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Alcalá de Henares builds its calendar around Miguel de Cervantes, whose baptism on 9 October 1547 anchors the city’s biggest festival, and around its university, which hosts Spain’s most prestigious literary prize each spring. Most events are free and take place in the historic centre. Here are the main events and festivals in Alcalá de Henares, with dates and what to expect.
Events and Festivals in Alcalá de Henares: Spring
Cervantes Prize Ceremony (23 April)
Every 23 April, the anniversary of Cervantes’ death, the King of Spain presents the Premio Cervantes, the Spanish-speaking world’s top literary award, in the Paraninfo hall of the University of Alcalá. The ceremony is by invitation, but the university is dressed for the occasion and the date is marked with public readings of Don Quixote. Book central hotels months ahead, as covered in where to stay in Alcalá de Henares. Our Alcalá de Henares weather by month guide has the full breakdown.
Semana Santa (Holy Week, March or April)
Alcalá’s processions run through the historic centre from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, with penitential brotherhoods carrying carved pasos through Calle Mayor and past the cathedral. Dates move with the church calendar, so check the year before you go. Evenings can be cold in March, with lows around 4°C (39°F). See our Alcalá de Henares guide for the full picture.
Alcalá Suena (June)
A free music festival that takes over the city’s plazas, patios and monuments for a weekend in early June with hundreds of concerts across every genre. Most stages are open air and free, and the weather is warm, averaging 22°C (72°F). Check our things to do in Alcalá de Henares for more.
Events and Festivals in Alcalá de Henares: Autumn
Semana Cervantina (late September to mid-October)
Alcalá’s signature festival, declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, runs from late September to mid-October with more than 500 cultural activities: theatre, concerts, historical recreations and lectures. The central day is 9 October, the anniversary of Cervantes’ baptism, marked by a civic procession carrying the baptismal certificate from the town hall to the Capilla del Oidor. Read our neighborhoods of Alcalá de Henares guide before you book.
Mercado Cervantino (around 8 to 12 October)
The climax of Semana Cervantina is this Golden Age market, which sets up about 400 stalls of crafts, food and costume along more than two kilometres of the historic centre. Actors play Don Quixote and Sancho Panza in street theatre, and stallholders dress in 16th-century clothing. It runs around 8 to 12 October; the 9th is the busiest day. Our Alcalá de Henares travel tips guide covers this in depth.
Don Juan Tenorio (31 October to 1 November)
Alcalá stages Zorrilla’s Don Juan Tenorio around All Saints’ Day, traditionally in the Corral de Comedias and other historic venues, keeping a Spanish custom of performing the play on the night of 31 October. Tickets are sold through the venues and sell quickly.
ALCINE Film Festival (November)
The Alcalá de Henares Film Festival (ALCINE) is one of Spain’s longest-running short-film festivals, held over two weeks in November with screenings, an official short-film competition and retrospectives across the city’s cinemas and theatres. Check the festival website for the programme and venues.
Events and Festivals in Alcalá de Henares: Winter
Christmas and the Three Kings Parade (December to 6 January)
The historic centre lights up through December with a Christmas market and nativity scenes, and the Cabalgata de Reyes parade brings the Three Kings through the streets on the evening of 5 January. December averages 6°C (43°F), so dress warmly. For the quietest weeks to visit outside these events, see our best time to visit Alcalá de Henares guide.
