26th February 2026 
Leave a commentFebruary 28th is one of the most important dates in Andalusia. Discover why and what activities take place on this special day for Andalusians.
What is Andalusia Day?
Andalusia Day is a celebration commemorating the 1980 Autonomy Referendum, in which Andalusians voted in favour of independence. Since then, Andalusia has been an autonomous community.
This day is celebrated every year on February 28th and is always a public holiday in all eight Andalusian provinces. From early morning, towns and cities offer a variety of institutional events and cultural activities.
In 2026 it falls on a Saturday, allowing everyone to enjoy a full weekend of the enormous heritage, cultural and family activities or institutional events, all of them free.
Visits to Museums and Monuments in Malaga
Many museums, such as the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Centre Pompidou and the Russian Museum Collection, offer free admission as part of their special programs to commemorate Andalusia Day.
In addition, you can explore the city’s historical sites, such as Gibralfaro Castle and the Roman Theatre, throughout the day.
Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre of Malaga, located at the foot of the Alcazaba in the heart of the historic centre, is a must-see during Andalusia Day.
Built during the reign of Augustus, the Roman Theatre is the most important remnant of Roman Hispania in Malaga. It is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the cavea (seating area), the orchestra and the proscenium.
You can also visit the modern interpretation centre, which explains the history and the theatre’s discovery in 1951.
Gibralfaro Castle
Gibralfaro Castle is an ancient Nasrid fortress located on the hills above the city. It’s an ideal place to visit on Andalusia Day, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. There is also a little Cafeteria nearby.
Malaga Museum
The Malaga Museum is offering workshops, guided tours, and themed routes focused on local art and archaeology today.
- Full information is available on their official website
- How to get there
Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou Malaga celebrates Andalusia Day with an open house. It’s a great opportunity to visit its exhibitions and enjoy modern and contemporary art, just steps from the sea.
This museum is located in the beautiful Muelle Uno (Pier One), a short distance from the historic centre, which is well worth a visit for a stroll or a drink.
Russian Museum
Enjoy free entry to exhibitions and participate in guided tours and in-gallery discussions.
Carmen Thyssen Museum
The Carmen Thyssen Museum celebrates Andalusia Day with an open house and free guided tours of the Permanent Collection.
Tour times: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm and 7 pm.
Guided tours have a maximum capacity of 20 people. Registration at the Museum Ticket Office on the day of the activity.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum in Malaga, located in the historic Buenavista Palace, offers free admission today from 10 am to 6 pm (ticket office closes 30 minutes prior).
It’s a great opportunity to visit the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, and then take a stroll through the historic heart of the city.
Andalusia Day in Malaga Province
Visit the Dolmens in Antequera
Andalusia Day is also being celebrated at the Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Site, one of the province’s most important heritage landmarks.
You can join a themed tour to learn about the evolution of this more than 5,000-year-old site through the stories of the people who have contributed to its history and preservation.
The event takes place from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, lasts approximately 90 minutes and requires prior booking. See the poster for details.
Velez-Malaga
Vélez-Málaga begins its celebrations at 12:30 pm with a commemorative official ceremony. Following this, at 1 pm, local singers and artists will pay musical tribute to Andalusia.
At 3 pm, there will be a flamenco dance performance, and at 4 pm, flamenco singing. The festivities conclude with a performance by the group Electroduendes starting at 6 pm. There will also be children’s activities and a bar service.
- Where: Paseo de Andalucía, Velez-Malaga
- How to get there
Torremolinos
Torremolinos is dedicating several days to celebrating Andalusia Day with activities for all tastes.
On February 28th at 11:30 am, you can attend a tribute to Manuel de Falla at the central Plaza Costa del Sol, marking the 150th anniversary of his birth, featuring emblematic works by the composer.
Starting at 12 pm, there will be a Verdiales Panda Parade through the city centre (Plaza Costa del Sol – Calle San Miguel – Plaza Andalucía).
In addition, from February 26th to March 1st, you can stroll through the Sabor a Málaga Market, an ideal place to discover the best of Malagas local products, located on Avenida Palma de Mallorca.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola will celebrate Andalusia Day at the Plaza de Andalucía in the popular Los Boliches neighborhood. The festivities begin at 12 pm with the raising of the flag and a concert by the Municipal Band.
There will also be children’s workshops in Plaza Pedro Cuevas, music and dancing, as well as a parade with a verdial band starting at 1 pm.
Ojén
This white village, located just 9 km from Marbella, celebrates Andalusia Day in a slightly different way, combining the holiday with carnival activities.
The activities will take place in the Plaza de Andalucía, with a costume contest, local cuisine, performances, and live music to liven up the day.
Marbella
Residents of Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara will organize musical performances and prepare paellas, as well as traditional breakfasts and afternoon snacks, to celebrate Andalusia Day on February 28th.
At Plaza de La Libertad, in San Pedro, a traditional Andalusian breakfast will be served starting at 10 am, featuring bread with olive oil and zurrapa (a type of spread), coffee and herbal teas.
The El Mirador neighbourhood association will host a community paella and hot chocolate event starting at 1 pm. There will also be performances by dance academies, cultural activities, and a bar with affordable prices.
The El Barrio neighbourhood association will hold its traditional hot chocolate and cake event starting at 5 pm.
