Fiestas in Aragon

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Zaragoza City

 Fiestas in Zaragoza City
The Pilar
Date: Around 12 October
Fiesta of tourist interest. The devotion to the Virgin of the Pilar from the tradition that says that Mary miraculously visited the apostle James in Zaragoza. El Pilar lasts for nine days, with all kinds of acts: from the massively attended Pregon (opening speech) to the final fireworks display over the Ebro, there are bands, dances, procession of gigantes y cabezudos (carnival figures made of papier mache), concerts, exhibitions, the famous “vaquillas bulls) and the bull festival. Some of the most important features are the Ofrenda de Flores (Flower offering) to the virgin on the 12th, when an enormous cloak is made of the flowers; the massively attended mass of infants, on the same day at dawn; and the beautiful Rosario de Cristal (Glass rosary) held in the evening of the 13th, a street procession of 258 lights and 15 polychrome glass carriages, with enormous popular parcitipation.

Zaragoza: - Information: Town Council, 976 20 12 91 and 976 20 12 00.
 

Caspe.

Procession of Veracruz. On Good Friday the night procession of the Holy Burial ends with a magnificent float, carrying a largesized fragment, which is said to have belonged to the authentic cross that Jesus died upon. From 31 October to 3 November the Regional Fair of Expo-Caspe is held.

Encinacorba.

Procession to the hermitage of Holy Cross on the first Sunday in May. On 4 August, the dance of the Virgin del Mar is danced.

Epila.

On 24 January, for St Babil, the women’s festival takes place, when they invite the men to have chocolate. The carnivals are celebrated: Thursday “Lardero” (following Ash Wednesday), and Sunday of “Piñata”, which marks the end of the fiesta. During Easter Week several acts of great tradition can be highlighted: The Descent from the Cross, the Holy Burial, the Washing by the Three Mary’s and the Sealing f the Tomb. Another peculiar custom is the imprisoning of the mayor in his own home on Easter Thursday and Good Friday, carrying a chain with the key of the Tabernacle. On Quasimodo Sunday, the image is carried for 18 kilometres.

Morata de Jalon.

On 17 and 24 January they burn bundles of thyme at the doors of the houses and “chorizo” and “longaniza” (sausages) are roasted.

Ores. St. Juan preserves a curious tradition: soaking oneself at midnight and avoiding illnesses.

Pradilla de Ebro. On St. Sebastian day, the dance of the Soldadesca del moro is presented.

Tauste. Dance of Tauste. During the feast days of the Virgin of Sancho Abarca (4 april). The traditional Aragonese dance takes on a special meaning in Tauste with its arches of flowers and human towers of four tiers with a child on the top.

Zaragoza. Easter Week. Very notable due to its artistic quality, the abundance of precessions and its antiquity, which dates bac
 

Biel-Fuencalderas.

Procession of the Holy Burial on Good Friday at night, auction of the sticks of the procession by bidding. On 25 and 26 July, offer of fruit when the participants wear regional dress.

Borja.

Palm Day or Thursday “Lardero” (following ash Wednesday), picnic tea of “chorizo” and “longaniza” (sausages), accompanied by bread called el Palmo. During Easter Week the Burial of Christ on Good Friday stands out. On 23 April, Dia de la Culeca (Day of the Broody Hen) the two hens are eaten next to the hermitage of St. Jorge.

Calatayud.

On 14 August, feast day of St. Roque. On 8 September, the patron saint’s feast day of Our lady of the Peña.

Cariñena.

The main festivals are centred around the grape harvest. From 13 to 18 September, multiple celebrations with one important figure; wine.
 

Fiestas in Zaragoza, Spain

 Fiestas in Zaragoza, Aragon

Zaragoza City, Spain. - The Pilar ,Date: Around 12 October Fiesta of tourist interest. The devotion to the Virgin of the Pilar from the tradition that says that Mary miraculously visited the apostle James in Zaragoza, Spain.. El Pilar lasts for nine days, with all kinds of acts: from the massively attended Pregon (opening speech) to ...
Tarazona, Spain. - The “Cipotegato”.Date: On the feast day of St. Atilano, 27 August.The fiesta begins at midday, when the cipotegato, with harlequin dress, runs out of the town council and is showered with tomatoes. The cipotegato when the town corporation went to the town hall, - which used to be next ...
Cetina, Spain. - The “Contradanza”.Date: During the feast day of St. Juan Lorenzo, from 18 to 21 May.An extremely original dance with Celtic music –the only one in Aragon- which commemorates the death of the Saint. It is a masked dance from pre.Christian times which preserves remains of old ...
Daroca , Spain.- The “Corporales”Date: The day of Corpus Christi, at the beginning of June.It is a procession in honour of the Sacred Corporals. Tradition says that in 1239 the Hosts turned into blood sticking to the corporals that surrounded them. They are kept, in the church of Santa Maria, in a gold ...
Other Fiestas of Interest - Ainzon. On the eve of St. Anton, on 16 January, bonfires. The patron saint of the town is St. Sebastian, on 20 January. After the procession of the Saint they eat cakes in the wineries. The second Sunday in March, the day of the quitos, each boy invites a firl to accompany him all day and serves ...



Tarazona

- Fiestas in Tarazona, Zaragoza
The “Cipotegato”.
Date: On the feast day of St. Atilano, 27 August.

The fiesta begins at midday, when the cipotegato, with harlequin dress, runs out of the town council and is showered with tomatoes. The cipotegato when the town corporation went to the town hall, - which used to be next to the market-, incarnating the people mocking the authorities.

Tarazona: - Information: Town Council, 976 64 01 00.

Cetina

- Fiestas in Cetina, Zaragoza
The “Contradanza”.
Date: During the feast day of St. Juan Lorenzo, from 18 to 21 May.

An extremely original dance with Celtic music –the only one in Aragon- which commemorates the death of the Saint. It is a masked dance from pre.Christian times which preserves remains of old farming rites. The jumps of the dancers are spectacular, who wear black cloting with white paint resembling a skeleton, except for the devil who wears red. This takes place at night under torch light, creating a shocking atmosphere.

Cetina: - Information: Town Council, 976 84 40 95.


Daroca

- Fiestas in Daroca, Zaragoza
The “Corporales”
Date: The day of Corpus Christi, at the beginning of June.

It is a procession in honour of the Sacred Corporals. Tradition says that in 1239 the Hosts turned into blood sticking to the corporals that surrounded them. They are kept, in the church of Santa Maria, in a gold relic donated by the Catholic Monarchs. The procession is bright and colourful, with the canopy, the crosses, a monstrance donated by Pedro IV and other ancient ornaments, and above all with the thousands of flower petals that shower over the Forms when they pass through.

Daroca: - Information: Town Council, 976 80 03 12.


Other Fiestas of Interest - Other Fiestas of Interest in Zaragoza Province
Ainzon.

On the eve of St. Anton, on 16 January, bonfires. The patron saint of the town is St. Sebastian, on 20 January. After the procession of the Saint they eat cakes in the wineries. The second Sunday in March, the day of the quitos, each boy invites a firl to accompany him all day and serves her at the table. For St. Isidro, there is an Aragonese tug-of-war, a country picnic on the banks of the river Huecha with “breadcrumbs” and “stew” contests, the children have chocolate in the main square. Between 14 and 17 September, the main fiestas in honour of the HolyChrist, highlighting the dances of the “Mozo” and Sr. Elena.

Alarba.

Procession to the hermitage of the saint on 23 April. On the third Sunday in May, procession to the hermitage of Our lady of Sernon. During the fiesta of St. Roque, apart from other acts, the ass race and chicken run take place.

Aldehuela de Liestos.

Procession to the hermitage of the Virgin of Guia de Guerrero, on the second Sunday in June. The Town Council offers each person two eggs, bread and a litre of wine.

La Almunia de Doña Godina.

On 17 and 20 January, the feast, days of St. Anton and St. Sebastian, with traditional sports competitions (ball and bar). From 24 to 29 September, patron saint’s festival with farming exhibitions and cattle fair.

Aranda de Moncayo.

Catle fair on 30 and 31 October and 1 November.

Artieda.

During the procession to the hermitage of St. Pedro, on the day of the Pentecost, the Town Council gives out bread and wine, the people prepare typical dishes which they then share out.


 

Anso.Spain. - Day of the Exaltation of the Anso dress.Date: Last Sunday in August.Anso becomes living museum for its traditional dress. It begins with a procession at midday, followed by mass and passacaglia through the village, when the visitors can enjoy the beauty of the traditional Anso dress. In the ...
Jaca.Spain. - Folk Festival of the Pyrenees.Date: End of July and beginning of August, Sunday being the last day; odd years in Jaca and even years in Oloron (France).Fiesta of tourist interest. Folk groups from all over the world exhibit their dances and traditions in the Congress Palace. But the real fiesta is ...
Yebra de Basa.Spain. - Procession to shrine of St. Orosia.Date: 25 June.This is a reminder of the flight, of the martyr to the place where the hermitage was raised. The procession leaves in the early hours of the morning carrying her skull in a 15th century silver bust. They climb the hill stopping to dance along the ...
Ainsa.Spain. - La Morisma.Date: The Sunday closest to the 14 September. (Bi-annual celebration on odd years).This commemorates the appearance of the Holy Cross on a tree, as can be seen on the shield of Aragon, and which was the signal that encouraged the Aragonese trops’e town. The legendary drama of La ...
Bielsa. Spain.- Carnivals.Date: During carnival time, for 3 days.An anthropological phenomenon with great popular tradition and symbolism. Its origins are lost in time. The trangas are young men wearing coloured skirts and shirts, with their heads and shoulders covered by goats skins and with large horns, black ...
Graus. Spain.- The Mojiganga.Date: The Sunday closet to 14 September.Fiesta of tourist interest. The mojiganga is a grotesque group that goes round the town and finishes its activity in the Plaza Mayor (main square), with a dramatic popular performance carried out by the villagers, which is a satire of social ...
Huesca. Spain.- St. Lorenzo.Date: Between 9 and 15 August.According to tradition, St. Lorenzo was martyred on 10 August of the year 258. In his memory, the town is decked out with the white and green of the local groups. Tradition and amusement, mingle together: musical performances, dances and cultural events. ...
Other Fiestas of Interest,Spain.

 Ainsa-Sobrarbe. On 16 September, fiesta of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.Ayerbe. At the end of the month of January the Conversion of St. Paul is celebrated with folk dances and pilgrimage to the Saint’s chapel. On 1 June, procession to the shrine of the Virgin of Casbas.Barbastro. ...
 

Anso.Spain. - Fiestas in Anso, Huesca
Day of the Exaltation of the Anso dress.
Date: Last Sunday in August.

Anso becomes living museum for its traditional dress. It begins with a procession at midday, followed by mass and passacaglia through the village, when the visitors can enjoy the beauty of the traditional Anso dress. In the afternoon there is a popular fiesta. There is a Museum of Anso Dress in the town hall and parish church.

Anso: - Information: Town Hall, 974 37 00 03.


Jaca.Spain. - Fiestas in Jaca, Huesca
Folk Festival of the Pyrenees.

Date: End of July and beginning of August, Sunday being the last day; odd years in Jaca and even years in Oloron (France).

Fiesta of tourist interest. Folk groups from all over the world exhibit their dances and traditions in the Congress Palace. But the real fiesta is in the street, with improvised activities where the public mixes with continuous passacaglias. There are also conferences and exhibitions of craftwork, instruments, stamps and other objects from the participating countries.

Jaca: - Information: Town Council promotion area, 974 35 57 58.

Yebra de Basa. Spain.- Fiestas in Yebra de Basa, Huesca
Procession to shrine of St. Orosia.

Date: 25 June.

This is a reminder of the flight, of the martyr to the place where the hermitage was raised. The procession leaves in the early hours of the morning carrying her skull in a 15th century silver bust. They climb the hill stopping to dance along the beautiful route of rock sanctuaries with legendary names. The procession is accompanied by dancers, wearing colourful dresses and hats with flowers, who dance the extremely old dance de Santa Orosia, knocking their box sticks together to the sound of the chiflo, a primitive flute lined with snake skin and the chicoten, a hollow harp with strings that are hit with a stick.

Yebra de Basa: - Information: town Council, 974 48 03 23.

Monzon. Spain.  On 20 April, Our lady of Alegria. There is a procession to the Virgin’s shrine.

Plan. Since 1985 the so-called festival of the bachelors of Plan has been held in Spring, on dates which vary. During this festival the boys of the valley invite girls of marriage age.

Sabiñanigo. Spain. Carnival celebrations.

Sallent de Gallego. Spain. On 14 September. Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

San Juan de Plan. Carnivals. They preserve all the richness of their tradition, as can be seen from the processions with the typical and attractive dress of the valley, accompanied by serenades, castanets and dances, and the straw doll that symbolises the Carnival.
 

Route of the drum and bass drums - Route of the drum and bass drums

Date: Easter Week.

Fiestas of tourist interest.

They go through Albalate del Arazobispo, Alcaniz, Alcorisa, Andorra, Calanda, Hijar, La Puebla de Hijar, Samper de Calanda and Urrea de Gaen. In Hijar they are very severe, and black is the predominant colour in the ...
Albarracin - The “Mayos”Date: 30 AprilAt midnight on the 30th. , the serenade goes round the steep streets of Albarracin and other villages in the region playing love-songs under balconies full of flowers. These are the mayos, a popular expression of exaltation of love and spring, which rises ...
Teruel City - Fiestas of the Angel.Date: The second Sunday in July, close to St. CristobalFiesta of the Angel in TeruelDedicated to the Santo Angel (Holy Angel), the patron saint of the city, they commemorate the legendary foundation of Teruel by some Aragonese knights after taking the Moslem fortress, which a ...
Bulls with yokes and burning balls on their horns - Date: from July to September

The villages of Gudar and Javalambre celebrate their fiestas with the totemic night celebration of the “embolado” bull, which consist in placing a yoke with inflammable balls on the horns of the bull and letting it run free through the streets of the village. ...
Other Fiestas of Interest - Alcala de la Selva. The 8 September is the Virgin of the Vega, there is a procesión to the shrine and different popular acts are held.Alcañiz. The patron saints’ feast days of Our lady of Pueyos and Santo Angel Custodio are held from 9 September onwards. The procession to the ...
 

Route of the drum and bass drums - route of the drum and bass drums in Hijar, Calanda and Alcaniz
Route of the drum and bass drums
Date: Easter Week.

Fiestas of tourist interest. They go through Albalate del Arazobispo, Alcaniz, Alcorisa, Andorra, Calanda, Hijar, La Puebla de Hijar, Samper de Calanda and Urrea de Gaen. In Hijar they are very severe, and black is the predominant colour in the tunics and terceroles (pleated hood). The climb to Calvary and the rompida de la hora (breaking of the hour) at 0 hours on Good Friday stands out. Calanda is famous for being the birthplace of Luis Buñuel. In their spectacular rompida de la hora, at 12 o’clock on Good Friday, after the fist bell chime, the hour is broken with a din that lasts for 26 exhausting hours and finishes with the marcha palillera (la procession).

Easter Week in Hijar

Hijar: - Information: Town Hall, 978 82 00 00.
Calanda: - Information: Town Hall, 978 88 61 41.
Alcaniz: - Informatio9n: Town Hall, 978 87 05 65.


Albarracin - Fiestas in Albarracin, Teruel ,Spain
The “Mayos”
Date: 30 April
At midnight on the 30th. , the serenade goes round the steep streets of Albarracin and other villages in the region playing love-songs under balconies full of flowers. These are the mayos, a popular expression of exaltation of love and spring, which rises spontaneously from time immemorial.

Albarracin: -Information: Town Hall, 978700400
Mosqueruela. Procession of the Virgin of the Estrella on the las Sunday in May.

Puebla de Hijar. Bonfires os St. Antón (17 January)

Teruel. Ham Festival. End of September: Popular Festival for tasting the ham of Teruel.

Valderrobres. Carnival. This period starts with a “fantasmada“ and the arrival of the carnival, a doll that will be burnt on the last niht. On the Saturday “calmante” is given out until daylight.

Aragon Pyrenees
Aragon festivals & events guide

If the historical-artistic heritage of the Aragon Pyrenees is rich, so is its traditional culture. Expressions of different types, economic activities, rites to become steeped in that society from a very early age, beliefs of all kinds that try to explain the unexplainable or an endless number of festivities of compulsory existence for the harsh life of yesteryears.
An innumerable series of festivities take plac throughout the whole year all over Pyrenees. These celebrations made up the annual cycle of festivals and events and delimited the seasonal changes -equinox and solstice- or they marked the end of the farming and stock rearing tasks.
Desired festivals that announce the four seasons according to their characteristics, and the work to be carried out. Thus, here is the Carnival, a festivity that greets the spring, the generation of life, marked by its characters -"trangas", madams, bears, Mr. Carnal- visible in Bielsa, San Juan de Plan, Nerin, Torla, Gistain, Plan, Campo and La Fueva.
Following Carnival we have the restrictive LEnt, which in turn is followed by San Juan, with its two main components, regenerative and vivifying: water and fire. The former sought after in springs and mountain lakes, whose water was used for drinking and bathing. The latter expressed in hundreds of bonfires lit in many Aragon Pyrenees towns and villages. Thus the autumn days arrive, marked by the transhumance of the cattle following San Miguel, which is the prelude to Christmas, of the new change in year characterised by the rite of the trunk of Christmas.
But these are not the only days off. All the patron saints' days must be added, many of which are celebrated between the middle of July and August, when the farming-shepherding tasks either stop or slow down.
Felstivals characterised by a series of expressions, underlining the dances, especially those of sticks or "paloteaos" such as the dance of the "Repetau" of Torla on October the 12th or the dances that take place on the day of San Lorenzo, patron saint of Huesca.
Some representations are also curious, such as the pilgrimage of Santa Orosia with its dancers in Yebra de Basa - June 25th-, whose route goes through a dream landscape, adorned with singular clothes and figures, and the two musical instruments: the "chicoten" and the "chiflo".
The Festivity of the exaltation of the dress of Anso also stands out, on the last Sunday in August, a time when its inhabitants walk through the streets dressed with the different clothes used for the chores and events to be commemorated. And in September the Mojiganga de Graus, an eighteenth century popular play, which with derisive comments and reality denounce the events that have taken place in the town over the last year.
The Morisma of Ainsa, performed in odd years in the incomparable framework of its square and recalling the battle and victory in this population against the Moslem dominion after the appearance of a cross on a kermes oak.
The summer festivals held in different parts of the Pyrenees complete this varied tourist offer.
The first and oldest is the Folklore Festival of the Pyrenees which is held in Jaca in odd years, -it shares its venue with the French Oloron- and where traditional sounds and rhythms from all over the world can be enjoyed.
Devoted to the music and culture of the Pyrenees, the PIR is held in Anso, Echo, Aragues and Jasa. During the International Festival of the Cultures "Pirineos Sur", ethnic music appears on a stage floating on the waters of the reservoir of Lanuza.
The Festival of the Castle of Ainsa is also devoted to the music of the world. Ancient music festivals such as the Festival of the Road to Santiago and the Festival of /Roda de Isabena. Also in Ribagorza, Classics on the Frontier devotes its programming to classical music. Organised with private initiative, the Festival of the Somontano is held in Barbastro.
The Film Festival of Huesca must also be highlighted, which is acquiring more and more prestige, and the festival of the Sports Films of the City of Jaca.