When the Dead Return: 2026 programme
2026 programme for When the Dead Return, with dates, times, events and venues.
When the Dead Return. Programme for Friday 30 October 2026
Registration and the opening presentation begin at 6 pm at the Documentation Centre. At 7 pm, the gathering in honour of the Ánimah Benditah includes local produce, music and a souls' procession. The Noche de Ánimas en Las Hurdes night walk leaves from La Sauceda at 9 pm.
When the Dead Return. Programme for Saturday 31 October 2026
The official opening is at 10 am. Talks begin at 10.30 and 11.30 am, 1 and 4 pm, with a coffee break and mythical-character parade at 12.30 pm and lunch at 2 pm. La Escóbula de la Brújula is recorded live at 5.30 pm. At 8 pm, the children's Chiquitía takes place around Pinofranqueado while the Gran Serano de la Calvochá in Mesegal features a bonfire, dances, songs, ritual collection and offerings.
When the Dead Return. Programme for Sunday 1 November 2026
At 10 am in Mesegal, the traditional parade begins with the welcome for La Chicharrona, a mythical figure of the Las Hurdes winter.
Practical information
Times and venues may change for organisational or weather-related reasons. See the permanent festival guide.