Zaragoza’s events calendar is anchored by the Fiestas del Pilar in October, one of Spain’s biggest annual celebrations. But the city hosts festivals and cultural events throughout the year, from Easter processions to contemporary music festivals. Here are the key Zaragoza events and festivals to plan your trip around.
Zaragoza Events and Festivals: Major Festivals
Fiestas del Pilar (Week of October 12)
The Fiestas del Pilar is Zaragoza’s defining event, a 10-day celebration honouring the Virgen del Pilar that draws over 500,000 visit (see our best time to visit Zaragoza guide)ors. The festival runs from the Saturday before October 12 to the Sunday after, so the exact dates shift annually, but the core week always includes October 12, which is both Spain’s National Day and the Feast of the Pilar. The main events: the Flower Offering (Ofrenda de Flores) on October 12, where 350,000 people in traditional Aragon dress carry flowers to build a 15-metre floral mantle on the Virgin’s statue in Plaza del Pilar; the Fruit Offering on October 13; the Rosario de Cristal (Glass Rosary) parade of illuminated glass floats on October 13 evening; and daily midday concerts and street performances across the city centre. The festival also includes a funfair, bullfights at La Misericordia bullring, and free open-air concerts by major Spanish acts. Accommodation prices double or triple during the festival week, and rooms sell out 3 to 4 months in advance. Book by June for October stays.
Semana Santa (Easter Week, March or April)
Zaragoza’s Semana Santa processions are among the most solemn in Spain, involving 30 brotherhoods (cofradias) that parade through the Old Town carrying elaborate religious floats (pasos) weighing up to 4,000kg. The most dramatic procession is the Procesion del Santo Entierro (Holy Burial) on Good Friday evening, which has run continuously since 1617 and involves drums, trumpets, and thousands of hooded penitents. The processions follow a published route through the streets around Plaza del Pilar and La Seo. They typically start at 7pm and run past midnight. Entry to view is free; arrive early to claim a spot along the route. Accommodation books up 2 to 3 months ahead for Easter week. See our things to do in Zaragoza guide for more.
Zaragoza Events and Festivals: Cultural Events
Festival de Cine de Zaragoza (November)
The Zaragoza Film Festival runs for 10 days in mid-November at venues across the city, primarily the Filmoteca de Zaragoza and CaixaForum. It screens 80 to 100 independent and arthouse films with a focus on Spanish and Latin American cinema. Most films are in Spanish with English subtitles for international selections. Single tickets cost 5 euros; a festival pass for all screenings is 35 euros. The programme is published in late October on the festival website. Our Zaragoza neighborhoods guide compares all districts.
Vive Latino Zaragoza (June or September)
Vive Latino Zaragoza is a one-day or two-day music festival held at the Espacio Expo or the Recinto Ferial de Valdespartera, featuring Latin rock, indie, and pop acts from Spain and Latin America. Past lineups have included artists like Vetusta Morla, Love of Lesbian, and Izal. Tickets range from 45 to 75 euros depending on the day and lineup. The date varies, typically in June or September. Check the Vive Latino website for the current year’s schedule. Find the best places in our where to stay in Zaragoza guide.
Feria del Libro de Zaragoza (May to June)
The Zaragoza Book Fair sets up along the Paseo de la Independencia and Plaza de Aragon for 10 days from late May to early June. Over 60 bookstalls showcase Spanish-language literature, with author signings, readings, and children’s activities. Free entry. Open daily from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. For practical advice, read our Zaragoza travel tips.
Zaragoza Events and Festivals: Seasonal
Carnaval (February)
Zaragoza’s Carnaval celebrations run for five days in mid-February, with costume parades, street parties, and a sardine burial ceremony on Ash Wednesday. The main parade takes place on Saturday afternoon along Paseo de la Independencia. It is smaller than Carnaval in Cadiz or Tenerife but lively and family-friendly. Most events are free. Check our Zaragoza travel guide for more.
Christmas Markets (December)
The main Christmas market sets up in Plaza del Pilar from early December to January 6 (Three Kings Day), with 40 to 50 wooden stalls selling nativity figures, handmade gifts, and churros with chocolate. The adjacent Plaza de la Seo hosts a smaller craft market. Both markets operate daily from 11am to 9pm (until 3pm on December 24 and 31). Free entry. The Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) on January 5 is the highlight for families, with elaborate floats, music, and candy thrown to the crowd along a route from the University to Plaza del Pilar.
San Jorge (April 23)
San Jorge (Saint George) is the patron saint of Aragon, celebrated on April 23 with book stalls (it coincides with International Book Day) and flower displays throughout the city. It is a public holiday in Zaragoza, with many businesses closed. The main events take place in Plaza Aragon and along Paseo de la Independencia, where bookshops set up outdoor stalls and authors sign copies. Free entry. For climate data, see our Zaragoza weather by month.
