Pilar Festivals 2025 – Zaragoza, Spain

Background and History

The Fiestas del Pilar, Zaragoza’s most iconic festival, is a vibrant celebration honoring the Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patron saint, with roots dating back to the 13th century. Declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest in 2019, it attracts over 4 million visitors annually, doubling Zaragoza’s population. The festival blends religious devotion, cultural traditions, and modern entertainment, featuring over 700 events, from processions to concerts. The 2025 edition, marking its extended 10-day duration due to the October 12 national holiday falling on a Sunday, promises a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation, as per www.spain.info and www.zaragoza.es.

Theme and Focus

The 2025 Fiestas del Pilar emphasize Zaragoza’s cultural identity, with a focus on religious devotion (Ofrenda de Flores, Rosario de Cristal), Aragonese traditions (jotas, Giants and Big-Heads), and contemporary entertainment (Espacio Zity concerts, theater). The festival extends activities to rural neighborhoods, ensuring inclusivity, and introduces a new “scenic corridor” along Independencia for performances and living statue contests, as noted by www.soydezaragoza.es.

Event Highlights

The Fiestas del Pilar 2025, held from October 4–13, offer a rich program across Zaragoza:

• Opening Ceremony (October 4): Pregón (proclamation) at Plaza del Pilar, followed by fireworks, marking the festival’s start.
• Ofrenda de Flores (October 12): Thousands in traditional costumes offer flowers to the Virgen del Pilar, creating a floral mantle in Plaza del Pilar.
• Ofrenda de Frutos (October 13): A fruit offering procession, followed by the Rosario de Cristal, a stunning parade of glass lanterns.
• Espacio Zity (October 3–12): Music festival at Valdespartera with 60+ artists, including Duki (October 8), Rels B (October 3), Manuel Carrasco (October 5), Dani Fernández (October 7), and Leiva (October 12). Capacity: 30,000.
• Feria Taurina del Pilar (October 4–13): Bullfighting at La Misericordia bullring, featuring 12 events (six bullfights, one rejoneo, two novilladas with picadores, one without). Top matadors include Morante de la Puebla and Roca Rey.
• Giants and Big-Heads Parade: Traditional parade with large figures, beloved by families.
• Cultural Events: Theater (Mamma Mia, Los Pilares de la Tierra), jotas, and musicals at Teatro Principal and Palacio de Congresos.
• Free Concerts: Plaza del Pilar, Jardín de Invierno, and Estación del Norte host free performances by artists like Niña Polaca and Nancys Rubias.
• Food Trucks and Markets: Foodtrucks Festival (October 3–13) and Muestra de Artesanía (October 3–13, Plaza de Los Sitios).
• Fireworks: Multiple displays, including October 12, along the Ebro River.
• Children’s Activities: Parque de las Marionetas, Tragachicos, and Río y Juego.
• Cartel: “Fragmentos del Pilar” by Vera Galindo, showcasing an oferente and Basilica imagery.

Dates and Duration

• Dates: October 4–13, 2025
• Duration: 10 days (extended due to October 12 being a Sunday)
• Key Dates:
  • Pregón: October 4, 21:00, Plaza del Pilar
  • Ofrenda de Flores: October 12, morning
  • Ofrenda de Frutos/Rosario de Cristal: October 13
  • Espacio Zity: October 3–12
  • Feria Taurina: October 4–13

Main Address

• Primary Venue: Plaza del Pilar, 50003 Zaragoza, Spain (Ofrenda de Flores, Pregón, free concerts)

All Venues

• Plaza del Pilar: 50003 Zaragoza (Pregón, Ofrenda de Flores, free concerts, capacity ~45,000).
• Espacio Zity: Valdespartera, 50019 Zaragoza (music festival, capacity 30,000).
• La Misericordia Bullring: Paseo de María Agustín, 12, 50004 Zaragoza (Feria Taurina, capacity 10,000).
• Palacio de Congresos: Recinto Expo, Av. de la Independencia, 50004 Zaragoza (Mamma Mia).
• Teatro Principal: Calle del Coso, 59, 50001 Zaragoza (Los Pilares de la Tierra).
• Teatro del Mercado: Plaza de Santo Domingo, 50003 Zaragoza (Comisaría en Fiestas).
• Teatro de las Esquinas: Vía Univérsitas, 30, 50017 Zaragoza (Madre Mía).
• Jardín de Invierno: Parque José Antonio Labordeta, 50007 Zaragoza (free concerts).
• Estación del Norte: Calle de Perdiguera, 7, 50014 Zaragoza (free concerts).
• Recinto Ferial Valdespartera: 50019 Zaragoza (fairground, opens October 3, 17:00).
• Parque de las Marionetas: Parque del Agua, 50018 Zaragoza (children’s activities).
• Muestra de Artesanía: Plaza de Los Sitios, 50001 Zaragoza (October 3–13, 11:00–23:00).

Contact Information

• Administrative Office: Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza, Plaza del Pilar, 18, 50003 Zaragoza, Spain
• Phone: +34 976 201 200
• Email: turismo@zaragoza.es
• Website: www.fiestasdelpilar.com
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/FiestasPilarOfi
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/fiestasdelpilar
  • X: www.twitter.com/FiestasPilarOfi
  • YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FiestasdelPilarZaragoza
• Tourist Info: www.zaragoza.es, www.spain.info
• Ticket Inquiries:
  • Espacio Zity: www.espaciozity.com
  • Feria Taurina: www.entradastoroszaragoza.com, www.servitoro.com
  • Theater: www.teatroprincipalzaragoza.com, www.palaciodecongresosdezaragoza.com

Ticket Information

• Pricing (1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD):
  • Espacio Zity: General passes €35–€40 ($38.50–$44), early bird €30–€35 ($33–$38.50). Individual concerts (e.g., Melendi, Rels B): €25–€50 ($27.50–$55).
  • Feria Taurina (La Misericordia): €20–€60 ($22–$66), depending on event (bullfight, novillada) and seating. Vaquillas: ~€10–€20 ($11–$22).
  • Theater/Musicals: Mamma Mia (Palacio de Congresos): €30–€70 ($33–$77); Los Pilares de la Tierra (Teatro Principal): €15–€40 ($16.50–$44).
  • Free Events: Ofrenda de Flores, Ofrenda de Frutos, Rosario de Cristal, Giants and Big-Heads, Plaza del Pilar concerts, Tragachicos.
  • Discounts:
    • Students/Under 26: ~20–30% off (TBD, check websites).
    • Seniors (Over 65): ~20% off for select events.
    • Groups (10+): ~€10–€20 ($11–$22) for bullfights, theater.
  • Purchase Information:
    • Online: www.fiestasdelpilar.com (general program), www.espaciozity.com (concerts), www.entradastoroszaragoza.com (bullfights), www.teatroprincipalzaragoza.com (theater).
    • On-Site: Taquilla Central (Caracol de Independencia, 12:00–19:30), La Misericordia box office, Teatro Principal, Palacio de Congresos.
    • Notes: Espacio Zity early bird passes sold from May 21, 2025. Bullfight tickets sell out; book via www.servitoro.com. Free events require no tickets, but arrive early for space.

Cultural Experience

The Fiestas del Pilar transform Zaragoza into a vibrant celebration of Aragonese culture, blending religious devotion with festive energy. The Ofrenda de Flores and Rosario de Cristal highlight spiritual traditions, while Espacio Zity and free concerts bring modern flair. The Giants and Big-Heads parade and Tragachicos delight families, and the Feria Taurina draws bullfighting enthusiasts. Zaragoza’s historic center, with its Basilica and Ebro River, provides a stunning backdrop, complemented by local cuisine like ternasco asado.

Food and Drinks

• Ternasco Asado: Roasted lamb (~$16.50). Try at Restaurante Casa Juan (Calle de Santa Cruz, 21, 50003 Zaragoza).
• Migas Aragonesas: Fried breadcrumbs with sausage (~$11). At Bodegas Almau (Calle de los Estébanes, 10, 50003 Zaragoza).
• Jamón Ibérico: Cured ham (~$8.80). At La Ternasca (Calle de Estébanes, 9, 50003 Zaragoza).
• Vino de Cariñena: Local red wine (~$5.50/glass). At El Tubo bars (Calle de la Libertad).
• Frutas de Aragón: Candied fruit (~$4.40). At Pastelería Fantoba (Calle Don Jaime I, 21, 50003 Zaragoza). Visit the El Tubo district or the Foodtrucks Festival (Valdespartera) for dining near venues.

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: Free events like Giants and Big-Heads, Tragachicos, and Parque de las Marionetas are ideal for kids. Espacio Zity offers family concerts (e.g., Pica Pica). Discounts for under 12 TBD (~50% off).
• Accessibility: Plaza del Pilar and Espacio Zity are wheelchair-accessible. La Misericordia and historic venues may have limitations; contact turismo@zaragoza.es for accommodations. Zaragoza’s center is mostly flat but has some cobblestones.

Getting There

• By Air: Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ, 10 km, ~$16.50 taxi or $2.20 bus). Madrid (MAD, 270 km, ~$110 taxi or $22 bus). Barcelona (BCN, 300 km, $132 taxi or $27 bus).
• By Train: Zaragoza-Delicias Station (Renfe, Madrid ~1.5 hr, $22; Barcelona ~1.5 hr, $27). 10-minute walk or $5.50 taxi to Plaza del Pilar.
• By Bus: ALSA from Madrid (3.5 hr, $22) or Barcelona (3.5 hr, $22) to Zaragoza-Delicias (10-minute walk to the center).
• By Car: AP-2/AP-68 to Zaragoza. Park near Plaza del Pilar (~$2.20–$5.50/day). Note ZTL restrictions.
• Public Transport: Zaragoza trams (Line 1, $1.65) or buses (e.g., Line 23) to Plaza del Pilar. Venues are walkable (5–15 minutes).

Program Overview

• October 2–13, 2025:
  • October 2: Acuario de Zaragoza opens (10:00); Foodtrucks Festival (18:00); Mamma Mia (20:30, Palacio de Congresos).
  • October 3: Rels B (22:00, Espacio Zity); Muestra de Artesanía (11:00–23:00, Plaza de Los Sitios).
  • October 4: Pregón (21:00, Plaza del Pilar); Melendi (22:00, Espacio Zity); Feria Taurina opens.
  • October 5: Manuel Carrasco (21:00, Espacio Zity); Vaquillas (08:00, La Misericordia).
  • October 6: De La Rose + Cruz Cafuné (20:30, Espacio Zity); Vaquillas (08:00).
  • October 7: Dani Fernández + Lori Meyers (19:00, TBD); Novillada (17:30, La Misericordia).
  • October 8: Duki (21:30, TBD); Feria Taurina continues.
  • October 9: Morad (21:30, Espacio Zity).
  • October 10: JC Reyes + Juan Magán (22:00, Espacio Zity).
  • October 11: Izal + Miss Caffeina (17:30, Espacio Zity); Loquillo (21:00, Pabellón Príncipe Felipe).
  • October 12: Ofrenda de Flores (morning, Plaza del Pilar); Leiva (20:00, Pabellón Príncipe Felipe).
  • October 13: Ofrenda de Frutos (morning); Rosario de Cristal (dusk); festival closes with fireworks.
• Ongoing: Giants and Big-Heads, Tragachicos, free concerts, and artesanía market.

Notable Features

• Ofrenda de Flores: Iconic floral tribute to the Virgen del Pilar, drawing thousands.
• Espacio Zity: Major music festival with global artists.
• Feria Taurina: One of Spain’s top bullfighting events, featuring star matadors.
• Free Events: Over 90% of activities, including processions and concerts, are free.
• Extended Duration: 10 days due to the October 12 holiday, enhancing visitor access.

Accommodation Tips

• Hotel Alfonso: Calle del Coso, 15, 50003 Zaragoza (~$77–$143/night), near Plaza del Pilar.
• NH Ciudad de Zaragoza: Av. de César Augusto, 125, 50003 Zaragoza (~$66–$121/night), central.
• Hostal Cataluña: Calle del Coso, 94, 50001 Zaragoza (~$44–$88/night), budget-friendly. Book early for October, as Zaragoza fills up. Check www.zaragoza.es for packages.

Planning Assistance

• Recommendations: Attend the Pregón (October 4) for the festive kickoff. Join the Ofrenda de Flores (October 12, free) for cultural immersion. Catch Espacio Zity concerts (e.g., Leiva, October 12) or free Plaza del Pilar shows. Visit La Misericordia for bullfighting (book early).
• Navigating Tickets: Purchase Espacio Zity passes at www.espaciozity.com (early bird from May 21). Bullfight tickets via www.servitoro.com. Theater tickets at venue websites. Free events need no tickets, but arrive early for space.
• Exploring Zaragoza: Visit Basilica del Pilar or Aljafería Palace (5-minute walk from Plaza del Pilar). Enjoy migas at El Tubo post-event.
• Tips: Dress for mild October weather (~15°C/59°F). Wear traditional attire for Ofrenda if participating (register by September 1). Monitor www.fiestasdelpilar.com for program updates.