Gijón’s event calendar is anchored by Semana Grande in August, but nearly every month brings a festival, a food fair, or a cultural event worth planning around. Here is the year-round lineup, from the raucous Carnival in February to the thoughtful FICX film festival in November. For more on this, see the Gijón weather by month guide.
Gijón Events and Festivals: Spring (March When: February or early March (40 days before Easter). What: Gijón’s Carnival is one of the liveliest in northern Spain. The main parade (Desfile de Antroxu) runs through the city centre on Carnival Monday, with floats, costume competitions, and marching bands. The following day, Martes de Carnaval, ends with the “Entierro de la Sardina” (Burial of the Sardine), a mock funeral procession that culminates with burning a giant sardine effigy on San Lorenzo Beach. Free to attend. After-parties in Cimadevilla’s sidrerías run until late. For more on this, see the Gijón neighborhoods guideWhen: March or April (dates vary). What: Gijón’s Semana Santa is less dramatic than Seville’s or Valladolid’s, but the processions on Thursday and Friday nights through Cimadevilla and Plaza Mayor are solemn and atmospheric. The most notable is the Procesión del Silencio (Procession of Silence) on Good Friday, starting at 22:00 from the Collegiate Church of San Juan Bautista. For more on this, see the where to stay in Gijón guideWhen: May (40 days after Easter, exact dates vary). What: A four-day festival in Plaza Mayor and the surrounding streets with free open-air concerts (rock, pop, and traditional Asturian music), chiringuitos selling food and cider, and a funfair (feria) at the western end of the beach. The atmosphere is more local than tourist-focused: you will hear Asturian bagpipes (gaitas) alongside electric guitars. Hotels book up for the Ascensión weekend, so reserve a month ahead if visiting during this period. For more on this, see the Gijón travel tips and FAQ.g –>
When: May (40 days after Easter, exact dates vary). What: A four-day festival in Plaza Mayor and the surrounding streets with free open-air concerts (rock, pop, and traditional Asturian music), chiringuitos selling food and cider, and a funfair (feria) at the western end of the beach. The atmosphere is more local than tourist-focused: you will hear Asturian bagpipes (gaitas) alongside electric guitars. Hotels book up for the Ascensión weekend, so reserve a month ahead if visiting during this period.
Gijón Events and Festivals: Summer (June to August)
Noche de San Juan (Midsummer Night)
When: June 23, from sunset. What: The summer solstice celebration involves bonfires on San Lorenzo Beach, with thousands of locals gathering to jump over the flames (a good-luck tradition), drink cider, and stay on the sand until dawn. The city installs designated bonfire pits and firefighting crews are on standby. Free. This is the rowdiest night of the year on the beach, so avoid if you are looking for a quiet evening.
Fiesta del Carmen
When: July 16. What: Gijón’s fishing heritage is on full display. A statue of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen, is carried from the church in Cimadevilla to the port and loaded onto a decorated fishing boat. A flotilla of boats then sails along the coast while crowds watch from the promenade. The procession ends with a fireworks display over the marina around midnight.
Semana Grande (Big Week)
When: First half of August (usually the 6th to the 14th, dates shift slightly each year). What: Gijón’s flagship festival. Seven to nine days of free concerts across multiple stages (Plaza Mayor, Poniente Beach, and the Feria de Muestras), international fireworks competitions over San Lorenzo Beach (nightly around 23:30), street theatre, children’s activities, and the Feria de Muestras (trade fair) at the Luis Adaro exhibition centre. The concerts draw major Spanish acts and occasional international names. Check the official programme at gijon.es in late July. This is by far the busiest period in the city: accommodation prices double, and the best seafront hotels fill up three months in advance.
Gijón Events and Festivals: Autumn (September to November)
Fiesta de la Sidra Natural (Natural Cider Festival)
When: Last weekend of September. What: A celebration of Asturian cider culture. The main event is the “escanciado” (cider-pouring) competition on the Paseo del Muro, where contestants compete to pour cider from above their head into a glass held at waist level without spilling a drop. Sidrerías set up outdoor stalls selling cider at €2-3 per bottle. The festival also includes the “record del mundo” attempt for simultaneous cider pouring, which Gijón has won several times with over 1,000 people pouring in unison.
FICX: Gijón International Film Festival
When: Mid-to-late November (10 days). What: Running since 1963, FICX is one of Spain’s oldest film festivals, focusing on independent cinema, first-time directors, and Spanish premieres of European and Latin American films. Screenings take place at the Teatro Jovellanos, the Centro de Cultura Antiguo Instituto, and the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura. Individual tickets cost €5-7; a festival pass (abono) runs about €40. The programme is published on ficx.tv in early November.
Gijón Events and Festivals: Winter (December to February)
Navidad en Gijón (Christmas Market)
When: Early December through January 6 (Three Kings’ Day). What: Plaza Mayor transforms into a Christmas market with about 50 wooden stalls selling crafts, ornaments, and seasonal foods. An ice-skating rink is set up in Plaza del Marqués. The Three Kings parade (Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos) on the evening of January 5 is the capstone event, with elaborate floats distributing sweets to children along the main streets.
For help choosing the best month to visit based on festival timing and weather, see the best time to visit Gijón guide. For attraction details including opening hours, see the things to do in Gijón guide.
