Festivals in Bilbao
Discover the main festivals, celebrations and traditions of Bilbao, municipality of Vizcaya, in Basque Country.
Aste Nagusia and festive traditions of Bilbao
La Aste Nagusia It begins with the proclamation and the txupin from the balcony of the Arriaga Theater. Marijaia, created in 1978, is its symbol; troupes and txosnas, giants and big heads, bilbainadas, street theater, rural sports and fireworks are part of its traditions. The Joint Festival Commission—City Hall and Bilboko Konpartsak—organises the cycle, in which the town crier, txupinera, troupes, artists, associations and the public participate.
Outside of Semana Grande, the fair Santo Tomás, on 21 December, brings together baserritarras, local product stalls, music and popular atmosphere mainly in Arenal and Plaza Nueva. It is a traditional appointment distinct from the annual Aste Nagusia programme and does not in itself determine a non-working day.
Detailed information on individual celebrations: