Following the Catholic Monarch's victory over the Moors in Malaga in 1487, they visited the Pope to tell him of the significant extension of the Christian faith that had been achieved in the south of Spain. His Holiness the Pope thanked them for their constancy and proposed as patrons of the city, two young people martyred in Malaga during the persecution of the Roman Empire, San Ciriaco and Santa Paula.
In 1548, the Catholic Monarchs built a temple in Malaga dedicated to these two martyrs. On 16th June 1582, the Church declared the 18th June a religious holiday and anniversary of the Patron Saints, which was immediately seconded by the Town Hall. However, with the passing of time the patron saint festivities fell into decline, due to the fact that the Virgin de la Victoria is also patron of the city. A few years ago, this day was once again declared a local bank holiday.
