Ciriaco and Paula were two young local Christians who were martyred on June 18, 303, as part of a persecution ordered by Diocletian. They were sacrificed in what is now known as Martiricos, which alludes directly to these two young people.

In 1487, with the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs in the city, the Holy Martyrs Ciriaco and Paula were named patrons of the city of Málaga, and one of the first four churches was dedicated to them. From 1582 until the end of the 20th century, 18 June was a holiday in Málaga.

The current images of the patrons, sculpted by Jerónimo Gómez Hermosilla in 1645, preside over the high altar of the church of Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula. They come from the Cathedral, since the original icons in the church were destroyed in the attacks in the 1930s.

One congregation dedicates services and festivals in honour of the two saints throughout the year, including a solemn procession around the date of their feast day. In addition, the Diocese of Málaga has assigned the rank of solemnity to their feast day, with a mass that is held every 18 June.