Volatín of Tudela

Date and venue

It takes place on the morning of Holy Saturday, usually at 10:00, at the Casa del Reloj in Tudela's Plaza de los Fueros. The annual programme confirms the proclamation time and the day's accompanying activities.

See the 2026 Volatín of Tudela programme.

What happens during the ceremony

The central figure is a dressed, articulated wooden effigy with a cigar or firecracker in its mouth. Once lit, the mechanism makes the figure spin rapidly until its clothes fall away. The scene symbolises the punishment of Judas and retains a popular, satirical character within Tudela's Easter calendar.

After the spinning, the Orden del Volatín traditionally throws balls, sweets and balloons from the balconies of the Casa del Reloj.

Documented history

Tudela Municipal Archive dates the first known documentary reference to the Volatín to 1732. At that time, a fire tree was lit and rockets were set off alongside the spinning effigy. Details have changed, but the tradition retains its public setting and the symbolic identification of the figure with Judas.

Proclamation and participation

A proclamation immediately before the ceremony announces each edition. Tudela City Council, the Orden del Volatín, organisations connected with Holy Week and residents gathered in the square all take part. Cultural activities and guided visits commonly accompany the day, although their content depends on each year's official programme.

Tourism recognition

The Volatín and the Bajada del Ángel have held Spain's Festival of National Tourist Interest status since 2002. They are two consecutive but distinct ceremonies: the Volatín is held on Holy Saturday and the Ángel on Easter Sunday.

Sources

• Tudela City Council: historical Holy Week documents and the first reference to the Volatín.
• Tudela City Council: tradition and tourism recognition of the Volatín and Ángel.
• Tudela City Council: presentation of Holy Week 2026.

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