What are the events on the Costa del Sol for Constitution Day and Immaculate Conception this year?

Costa del Sol will celebrate its last long weekend and perhaps its busiest as Constitution Day (Saturday 6th December) and Immaculate Conception Monday 8th December create a three-day festival.

On Saturday, December 6th, the Spanish Constitution of 1978 will celebrate its 47th birthday. Although it is officially a national holiday, falling on a Saturday means almost all shops, supermarkets and shopping centres (Plaza Mayor, La Cañada, El Corte Inglés, Miramar, etc.) The normal opening hours will apply. Closed only on Sundays are banks, certain smaller shops and public office.

However, Monday, 8 December, is a holiday for all of Andalucia. The majority of smaller independent local shops and schools will be closed between Torremolinos & Estepona. The Sunday timetable will be used by the buses (Avanza Portillo), while coastal trains will have a reduced service. Aldi and Lidl will operate at their normal hours. Mercadona is listed as being closed.

Events, flags and family

The official events for Constitution Day include the traditional flag raising ceremony at noon in Marbella’s Plaza de los Naranjos, and Tenencia de Alcalda de San Pedro Alcantara. This is followed by a reception hosted by Mayor. At 12pm, Torremolinos’ Ayuntamiento is also raising the flag in a solemn, formal service. Military, Guardia Civil officers, local and national cops will be standing at attention to sing the national hymn.

For thousands of people, however, the long weekend is synonymous with one thing: Family. Many restaurants, from Benalmadena Costa and Puerto Banus all the way to Manilva book up fast for Saturday lunches or Sunday midday. Restaurants will often have reserved tables for extended families long before the second seating.

Long weekend – heavier traffic

The A-7 traffic will be heavier on Friday afternoon and again Monday afternoon as families gather for the weekend, particularly around Torremolinos and Benalmadena and the San Pedro Tunnel.

The western Costa del Sol is preparing to celebrate Christmas by reuniting, gathering and toasting the 47th anniversary of the democracy.