Experience Benalmádena Throughout the Year
Benalmádena is much more than sunshine and beautiful scenery. Throughout the year the town comes alive with colourful festivals, traditional Andalusian celebrations, live music, food festivals and international events that welcome visitors from around the world.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or enjoying a longer holiday, there's a good chance you'll discover something special happening during your stay.
Event dates can vary slightly from year to year, so we recommend checking the official event calendars before travelling.
🌸 Spring
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
March / April
One of Andalucía's most spectacular religious celebrations. Benalmádena hosts moving processions through its streets, with beautifully decorated floats, traditional music and candlelit evening parades. One of the most unique events is El Paso, a dramatic open-air re-enactment of the Passion of Christ that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Perfect for: Culture • Photography • History • Families
International Festival of Cultures
March
A celebration of Benalmádena's wonderfully international community.
Expect food stalls, traditional costumes, music and performances from dozens of different countries, all creating a vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for the whole family.
Perfect for: Families • Food Lovers • Music
Corpus Christi
Traditional floral displays decorate the streets while local religious processions celebrate one of Andalucía's most important Christian festivals.
Perfect for: Photography • Local Traditions
☀️ Summer
Feria de San Juan
June
Summer officially begins with the magical Night of San Juan.
Bonfires are lit, music fills the air and locals head to the beaches to celebrate one of Spain's favourite summer traditions.
Perfect for: Evening Entertainment • Couples • Families
Veladilla del Carmen
July
A beautiful maritime celebration honouring the patron saint of fishermen.
Expect music, local festivities and the traditional procession of the Virgin carried to the sea, creating one of the most memorable evenings on the Costa del Sol.
Perfect for: Photography • Local Culture
Benalfest
Summer
One of the Costa del Sol's leading indie music festivals.
Held at Los Nadales in Benalmádena Pueblo, Benalfest attracts major Spanish artists while offering stunning views across the Mediterranean from its unique hillside location.
Perfect for: Live Music • Younger Visitors • Groups
Summer Concerts & Outdoor Entertainment
Throughout the summer you'll often find open-air concerts, performances and cultural events taking place in Benalmádena's plazas and cultural venues, making warm evenings even more enjoyable.
Perfect for: Relaxed Evenings • Couples
🍂 Autumn
Feria de la Virgen de la Cruz
August
Although held towards the end of summer, this is Benalmádena Pueblo's biggest annual celebration.
Expect fairground rides, live music, dancing, local food, fireworks and plenty of Andalusian atmosphere as the village celebrates its patron saint.
Perfect for: Everyone
Benalmádena Flamenco Guitar Festival
September
An annual festival celebrating some of Spain's finest flamenco guitarists, with performances ranging from established masters to exciting new talent.
Perfect for: Music Lovers • Culture
Fiesta Gaucha
September
One of Benalmádena's most unusual celebrations, recognising the town's links with Argentina.
Expect traditional music, dancing, horse displays and delicious Argentine cuisine.
Perfect for: Families • Food Lovers
❄️ Winter
International Christmas Festival
December
The festive season brings Christmas markets, food from around the world, live entertainment, family activities and visits from Santa Claus, creating a wonderfully international celebration.
Perfect for: Families • Christmas Breaks
Three Kings Parade
January
One of Spain's most magical Christmas traditions.
Children line the streets as the Three Kings arrive in colourful processions, distributing sweets and marking the end of the festive season.
Perfect for: Families
Carnival
February
Colourful costumes, music, parades and plenty of fun make Carnival one of the liveliest winter celebrations on the Costa del Sol.
Perfect for: Families • Couples • Photography
Planning Your Visit
Festival dates and programmes may vary slightly each year, so it's always worth checking the official event calendars before you travel.
Official Event Calendar (What's On)
Benalmádena Town Hall Event Agenda
Make The Lilac Tree Part of Your Celebration!
Whether you've spent the day exploring a colourful festival, enjoying live music in the Pueblo or soaking up the atmosphere of one of Benalmádena's famous fiestas, round off your day at The Lilac Tree.
Relax with a refreshing drink on our terrace, enjoy a leisurely lunch or celebrate the evening with freshly prepared food, fine wines and cocktails in the heart of Benalmádena Pueblo.
Good food, great company and unforgettable memories – whatever the season.
