Festivals in Santander

Local festivals in Santander

Semana Grande concentrates Santander's main festival programme in July. The May devotion to Virgen del Mar and the feast of the Santos Mártires, the city's patrons, complete a calendar combining religious celebrations, music, popular culture and street events.

Usual celebration

Semana Grande is usually held around the feast of Santiago Apóstol on 25 July and lasts a little over a week. The opening firework and clubs' parade begin a programme of daytime fair events, concerts, folklore, marquees and children's activities in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza Porticada, Plaza Alfonso XIII, Jardines de Pereda, Mesones and the El Sardinero area.

Other cultural events

Baños de Ola recalls El Sardinero's seaside-resort heritage in early July. Palacio de Festivales, Centro Botín, the Magdalena peninsula and the city's museums also sustain a cultural programme throughout the year.