April is when Andalucía bursts into life. Warm spring days, blooming patios, and longer evenings set the perfect stage for festivals, food fairs, and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re in Marbella or roaming the hilltop towns of Cádiz and Granada, there’s something extraordinary happening every weekend.
This guide curates the most unmissable events in Marbella and beyond this April—from ancient Holy Week processions and heart-pounding bull runs to cheesy fiestas and MotoGP mayhem. Let’s dive in.
Easter in Marbella and Andalucía 2025
Semana Santa / Easter Holy Week ✝️
All Andalucía | From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday
Holy Week in Andalucía is an unforgettable spectacle of devotion, art, and tradition. From Palm Sunday to Easter, towns and cities across the region host nightly processions with centuries-old brotherhoods carrying ornate religious floats (pasos), followed by candlelit crowds and soulful marching bands. It’s intense, emotional, and steeped in symbolism.
Seville and Málaga are famous for their grand-scale processions, while cities like Córdoba and Granada offer a more intimate experience—sometimes even beneath the Alhambra’s glow. Palm Sunday is especially kid-friendly, with joyful parades where children carry palms and wear their finest outfits. Expect packed streets, deep emotion, and a cultural experience that sticks with you long after Easter ends.
Palm Sunday & Holy Monday – La Sentencia y El Rescatado in Córdoba
Córdoba’s “La Sentencia” (Palm Sunday) and “El Rescatado” (Holy Monday) are among the city’s most beloved Holy Week processions. These two events draw massive local crowds and showcase Córdoba’s unique blend of devotion, flamenco, and visual drama. The floats are stunning, the mood electric—especially at night when the city is lit only by torches and candles. Read More
Holy Thursday Night – La Madrugá in Seville
La Madrugá is the most sacred and emotionally charged night of Seville’s Semana Santa (Holy Week), unfolding from midnight on Holy Thursday until midday on Good Friday. During these solemn hours, six of the city’s most revered brotherhoods—including El Silencio, El Gran Poder, La Macarena, El Calvario, La Esperanza de Triana, and Los Gitanos—process through the historic streets, carrying elaborately adorned floats (pasos) that depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. Accompanied by the haunting melodies of saetas (flamenco laments) sung from balconies and the rhythmic beat of drums, the processions move through candlelit streets filled with thousands of silent spectators. La Madrugá is not just a religious observance but a profound expression of Seville’s cultural identity, drawing both locals and visitors into a night of deep reflection and communal devotion. Read more.
Holy Thursday – Cristo de la Buena Muerte in Malaga
The Cristo de la Buena Muerte procession in Málaga is one of Spain’s most iconic Holy Week events, blending military precision with deep religious tradition. Held every Maundy Thursday, it features the Spanish Legion—known for their distinctive uniforms and solemn chants—carrying the revered image of Christ through the city streets. Read more.
Good Friday — Procesión de la Virgen de la Macarena de Sevilla / Virgen de la Macarena Procession in Seville
If you only catch one procession in Seville, make it the Virgen de la Macarena on Good Friday. Thousands line the streets in silence to watch the iconic statue of the Virgin—draped in gold and teardrops—glide through the city. It’s the most moving, intense part of Seville’s Holy Week and a true cultural experience. Read More
Good Friday – Cristo de la Viga in Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez does Holy Week differently. While cities like Seville go big, Jerez leans into solemnity. On Good Friday, the Cristo de la Viga—one of the region’s oldest religious statues—is carried through the town in a hushed, powerful procession. It’s a moment of reflection and a window into a deeper, quieter side of Andalusian tradition. Read More
Easter Sunday – Toro del Aguardiente in Gaucín
Wake up early in Gaucín on Easter Sunday and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a full-blown bull run. Locals dash through the steep village streets as bulls are let loose—energized (supposedly) by shots of aguardiente, a strong local liquor. It’s chaotic, loud, and thrilling. Not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely unforgettable. Read More
Easter Sunday – Toro Embolao in Vejer de la Frontera
In Vejer, Easter Sunday brings the Toro Embolao—an old tradition where a live bull is released into the village streets. Though controversial, it’s a significant event for locals and a chance to witness one of Andalucía’s more intense customs. Come for the spectacle, stay for the food and post-run street parties. Read More
Easter Sunday – Toro del Aleluya / Hallelujah Bull Run in Arcos de la Frontera 🐂
Another town, another bull run. Arcos celebrates Easter with the Toro del Aleluya, where a bull charges through the old town in front of huge crowds. It’s part religious ritual, part adrenaline rush, and totally Andalusian. Arrive early to grab a spot and soak up the festive atmosphere. Read More
For more events in Seville, check out our Guide to Semana Santa / Holy Week and Easter in Seville
For more events in Málaga, check out our Guide to Semana Santa / Holy Week and Easter in Málaga
Best of the Rest
Gran Premio de Jerez / Jerez MotoGP — High-Speed Action in the South 🏍️
Confirmed Date: April 25-27th 2025 | Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez is the place to be if you’re into motorcycles. Every April, the MotoGP takes over the city, bringing roaring engines, international fans, and wild street parties. Even if you’re not a petrolhead, the atmosphere around town is electric—bars overflowing, live music everywhere, and riders zipping through the streets in celebration. Read More
Feria del Queso de Villaluenga del Rosario / Villaluenga del Rosario Cheese Fair — Cheese Festival in a Mountain Village 🧀
Confirmed Date: April 4-6th 2025 | Villaluenga del Rosario
For one weekend, the tiny mountain town of Villaluenga del Rosario becomes the cheese capital of Andalucía. Famous for its award-winning queso payoyo, the village hosts a food fair with tastings, live demonstrations, and stalls packed with regional cheese and gourmet products. It’s a great excuse to explore the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and enjoy some seriously good eats in a postcard-perfect setting. Read More
Ultra Sierra Nevada — A Race to the Clouds 🏃♀️
Confirmed Date: April 4-6th 2025 | Granada
One of Spain’s toughest endurance races, the Ultra Sierra Nevada challenges athletes to run up to 100 km from Granada city to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Runners pass historic landmarks, rugged trails, and high-altitude climbs—often by headlamp, as much of the race happens overnight. There are shorter formats too, like the 62 km Trail and 40 km Maratón. It’s not just a race, it’s an epic journey for serious mountain runners. Bonus: it qualifies for UTMB points. Read More
Fiesta del Espárrago de Huétor Tájar / Huétor Tájar Asparagus Festival — Foodie Celebration 🌱
Confirmed Date: April 12th 2025 | Granada
Back after a long break, this foodie festival in Huétor Tájar puts the spotlight on one of the region’s prized crops: green asparagus. Thousands gather for tastings, cooking demos, and asparagus-themed dishes at the revived fair, which celebrates the area’s agricultural roots. If you’re road-tripping through inland Granada, this makes for a tasty and authentic stop. Read More
Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos / Moors and Christians Festival — History Comes Alive ✝️
April | Benamaurel (Granada), Vélez-Blanco (Almería)
Step into the past at these dramatic reenactments of the historic clashes between Moors and Christians. With theatrical parades, mock battles, and elaborate costumes, the towns of Benamaurel and Vélez-Blanco transform into open-air stages. Expect fireworks, music, and centuries-old traditions in full force. A great pick for history buffs and families alike. Read More
Día del Aceite Verdial / Verdial Olive Oil Festival — A Taste of Málaga 🫒
Confirmed Date: April 26-27th 2025 | Periana, Málaga
Nestled in the Axarquía hills, Periana celebrates its famous Verdial olive oil with a weekend of tastings, folk music, and live demonstrations. Visitors can learn how this mild, fruity oil is made and sample it straight from the source. It’s a laid-back, local event with plenty of charm—and perfect for a countryside day trip. Read More
Fiesta de la Morcilla / Black Pudding Festival — Black Pudding & Village Vibes 🐖
Confirmed Date: April 26-27th 2025 | Canillas de Aceituno, Málaga
This lively food fest in the whitewashed village of Canillas de Aceituno is all about morcilla, a spiced blood sausage served hot off the grill. Local wine, live music, and dancing round out the celebration, which attracts thousands each year. The best part? The food is free—but come early, because once the morcilla runs out, it’s gone. Read More
April is one of the best times to explore Marbella and Andalucía, with festivals that mix deep tradition and fresh creativity. From tuna tastings by the sea to races through snowy peaks, every event offers a unique window into southern Spain’s culture. Come curious, and you’ll leave inspired.