Andalusian flag.
Credit: Rarrarorro – Shutterstock.
It’s Andalucía Day on Friday, February 28 as the autonomous region celebrates all things Andalusia. There will be celebrations, military parades, and official ceremonies, and, inevitably, many shops will remain closed.
For those thinking of lunching out, reservations are recommended as locals start the long weekend early, and watch the traffic as many will also have plans to take advantage and get away for the three days.
Most schools will be closed as part of the ‘Semana Blanca’ half-term holidays, and be careful with bus and train services as many will be running on a Sunday timetable. Get your shopping in early too as plenty of supermarkets are not opening including Alcampo in La Cañada, Marbella. They are just operating the food hall section of Andalusia’s biggest shopping centre, and there’s the same policy at Miramar, Fuengirola.
As customary, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Mercadona open, and almost all Aldi, Lidl, and other supermarkets will be closed, with some exceptions nearer the coast.
Estepona council will be presenting official ceremonies, music and dance in the Auditorio Felipe VI. In Benahavís, expect live music, flamenco and a ham-cutting contest. In San Pedro, expect a raising of the Andalusian flag with choirs and live Rock Andaluz concerts on the Paseo Palmeras in the late afternoon.
The neighbourhoods of Las Albarizas and El Barrio, with the support of the Marbella Council, have organised festive events that include the traditional raising of flags, musical performances and gastronomic tastings.
Fuengirola’s Andalusia Day celebrations are being held this year in Los Boliches in Plaza de Andalucía, with entertainment and workshops in an Andalusian style for the kids starting at 11am, and traditional music for all beginning at 12pm.
In Parque de Andalucía in Mijas, there will be fandangos and tangos and the official local band, while Benalmadena will be celebrating their ceremonies and music in the Pueblo.
Torremolinos will be spreading out their celebrations beginning on Thursday, February 27 with a Sabor a Málaga market in Avenida Palma de Mallorca, and ballet flamenco with traditional Spanish guitar.