday to Saturday.

During the Aguinaldos, of the novena leading up to Christmas, 16-24 December, do not be startled by the sight of masked, Cousin-It-looking creatures prowling the streets, swinging a brightly painted, inflated cow's bladder at anyone who dares to torear, or challenge them. Nowadays it's young boys (and even a few girls) carrying on the tradition--but it has much changed. In the past, grown men dressed like this, with much competition amongst them for the best costume. Money would be collected from would-be wallop victim; those funds were then used to finance the carrazos the beginning of January.

To finish off the year is the Festival de Carrancios, or the burning of Old Man Year, on 31 December.