Festivals in Spain

Browse festivals and traditions in Spanish municipalities, organised by autonomous community and province: Local festival directory.

Today, 10 October: Zaragoza fires the opening rocket for the Fiestas del Pilar

Zaragoza's Fiestas del Pilar officially begin on Saturday 10 October and continue until Sunday 18 October. The opening proclamation will be delivered from the City Hall balcony at 9 pm, followed by the traditional rocket. In 2026, the speakers are professionals from the municipal Fire, Rescue and Civil Protection Service, recognised for their work during a summer marked by forest fires. The preceding parade, entitled Zaragoza Campeona, will travel through the city centre before the official opening in Plaza del Pilar.

The first day offers plenty to do before the proclamation itself. Streets, squares and venues host cultural, family and music events, while the evening includes an Antonio Orozco concert in Plaza del Pilar alongside activity on other stages. Visitors can use the council programme to plan their route, as the centre changes pace and the busiest areas attract large crowds. The rocket marks the formal beginning; after that, Zaragoza has nine days to show how effectively an entire city can become a festival stage.

Further information and sources: Guide to the Fiestas del Pilar; Zaragoza City Council: 2026 Fiestas del Pilar frequently asked questions; Zaragoza City Council: general programme for the 2026 Fiestas del Pilar.

Browse featured festivals from previous days

Tomorrow, 11 October: The Pilar festival enjoys its first full Sunday across Zaragoza

The Fiestas del Pilar enter their first full day on Sunday 11 October, as part of the council programme running from 10 to 18 October. At noon, Plaza del Pilar hosts the Subida de la Virgen, the institutional ceremony in which the image of the Virgin is placed on the structure prepared for the Offering of Flowers. The day's events extend across squares, parks, stages and outlying neighbourhoods, with folk culture, circus, music and entertainment for different audiences. The official programme provides up-to-date times and locations for planning a visit.

Sunday is a chance to explore a festival that cannot be squeezed onto a single stage. Tradition and preparations for the major flower offering meet in Plaza del Pilar, while Jardín de Invierno, Estación del Norte and other venues add concerts and performances. Events also reach Zaragoza's outlying neighbourhoods, so choosing a few stops and allowing time for walking or public transport is a sensible approach. The city offers plenty of possible combinations; keeping the programme handy makes it easier to enjoy the atmosphere without turning the day into a race between events.

Further information and sources: Guide to the Fiestas del Pilar; Zaragoza City Council: placing of the Virgin of the Pilar; Zaragoza City Council: general programme for the 2026 Fiestas del Pilar.

Featured popular festivals

These are the latest festivals added. Browse popular festivals by autonomous community to explore the full directory, or discover other nearby popular festivals.