What happens if it rains during Semana Santa?
Malaga, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, comes alive during Semana Santa, drawing crowds from far and wide to witness its spectacular processions.
However, amid the excitement and anticipation, the unpredictable nature of spring weather can pose challenges for the brotherhoods (or cofradías) that organise these events.
In Malaga, where Semana Santa holds special significance, brotherhoods go to great lengths to protect their floats (tronos), bearing carved images of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and other biblical figures, from the elements.
Sadly, though, the threat of rain looms large over these meticulously planned processions every Easter.
How does rain affect Easter processions?
Of all the different types of adverse weather, rain is the one feared most by organisers.
Wet weather can disrupt processions, forcing brotherhoods to make difficult decisions, leaving both participants and spectators in suspense.
That’s because rain is not merely an inconvenience for Semana Santa processions; it poses significant dangers.
Water can damage the delicate decorations adorning the floats, while rain can extinguish the candles and lanterns that illuminate the processions, robbing them of their ethereal glow and spiritual ambience.
Moreover, slippery streets, particularly in the city centre, significantly increase the risk of accidents, particularly for those who bear the weight of these extremely heavy floats on their shoulders.
Who decides if processions are cancelled?
In Malaga, where the weather can change in an instant, the brotherhoods themselves are responsible for deciding what to do when faced with an ominous forecast.
If the rain is only light, they may decide to go ahead with their processions as normal, shorten the route or delay until the weather improves.
However, if the rain is heavy or storms are forecast, processions are normally called off and those who have been rehearsing for months will have to wait until next year.
To avoid disappointment for all involved, the brotherhoods closely monitor the weather forecasts and delay their decisions as long as possible, waiting for any signs of improvement that would allow their processions to proceed as planned.
However, they must make pragmatic decisions. Therefore, if the forecast remains unfavourable, the leadership of each brotherhood convenes to assess the situation and puts the final decision to a vote.
Daryl is the co-founder of Malaga Guru. He is a copywriter, editor and translator who moved to Malaga a decade ago having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found this site in 2016.