Santiago de Compostela runs on a festival calendar that revolves around religious feast days, Galician cultural celebrations, and university life. The city’s two biggest events are the Festas da Ascension in May and the Festas do Apostolo in July, each drawing thousands of visitors. Book accommodation at least 3-4 months ahead if you plan to attend either one. Smaller events throughout the year keep the old town animated even in the quieter months. For more details, see our best time to visit Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela Events: Festas do Apostolo (Feast of St. James)
Dates: July 19 to July 31 annually, with July 24-25 as the peak days. July 25 is the Dia de Santiago (St. James Day), a public holiday across Galicia. For more details, see our things to do in Santiago de Compostela guide.
What to expect: This is the city’s signature celebration, drawing pilgrims from around the world who have timed their Camino to arrive for the feast day. The program spans nearly two weeks with free open-air concerts in the Praza da Quintana, traditional Galician music and dance performances, art exhibitions, street theater, and religious ceremonies at the cathedral. The highlight is the night of July 24, when a spectacular fireworks display is launched over the cathedral, coordinated to music. On July 25, the cathedral holds a solemn mass often attended by members of the Spanish royal family. The botafumeiro (the massive incense burner) is swung during this mass, a sight worth arriving early to see. The Praza do Obradoiro fills to capacity by 10:00 on July 25, so arrive by 09:00 if you want a spot near the cathedral entrance. Hotel prices triple during this period; a room that costs 90 euros in June will run 250-300 euros during the Apostle Festival. For more details, see our best neighborhoods in Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela Events: Festas da Ascension
Dates: Variable (40 days after Easter). In 2026, Ascension Day falls on May 14, and the festival runs roughly May 12-17. For more details, see our where to stay in Santiago de Compostela.
What to expect: Ascension is Santiago’s second-largest festival and feels more local than the Apostle Festival. The program includes outdoor concerts featuring Galician folk and contemporary acts (recent headliners include Tanxugueiras and Mondra), traditional craft markets in the Alameda park, equestrian events, and the pulpo tents where octopus is cooked in massive copper pots. The Alameda hosts free nightly concerts starting around 21:30. The medieval fair in the old town runs during the daytime with artisans demonstrating traditional crafts. Accommodation prices increase about 50-80% above normal May rates. The weather in mid-May is typically mild (highs around 20C/68F) but expect rain on about half the days. For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela travel tips.
Santiago de Compostela Events: Festas de San Roque
Date: August 16 annually. This is a smaller neighborhood festival compared to the Apostle Festival, but lively and authentic. San Roque centers on the historic streets around the church of the same name. The day includes a morning mass, a procession with the saint’s statue through decorated streets, and an evening of free music and local food stalls. It draws mostly locals and gives a more intimate feel than the July celebrations. No need to book accommodation months ahead for this one, but August is still high season so reserve 2-3 weeks in advance. For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela weather by month guide.
Santiago de Compostela Events: Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Dates: The week leading up to Easter Sunday (March or April, varies annually). Santiago’s Holy Week is less famous than Seville’s or Malaga’s but has its own character with solemn processions through the stone streets of the old town. The most notable processions are organized by the Cofradia del Santisimo Cristo de la Paciencia on Holy Thursday and Good Friday evenings. The cathedral holds special services throughout the week. Weather in March/April is variable: expect 14-17C (57-63F) highs and rain on roughly half the days. This is also when the Camino de Santiago begins its spring surge, so the city feels busier than a typical spring week. For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela hub guide.
Santiago de Compostela Events: Cultural and Music Festivals
The Festival Internacional de Musica de Compostela runs annually in May and June, featuring classical music concerts in venues around the old town including the cathedral and the Teatro Principal. Ticket prices range from 10-30 euros. The Outono Codax Festival in October and November brings jazz, world music, and contemporary performances to the city. The Feira do Libro (Book Fair) takes over the Alameda park for about 10 days in late April or early May with author talks and book stalls. The Galician Cinema Festival (Cineuropa) screens international and Galician films in November across several venues at roughly 4-6 euros per screening.
