Arriving in Malaga Spain

Gran Hotel Miramar

After two flights and a layover we arrived in Malaga, Spain in the late afternoon! We had a short Uber ride to our hotel, the historic Gran Hotel Miramar. Check-in was just lovely as they served us champagne while we waited in the elegant front entry.

The bellboy led us to our Arabic style suite complete with modern ammenities. We settled in our suite and then set out to explore the hotel. After finding the gorgeous Royal Lounge, the ball rooms, and the pool, we found ourselves at the Chill Out Terrace (rooftop bar). We enjoyed the most spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea while we sipped on cocktails and ate charcuterie. The terrace DJ played pop music. Although it was not busy, some of the guests danced.

Gran Hotel Miramar Rooftop Bar, Malaga Spain — The Chill Out Terrace at Gran Hotel Miramar

Good Friday in Malaga, Spain

Since it was Holy Week, we eventually left the rooftop bar and walked to Old Town to view one of the Good Friday parades. During the week prior to Easter, referred to as Holy Week, the catholic churches in town host parades daily. Each congregation will start their parade at different times throughout the day, every day of the week. Routes are similar, but with different starting and ending points, so it is easy to find a parade any time or any day of Holy Week. Parades consist of congregants wearing robes and cone shaped hats while carrying candles, crosses, and other religious icons. Other congregants, mainly men, carry huge floats or alters with religous statues. All parade participants march in unison to the drum like tune of the marching bands throughout the parade.

We made the short walk from the hotel into Old Town. Following the music and crowd, we found a Good Friday parade rather quickly. We spent a half hour or so watching the parade at the beginning. Though we did not see the end of the parade, as they are extremely long, we did experience the solemn feeling of the crucifixion of Jesus.

A Good End to our First Night

After walking back to the hotel, we took in the brick walking path and lit up gardens in the courtyard before entering the Gran Miramar. We took our daughter back to the suite for the night.