Málaga is bracing for a solemn Good Friday on April 18, 2025, as eight brotherhoods prepare to take to the streets for their annual processions, marking the climax of the Semana Santa celebrations. The weather forecast for the day is notably favorable, with clear skies and no expected rain, allowing the processions to proceed without hindrance.
According to the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet), the probability of rain on Good Friday is a reassuring 0%. This comes after a week that began with instability, including rain on Tuesday that forced the cancellation of four processions. However, the forecast suggests that the weather will hold, enabling the scheduled events to unfold smoothly.
The processions scheduled for Good Friday include Monte Calvario, Descendimiento, Amor, Dolores de San Juan, Soledad de San Pablo, Piedad, Sepulcro, and Servitas. Each of these brotherhoods will embark on their journey, beginning at various points across the city, with the first procession, Monte Calvario, departing at 15:00 from its chapel.
Monte Calvario is one of the most significant processions, representing the traditional beginning of the solemn day. The itinerary for Monte Calvario includes a second departure from the Basilica and Sanctuary of Santa María de la Victoria at 16:00, with its route winding through the historic streets of Málaga. Key stops along the way include the Plaza del Santuario and the Cathedral, where the procession is expected to arrive around 20:50. The final closing, known as Encierro, is scheduled for midnight.
The Descendimiento procession follows closely behind, with its departure set for 16:30. This brotherhood, known for its emotional and reflective nature, will make its way through the city, reaching the Cathedral at approximately 21:35. The closing for Descendimiento is expected at 00:15.
Amor y Caridad will commence its procession at 16:50, also starting from the Basilica and Sanctuary of Santa María de la Victoria. This procession is notable for its elaborate floats and deep devotion, expected to arrive at the Cathedral by 22:05, concluding its journey at 02:00.
Dolores de San Juan, another significant procession, is set to leave at 19:05 from the Church of San Juan. Its route will take it through the bustling streets of Málaga, arriving at the Cathedral by 23:05, with the closing scheduled for 00:35.
Soledad de San Pablo will depart at 19:30, with a similar route leading to the Cathedral, where it is expected to arrive by 23:35. The closing for this procession will take place at 02:45.
Piedad will also begin its journey at 19:30, making its way through the city and reaching the Cathedral at 00:20, with its closing at 02:00.
Sepulcro, another key procession, will depart at 19:20, with its route culminating at the Cathedral by 00:45. The final closing is expected at 02:15.
Lastly, Servitas, the last of the eight brotherhoods, will begin its procession at 22:00, reaching the Cathedral at 01:55 and concluding at 03:15.
As the day unfolds, the streets of Málaga will be filled with the sounds of solemn hymns and the sight of elaborately adorned floats, each reflecting deep cultural and religious significance. The atmosphere is expected to be one of reflection and reverence, as thousands gather to witness these moving displays of faith.
While the weather looks promising for Good Friday, a low-pressure system is anticipated to approach from the Atlantic, which could bring some instability to the region. As a result, while no rain is forecast for Málaga on Saturday, April 19, 2025, showers may affect nearby areas such as Antequera and Ronda. Looking ahead to Easter Sunday, the forecast suggests that light to moderate rain could return to Málaga in the afternoon, potentially impacting the celebrations.
The significance of Good Friday in Málaga cannot be overstated, as it represents the most solemn day of the Semana Santa festivities. Each procession carries with it centuries of tradition, devotion, and community spirit, drawing both locals and visitors alike to partake in this deeply rooted cultural event.
As preparations continue, the people of Málaga are hopeful for a day filled with both spiritual reflection and community unity. With the weather on their side, the processions promise to be a memorable highlight of the Semana Santa celebrations in 2025.
