Malaga’s Semana Santa 2025, increasingly popular across the province, has illuminated Andalusian culture to tourists, complementing the traditional sun-and-beach appeal.
With largely favourable weather, the event surpassed expectations, with last-minute bookings driving hotel occupancy to 85 per cent over the final four days, up from the 83 per cent forecast by Aehcos on Ash Wednesday. The hospitality sector also celebrated higher revenues compared to 2024, when poor weather waged out turnout.
Unlike 2024’s rain-soaked processions, 2025 saw near-perfect conditions, except for a windy, rainy Shrove Tuesday. This barely impacted bookings, with a strong jump in the final days. Malaga’s airport handled nearly 5,900 flights, 1,200 more than last year, peaking with 535 and 554 operations on Easter Sunday and Monday, respectively. Aehcos reported provincial hotel occupancy rising from 77 per cent early in the week to 82 per cent by Saturday, with Malaga city hotels hitting 94 per percent full during the biggest days, nearing full capacity.
The western Costa, led by Holiday World’s Mari Francis Peñarroya, achieved 98-99 per cent sell-out occupancy, while eastern hotels like B bou’s La Viñuela and Cortijo Bravo reached 98 per cent from Maundy Thursday. Rural accommodations saw a 40 per cent occupancy increase, with Malaga leading Andalusia at 73 per cent during peak days. The hospitality sector, according to Mahos president Javier Frutos, noted higher earnings, promoted by international tourists. Beach businesses thrived, with Manuel Villafaina praising the ‘splendid sun’ and vibrant atmosphere, marking a triumphant Semana Santa.
