Santander’s event calendar peaks in summer with two major festivals in July and August, but the city hosts cultural events throughout the year. From classical music at the Festival Internacional to street parties during Semana Grande, here’s what’s on and when to book your trip around Santander’s events and festivals. For a complete overview, see our Santander travel guide.
Santander Events & Festivals: Summer Festivals
Semana Grande (Late July)
Santander’s biggest annual party takes place during the last week of July, centred on the Feast of Santiago (July 25). For 7-9 days the city transforms with free open-air concerts on multiple stages along the waterfront, a nightly fireworks competition over the bay (the fireworks are launched from barges so you can watch from anywhere along the southern side of the bay), street theatre, food and craft stalls on the Paseo Maritimo, and bullfights at the Santander bullring. The opening parade on the first evening draws thousands to the city centre. Accommodation needs booking 3-4 months ahead. Most events are free. The fireworks start at 23:00 each night; the best viewing spots are along the Pereda Gardens and the Puerto Chico promenade. See our best time to visit Santander for more details.
Festival Internacional de Santander (FIS, August)
Running throughout August, the FIS is one of Spain’s oldest music festivals, founded in 1952. It programmes classical music, ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dance at the Palacio de Festivales (a modernist concert hall on the waterfront) and at outdoor venues including the Plaza Porticada in the city centre. Past performers include the London Philharmonic, the Mariinsky Ballet, and artists like Paco de Lucia. Ticket prices range from 15 EUR to 60 EUR depending on the performance. The programme is published in June on the festival website. Even if you don’t attend a paid performance, the festival brings a cultural buzz to the city with free lunchtime concerts and open rehearsals. See our things to do in Santander for more details.
Santander Events & Festivals: Spring Events
Semana Santa (March or April)
Santander’s Holy Week processions are smaller and less famous than those in Seville or Malaga, but they’re genuine local traditions without the tourist crowds. Several brotherhoods (cofradias) parade through the old town carrying elaborate pasos (religious floats) on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The route runs from the cathedral along Calle San Francisco to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Check exact dates as they shift each year with the lunar calendar. See our Santander neighborhoods guide for more details.
Santander Events & Festivals: Winter Events
Christmas and Three Kings (December to January 6)
From late November through early January, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and surrounding streets are decorated with Christmas lights and a large Christmas tree. A Christmas market runs in the Plaza Porticada with about 30 stalls selling crafts and seasonal food from early December through December 23. The biggest event is the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Parade) on the evening of January 5, when elaborate floats process through the city centre throwing sweets to children. The parade starts around 18:00 from the Palacio de Festivales and finishes at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. See our where to stay in Santander for more details.
Carnaval (February)
Santander’s Carnival celebrations are modest compared to Cadiz or Tenerife, but there’s a colourful Saturday parade along the Sardinero promenade with costumes, music, and a children’s programme. Exact dates depend on Easter. The parade starts around 17:00 from the Jardines de Piquio and heads east along the seafront. Free to watch, no tickets needed. See our Santander travel tips for more details.
Santander Events & Festivals: Cultural and Food Events
Santander Foodie Week (dates vary, typically October)
A relatively new event on Santander’s calendar, Foodie Week brings together the city’s best chefs for tasting menus, cooking workshops, and tapas routes through participating restaurants. Most restaurants offer a fixed-price tasting menu at around 30-40 EUR, making it an affordable way to sample high-end Cantabrian cuisine. The schedule changes annually; check the Santander tourism website for exact dates. See our Santander weather by month for more information.
Feria de Santiago (July 20-25)
Immediately before Semana Grande, the Feria de Santiago is a traditional agricultural fair with livestock exhibitions, a funfair, and food stalls in the La Lena area. It’s more local and less touristy than Semana Grande, but the two events overlap so visitors often catch both. The fairground rides and stalls are set up in the parking area near the Palacio de Deportes.
