Event Details
Welcome to Semana Grande / Aste Nagusia 2026 in Bilbao
From 22 to 30 August 2026, the city of Bilbao turns into one big stage for celebration. Known in Basque as "Aste Nagusia," the Semana Grande is the city's biggest festival and one of the liveliest events in the Basque Country. For nine days, the Casco Viejo, the Arenal and Plaza Arriaga fill up with music, tradition and one of Europe's largest fireworks competitions.
Highlights
- Festive kickoff with the "Txupinazo" and the appearance of Marijaia on the Teatro Arriaga balcony
- Over 500 free cultural and leisure events across nine days
- Nightly concerts on the Abandoibarra and Parque Europa stages
- International fireworks contest "Concurso Internacional Villa de Bilbao" from 22 to 28 August
- Traditional Basque dances (Euskal Dantzak) at Plaza del Gas
- Parade of giants and big heads (Gigantes y Cabezudos) with a grand gathering on 30 August
- Closing ceremony with the burning of the Marijaia figure on the final night
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Program
The festival officially opens on Saturday, 22 August, at noon with the Txupinazo on Plaza Arriaga; shortly after, Marijaia, the symbol of the festivities, appears on the theatre balcony. From 11:00 AM, giant and big head figures parade daily through different neighbourhoods. In the evening, the main concert stages in Abandoibarra and Parque Europa take over, usually from 11:30 PM, while Sala Bilborock hosts the "Muestra Metal Pop Rock" series showcasing young Basque bands. From 22 to 28 August, international pyrotechnics teams compete nightly at 10:30 PM over the estuary. The celebrations close on 30 August with a grand gathering of the giant figures and, late at night, the traditional burning of Marijaia.
Tickets
Semana Grande is a public city festival; nearly all concerts, parades and shows are free to attend. Individual program items such as bullfights at the Vista Alegre bullring may require separate tickets. The full program is published each year by Bilbao City Council in digital and printed form.
Visitor Tips
- Book accommodation several months ahead, as hotel prices rise sharply during the festival week.
- Stay in Indautxu or Abando for quieter nights; the Casco Viejo stays loud all week.
- The metro runs all night from Thursday through Sunday; public transport is strongly recommended.
- Avoid wearing white for the Saturday noon Txupinazo, as it traditionally involves cava, flour and eggs.
- A red neckerchief is the unofficial dress code of the festival.
