Halloween in Malaga 2023
If you’re on holiday in the city at the end of this month, you may want to take part in some of the many events celebrating Halloween in Malaga. In the updated edition for 2023, you can see what’s on in Malaga during Halloween. You can also discover what the Spanish do to mark All Hallows and most importantly of all, where to buy your outfit.
Halloween is a relatively new custom in Spain, but as a country that loves a party and dressing up, it’s now one of the most popular events in the calendar. Malaga is no exception and like many other cities in Spain, the UK and the US, the city will be teeming with vampires, witches and zombies at the end of October.
Note that this post is a work in progress and we’ll be adding events as we hear about them. Bookmark this page to stay up to date!
Events celebrating Halloween in Malaga
Many bars and restaurants will be having a Halloween-themed night – expect very low lighting and lots of ghoulish decor. But if you’re looking for venues properly celebrating Halloween in Malaga, try these suggestions:
Creepy cemeteries
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track in Malaga, two of the city’s cemeteries are recommended. Not only will they get you into the Halloween mood, they both boast interesting architecture, some famous inhabitants and are oases of peace and quiet.
English Cemetery – Avda de Pries 1 (near the bullring). Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 2pm. €3
San Miguel Cemetery – Plaza del Patrocinio. Daily 9am to 2pm & 4 to 6pm. Free.
Halloween at the Botanical Gardens
The Conception Botanical Gardens offer guided tours round the grounds and house, but at Halloween you won’t be looking out for plants and trees.
Family frights
Younger children will love the family clue hunt around the gardens on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October. Starting at 11am and taking three hours, the event includes a mask making competition. Book your place by phone 951 926 180 or 647 585 457.
Mutant Garden
Join a group of scientists as they search for medicinal remedies in the gardens, with unexpected and dangerous mutations. Group activity from 7pm onwards.
Book your place by phone 951 926 180 or 647 585 457.
Polloween Horror Fest
Videogames, VR and horror movies all come together on Friday 27 October at the Polo National de Contenidos Digitales (next to the Russian Museum and Car Museum).
- Horror videgame showroom – 10am to 2pm and 4 to 7pm.
- Fantasy and horror makeup workshop – 10am to 2pm and 4 to 7pm.
- Fantasy makeup runway – 7.30pm.
- Horror shorts (showing the six finalists) – 8 to 9pm.
- Rock and Terror with DJ Oliver – 9 to 10pm.
All events have free entry. Get to the Polo on the No 7 bus from the south side of the Alameda Principal (get off at Tabacalera) or walk along the western seafront.
Black night in Soho
The Soho district is also celebrating Halloween. Fun starts at 6pm and there are photocalls, trick and treat around local businesses, face painting and a fancy dress competition until 9pm. Join the fun on Calle Tomás Heredia.
Saturday 28 October from 6pm. Free
Portside trick or treat
Kids and family fun at Muelle Uno. A variety of activities will take place including a photocall, witches concert, tons (and tons) of sweets and lots of surprises. Trick or treat around shops on the port. Suitable for all the family.
Tuesday 31 October 5.30 to 9.30pm. Free
HalloMex
Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead on 1 November. Join in this vibe at Centro Larios where you’ll find activities such as skull decorating, competitions, raffles and photocalls. Head to the upper floor for all the action, Monday to Friday 5 to 9pm and Saturday noon to 2pm and 5 to 9pm.
Note that to participate in most activities you need to show a minimum spend of €10 in one of the establishments in the shopping centre.
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Traditions celebrating Halloween in Malaga
Although Spain is gradually adopting an American-style Halloween (fancy dress, trick or treating etc), more traditional activities are still popular. 1 November is a national holiday (handy if you’ve been out till late the night before) and a day for honouring the family’s deceased.
Chestnuts tostón
A long-standing tradition is to feast on roast chestnuts, sometimes with bacon and raisins, washed down by a glass (or several) of homemade spirits. Several villages near Malaga celebrate the tostón on the weekend before Halloween or on 1 November. If you can’t get to a traditional tostón, buy a cone of roasted chestnuts at one of the stalls in Malaga.
Huesos de santo
The Spanish traditionally eat ‘saints bones’ at Halloween. The sweetmeat made from marzipan and egg yolk and sugar paste is hugely popular and you’ll see them in the windows of all the cake shops in Malaga.
Where to buy Halloween costumes in Malaga
If you’re celebrating Halloween in Malaga, the good news is that you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to outfits. Plenty of shops in the city centre sell full costumes and accessories so you needn’t be without your witch’s hat, vampire fangs or zombie mask. Here’s our pick:
Luis Carrasquilla – fancy dress for all occasions. Calle Juan de Padilla 12
Juguetes Carrión – fancy dress for all occasions. Calle Nueva 20.
Imaginarium – some great Halloween outfits for children at these traditional toy stores. Several branches in Malaga including Vialia and Plaza Mayor.
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