The big dates on the Costa del Sol in 2027 are Holy Week (21–28 March), Fuengirola's International Fair of Nations (late April or early May), San Juan night (23 June), Virgen del Carmen (16 July), the total solar eclipse (2 August), Málaga Fair (mid-August) and Fuengirola's Rosario Fair (early October).
There is a festival almost every month on the Costa del Sol. Here is our pick for 2027, with tips we give guests at our Playa del Castillo apartment. Approximate dates are confirmed when each town hall publishes its programme.
Holy Week – Semana Santa (21–28 March 2027)
Holy Week is unusually early in 2027. Málaga has one of the most spectacular in Spain, with huge floats along Calle Larios and the Spanish Legion carrying the Christ of Mena on Maundy Thursday. Fuengirola has smaller, more intimate processions through the town centre. From the apartment, Málaga is about 45 minutes by local train, with no parking hassle.
International Fair of Nations (late April / early May)
Fuengirola’s most original festival: dozens of countries set up stands with their food, music and dances at the fairground. It is held every year around the 1 May bank holiday (in 2026 it ran from 29 April to 3 May). Great for families and for tasting food from around the world.
San Juan night (23 June)
The shortest night of the year is spent on the beach: bonfires, music and a midnight dip “for good luck”. Fuengirola’s beaches fill with friends and families; Playa del Castillo, opposite the apartment, is one of the calmer spots.
Virgen del Carmen (16 July)
The patron saint of fishermen is taken out to sea in a maritime procession, followed by a flotilla of boats. Very moving in Fuengirola and in the old fishing districts of Málaga and Torremolinos.
Total solar eclipse (2 August 2027)
The event of the year: Fuengirola gets 3 minutes and 10 seconds of totality at 10:47 am. Times and tips on our eclipse 2027 page.
Málaga Fair (mid-August)
A week-long fair: by day in the city centre (Calle Larios and around), by night at the Cortijo de Torres fairground. It opens with fireworks over Malagueta beach. The train is the easiest way there and back (or a taxi after the last train).
Rosario Fair, Fuengirola (early October)
Fuengirola’s main fair, in honour of the Virgen del Rosario: marquees, horses, flamenco dresses and funfair rides. Usually in the first half of October, when it is still beach weather.
Tips
- For Holy Week, San Juan and August, book accommodation months in advance.
- For Málaga, take the train rather than the car: parking downtown during festivals is hard.
- Coming by car? Our apartment has a garage space you can book separately.