Most towns, cities and villages in Spain are centred around a main square, and in that main square you will usually find the parish church. San Pedro is no different, and although it has grown over the years from a small sugarcane settlement to a bustling cosmopolitan town, the church square is just as important today as it always was.
As for the church itself, Iglesia Parroquia de San Pedro Alcántara, it is not a particularly old building but built in the colonial style, and like much of the town it was constructed in 1866 by the benevolent Marqués del Duero. In the summer months mass is held at 20:00hrs daily and 19:00hrs in winter, with extra services on weekends and festive days at 10:30hrs.
The plaza in front of the church offers the perfect shady spot to take time out from shopping or to spend an hour after lunch just sitting in the square, watching the world go by. You will likely be joined by groups of usually older retired locals discussing football, politics or sharing a joke, young families with kiddies running after the many pigeons and tourists catching the sun at the cafés and restaurants, not to mention ladies who meet up to pass the day with each other.
However, the best time to be there is when there is a wedding taking place. Spanish weddings are fabulous with stunning outfits, fancy hats, children in formal dress and, if you are lucky, ladies in traditional mantilla headwear. The ceremony seems to go on forever, with people constantly popping in and out of the church – usually for a quick cigarette! – until the bride arrives when everyone moves inside.
The square, which has parking underneath, also houses the San Pedro Townhall (not a particularly spectacular building) and is often the venue for free entertainment, exhibitions and kids activities. We have been to classical music concerts by the Málaga Philharmonic, medieval festivals, book fairs and artesan markets, to mention a few.
Whether there is something going on or not, the church square or Plaza de Iglesia, represents the beating heart of San Pedro and if you find yourself with half an hour to spare, it is well worth dropping by to soak up the atmosphere.