Traditional alternative to nightlife - Semana Santa in Costa del Sol

Eager to see alternative to traditional middle European Christian version of celebrating Easter?
Still too cold in Central Europe for Spring Holidays?
So why not to go for short breakaway to Andalucia?

Since Palm Sunday during the whole week, downtown of even smaller municipalities turn to lively spots.  Folks from neighbouring villages would flock together. The point of attraction - paseo de procession - starts from parish church, winding up through narrow streets heading to wider square where a speech and sorrowful mourning song would be performed.

About customs, traditions and meaning of every sign inform yourself on various blogs.

Dress up to nines, locals wear very best pieces from their wardrobe, and dressed in casual wear would make you stand out as tourist. Even as it is still warm at dawn when the procession sets off, it takes no less than midnight to arrive at home church.  In bigger cities where there are several Confradías (Brotherhoods) especially on Viernes Santa festivities might last until small hours - extra layer will be welcomed.

Christo mena by Spanish marine:
EL NOVIO DE LA MUERTE: La Legión con su Cristo (Málaga 2012): https://youtu.be/Nsnc9WuGmDc

Back in days of my childhood, I witnessed easter processions in Slovakia, too. But other than here in southern Spain, anyone behaving too loud,  chewing gum or not singing religious songs in rhythm with brass band music,  would be immediately corrected by elders. 

To my surprise, those young teenage girls wore so bold cutoff, tight short skirts, flirting loud with their peers.

One of biggest differences is that people are spectators, members of procession THE actors.  So every time men bearing the Podest with sculpture of some holy character lift their obviously heavy burden or perform a tricky turn to next small street, that earns them passionate applause.

On and off, the passing of the whole group interrupt a mournful quelling of older woman, the street auditorium redempts her with an applause and the procession carries on - accompanied with long lasting sound of drums.

To sum up, the Holy Week leading to Easter Weekend filled with Spanish customs is a worthy destination even for non religious but curious tourists.

Enjoy your spring holiday