Alcalá de Henares Fair and Festival
The Ferias y Fiestas are Alcalá de Henares's main popular summer celebration. Peñas, parade groups, performers, clubs and local organisations fill the historic centre, neighbourhoods and fairground with street parades, games, theatre, music, sport and activities for all ages.
Usual date
They are held around Saint Bartholomew's Day on 24 August, usually across nine days in the second half of the month. The official opening normally brings together the peñas' offering, presentation of the festival representatives, placement of the peñas' standard and an opening speech from the Town Hall balcony.
Where it is held
The Isla del Colegio fairground beside the River Henares contains rides, stalls and hospitality. Plaza de Cervantes hosts the opening speech, daytime fair, concerts and peña activities. Huerta del Obispo, Parque O'Donnell, Parque de Sementales, Teatro Salón Cervantes, the university's Santo Tomás de Villanueva courtyard and all five districts complete the festival map.
Origins and continuity
The council links Alcalá's main August festival with fairs held around Saint Bartholomew's Day since the Middle Ages. Its formats and venues have changed, but it retains its role as a community reunion at the end of summer and its close relationship with the city's historical calendar.
Peñas and participation
The festival peñas are central to the celebrations. They organise contests, street parades, tastings, children's activities, charitable initiatives and parties in their marquees and premises. Regional houses, cultural and social associations, sports clubs, artists and municipal services take part alongside them.
Giants, big-head figures and Pequeñantes
The century-old Gigantes y Cabezudos troupe tours streets in the centre and different neighbourhoods each morning. Jóvenes Giganteros y Cabezudos Los Pequeñantes continue the tradition with their own parades. Routes change in each edition to bring the festival to every district.
Characteristic events
- Opening speech and rocket from the Town Hall balcony in Plaza de Cervantes.
- Fairground with rides, peña marquees, children's days and low-noise sessions.
- Gigantes y Cabezudos, Pequeñantes and brass bands in the centre and neighbourhoods.
- Theatre, dance, large concerts and performances by local artists.
- Vermouth gatherings, contests, games, charitable and family activities run by the peñas.
- Float parade, removal of the peñas' standard and final fireworks.
Practical information
Some activities are free subject to capacity, while others require a ticket or registration. Fairground hours, children's days, low-noise periods, routes and security arrangements are specified in each official programme. The Ferias do not in themselves constitute a local public holiday from work.
Sources
Today's international trade fair
You can also find information about international trade fairs and discover today's featured trade fair at FeriasHoy.com.