Lorraine Williamson
This year, Día de Andalucía falls on a Saturday, which changes the feel of the day. For some, it’s a quieter celebration with family plans already in place. For others, it’s a handy chance to get out, visit a museum for free, or squeeze in a shop run with fewer people getting a “bridge” weekend than usual. The Junta’s official calendar lists 28 February (Saturday) as the regional public holiday.
Here’s a practical guide to what’s happening on 28-F — and what you should know before heading out.
Free museum entry and cultural plans across Andalucia
If you want a low-effort plan that still feels like a proper day out, this is it: many cultural spaces are running special 28F programming and, in several cities, that includes free entry and guided visits. The Junta has promoted more than 100 activities across its cultural venues this week, around 28F.
Málaga: free entry at major sites
In Málaga, several headline museums are offering free entry and/or organised visits, including spaces such as the Casa Natal Picasso, Centre Pompidou Málaga, the Museo Carmen Thyssen, and others. Check each venue’s final timings before you go, as guided slots can fill quickly. Shopping and supermarkets: yes, many places are open — but don’t assume
A common misconception is that everything shuts. In reality, 28F is a holiday, but many retail sites and shopping centres operate, particularly in larger cities and coastal areas.
Málaga province: shopping centres opening hours
Málaga-based coverage lists several major centres opening with regular retail hours, including El Corte Inglés (10.00 am –10.00 pm) and several large malls running standard schedules, with restaurants often open later. Marbella’s La Cañada is also listed as opening.
Supermarkets: chain policy varies store by store
National guidance is broadly consistent: some chains tend to close or run limited hours, while others are more flexible, especially in tourist zones. The safest advice is simple — check the specific store locator in the official app/site before making a trip.
Travel note: train disruption around Málaga and bus transfers
If you’re travelling between provinces today, build in extra time. Recent infrastructure issues around Málaga have led to road transfers being used for some rail journeys, and the situation has been evolving since the heavy rains.
Renfe has published service notices explaining a Plan Alternativo de Transporte by road on affected sections while works continue. Anyone heading between Málaga and inland connections should double-check their service before leaving home.
Separate local reporting also notes ongoing works and transfers affecting routes between Málaga and other hubs, with journey times potentially longer than expected.
The official 28F moments: flag, anthem, and the Medallas
For those who like to keep an eye on the institutional side of the day, Sevilla hosts the main formal programme.
Coverage of the official schedule describes a morning start at the Parlamento de Andalucía, followed by the central ceremony at the Teatro de la Maestranza, where the Junta presents its annual honours.
In a short message on X on Saturday, Andalucía’s regional president, Juanma Moreno, wished residents a happy 28F, calling it a day to celebrate the region’s “roots, culture and way of being”.
A Saturday 28F tends to split into two Andalucías
One version is public-facing: museums, town-centre events, flags and speeches. The other is private: a slower day, a family lunch, a walk somewhere with winter sun, and a sense that the region’s identity sits in everyday life as much as in institutions.
This year, with 28F landing on a Saturday, that second version may be the dominant one — but the practical takeaway is clear: there’s plenty open, plenty to do, and a few travel and timing details worth checking before you go.