A whole night of (free) culture in Malaga
Mark next Saturday 18 May in red in your diary and get ready for a whole night of (free) culture in Malaga!
Held once a year and known as “white night in Spanish” (noche en blanco, because you stay up all night), this is one of the big annual events in Malaga and a great cultural occasion. All the monuments and museums in Malaga get together to offer unusual cultural events and things to do, making a night to remember for all ages and tastes.
Read our FAQs for all you need to know about this amazing evening of free culture in Malaga.
When is this night of free culture in Malaga?
Saturday 18 May from 7pm to 2am.
Is it really free?
Yes, absolutely with the 1 exception of the tourist bus – a ride round the sights in Malaga will cost €2 on Saturday evening. Not free, but almost!
Where is it held?
At cultural venues throughout the city. So all the art museums in Malaga, all the monuments and other musuems, theatres, the churches and all the open spaces will be holding some sort of cultural events. Expect to see things going on in Plaza de la ConstituciĂłn, Muelle Uno, Calla Alcazabilla, Plaza de la Merced…
Is there a general theme?
Yes, this year’s theme is travel. Chosen by public vote, the slogan is “Around the world”. So expect lots of international culture in Malaga .
Top tip – look out for the decoration in Calle Larios, usually spectacular. The picture below is of a couple of years ago some amazing illuminated jellyfish that lined Calle Larios from top to bottom.
What can we do?
There are dozens of different events ranging from star gazing to discovering the ‘stars’ at the art museums; from photocalls to dancing with stars, from gospel in the Alcazaba Fortress to a piano concert in the Plaza de los Naranjos next to Malaga Cathedral… And all free. Pick up a copy from the Malaga Tourist Office (again, in Spanish only).
Our highlights:
- Tourist bus ride round Malaga for just €2
- Light show in the Pompidou Centre
- Mural painting in Plaza del CarbĂłn
- Face painting for children in Tomás Heredia
Top tip – last year over 200,000 people enjoyed an evening of free culture in Malaga so it’s going to be crowded. To avoid too many people, choose to go to events that will be less popular.
Last year, Malaga lighthouse had blue lighting to celebrate the evening of culture
Is it suitable for children?
Yes and there are lots of events specifically for children and for families. This is an evening when everyone in Malaga goes out to enjoy themselves. For activities suitable for children look for the light blue star in the programme.
What about getting to Malaga?
The city centre and main monuments will be very crowded and the car parks full from early on. It’s best to go to Malaga on public transport – buses and Malaga metro run late to make it easier to get home. Most bus lines will be running until 3am and the night buses (N1, N2 and N4) have extra services. Read about the extra bus services and times here.
Top tip – leave your car at home or park free near the sports stadium (Palacio de los Deportes) and get the metro to El Perchel (mainline station). Calle Larios is just a 10 minute walk from here and metro trains run until late on Saturday evenings.
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