Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) – Bilbao, Spain 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Semana Grande, or Aste Nagusia (Basque for “Great Week”), began in 1978 when Bilbao associations organized a contest to create a major city festival, replacing scattered, less impactful summer events. The winning model, proposed by Txomin Barullo, established a collaborative structure between the Bilbao City Council and local comparsas (festival groups or konpartsak), shaping the event’s participatory ethos.
• Tradition and Significance: Held annually for nine days starting the first Saturday after August 15 (Assumption of Mary), Aste Nagusia is Bilbao’s premier festival, celebrating Basque culture and the Virgen de Begoña, affectionately called Amatxu (Mother). It draws over 100,000 visitors, making it Northern Spain’s largest fiesta, known for its vibrant street parties, music, and traditional sports.
• Growth Over Time: From its inception, the festival has grown from a local event to one of Euskadi’s most popular, with over 400 events by 2025. It was suspended in 1983 due to flooding and in 2020–2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 edition (August 22–30) will feature expanded digital engagement, including live-streamed performances and a dedicated app for schedules. In 2009, it was voted one of Spain’s 10+2 Intangible Cultural Heritage Treasures by the International Bureau of Cultural Capitals.
• Cultural Impact: Aste Nagusia showcases Basque identity through music, dance, and rural sports, reinforcing Bilbao’s role as a cultural hub in the Basque Country. It supports local economies, contributing €20–30 million annually, and fosters community participation via 28 comparsas, which run txosnas (festive tents). The festival promotes inclusivity with free events and family activities, attracting a diverse audience.
• Modern Developments: Recent editions introduced eco-friendly measures like recycling stations and sustainable food stalls. The 2025 festival featured over 100 free concerts and digital ticketing for select events. In 2026, expect enhanced accessibility with sign language interpreters at key events and a focus on young artists through konpartsak-led showcases.
• Recognition: Recognized as a “cultural treasure” by Spain’s tourism boards and listed among Europe’s top festivals by The Guardian. Its unique txupinazo opening and Marijaia mascot have become iconic symbols of Basque festivity.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Txupinazo and Proclamation: The festival begins on August 22, 2026, with the txupinazo, a rocket launched from the Arriaga Theatre balcony by the txupinera (a woman from a comparsa, chosen via lottery), followed by the festival proclamation by the pregonero (a notable Bilbao figure). Marijaia, the festival’s plump, dancing mascot, appears to kick off celebrations.
  • Music Concerts: Over 100 free performances across nine venues, including Abandoibarra and Parque Europa, featuring Basque folk, rock, pop, and international acts (e.g., past performers like Coldplay, Manu Chao). Concerts run midnight to 4:00 AM at Plaza Nueva and quarry amphitheater.
  • Fireworks Displays: Nightly competitions at 10:30 PM, viewable from bridges over the Nervión River or Artxanda Hill (accessible by funicular, $2–$3). Each display, by international pyrotechnic teams, lasts 15–20 minutes.
  • Basque Rural Sports (Herri Kirolak): Events like the Bilbao Strongman Contest at the Arenal, featuring aizkolaris (wood-chopping on 45-inch logs), granite boulder lifting, and hay bale tossing. Held daily, 12:00 PM–3:00 PM.
  • Bullfights: Nine corridas, including a horseback bullfight, at Vista Alegre Bullring (tickets $32–$100). Features Spain’s top matadors and Basque bulls, known for their bravery.
  • Parade of Giants (Gigantes y Cabezudos): Dating to the 19th century, this daily procession (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) features towering effigies and big-headed figures (cabezudos) parading through Old Town, accompanied by Basque dancers.
  • Children’s Activities: Workshops, puppet shows, and games at Plaza Nueva, Bizkaia, Unamuno, and Encarnación squares (10:00 AM–2:00 PM). Includes face painting and storytelling.
  • Txosnas: Over 20 festive tents run by comparsas in areas like Plaza Circular, offering food, drinks, and live music. Each tent represents a district or socio-political theme.
  • Marijaia’s Farewell: On August 30, Marijaia is burned in a ceremonial bonfire at Arriaga Theatre Square, marking the festival’s end, with crowds singing her anthem.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Marijaia Mascot: Created in 1978, this effigy symbolizes Bilbao’s festive spirit, appearing at the opening and burning to close the event.
  • Txupinera and Pregonero: The txupinera (from a comparsa) and pregonero (a local celebrity) are chosen annually, adding a democratic and cultural touch.
  • Konpartsak Model: The 28 comparsas ensure community-driven organization, with each group managing events and txosnas, reflecting Bilbao’s social diversity.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Basque Culture Immersion: Experience traditional trikitixa music, bertso (improvised poetry), and pelota games, unique to the Basque Country.
  • Nervión River Events: Flotillas and regattas along the river, viewable from Uribitarte and Arenal wharves.
  • Nightlife: Late-night music bars in Indautxu and txosnas create a vibrant party atmosphere.

Date & Duration

• Dates: August 22–30, 2026
• Duration: 9 days
• Opening Hours:
  • Main Events: 10:00 AM–4:00 AM (concerts, txosnas, fireworks)
  • Children’s Activities: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Fireworks: 10:30 PM–11:00 PM (daily)
  • Box Office (for bullfights, select events): 9:00 AM–8:00 PM at Arriaga Theatre and Vista Alegre Bullring

Venue / Location

• City: Bilbao, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain
• Main Venues:
  • Arriaga Theatre: Plaza Arriaga 1, 48005 Bilbao, for txupinazo and closing ceremony.
  • Plaza Nueva: Old Town, for concerts and children’s events.
  • Abandoibarra: Main concert stage near Guggenheim Museum.
  • Parque Europa: Outdoor stage for music and sports.
  • Vista Alegre Bullring: Plaza de Toros, for bullfights.
  • Uribitarte and Arenal Wharves: Riverfront for flotillas and fireworks viewing.
  • Bizkaia, Unamuno, Encarnación Squares: Family activities and performances.
• Notable Areas:
  • Old Town (Casco Viejo): Historic streets for parades and txosnas.
  • Nervión River Banks: Scenic spots for regattas and fireworks.
  • Artxanda Hill: Panoramic fireworks viewing (funicular access, $2–$3).
• Google Maps Address: Plaza Arriaga 1, 48005 Bilbao, Spain (Arriaga Theatre, central hub)

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Most events free; bullfights and select concerts require tickets via bilbaoturismo.net or on-site at Arriaga Theatre and Vista Alegre Bullring (August 22–30, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, cash/card).
  • Digital app (2026 TBD) for schedules and select bookings.
  • Accessibility: Email turismo@bilbao.eus for special needs arrangements.
• Admission Type:
  • Free for concerts, parades, fireworks, and children’s events.
  • Paid for bullfights and premium concerts (e.g., at Abandoibarra main stage).
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Free Events: Concerts, parades, fireworks, txosnas ($0).
  • Bullfights: $32.40–$108.00 (€30–€100, Vista Alegre Bullring).
  • Premium Concerts: $16.20–$54.00 (€15–€50, select shows).
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $0 (most events).
  • Maximum: $108.00 (€100, premium bullfight seats).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • VIP Bullfight Seats: $64.80–$108.00 (€60–€100, book via plazatorosbilbao.com).
  • Wheelchair-accessible areas at main venues; contact turismo@bilbao.eus.
  • Early bird concert tickets via app (TBD, January 2026).

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General Inquiries: turismo@bilbao.eus
  • Accessibility: turismo@bilbao.eus
  • Press: prensa@bilbao.eus
• Phone: +34 944 010 010 (Bilbao Tourism Office, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
• Website: bilbaoturismo.net
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @bilbaoturismo
  • Facebook: @BilbaoTurismo
  • Hashtag: #AsteNagusia2026
• Key Staff:
  • Organizer: Bilbao City Council and Bilboko Konpartsak Federation
  • Festival Coordinator: Asier Larramendi (2025 precedent)
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email prensa@bilbao.eus by August 1, 2026, for accreditation.
  • Volunteers: Apply via bilbaoturismo.net (open June 2026).
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English, Spanish, Basque support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Celebrates Basque heritage through trikitixa (accordion music), bertso (improvised poetry), and pelota games, rooted in centuries-old customs.
  • Marijaia’s burning symbolizes renewal, a tradition since 1978.
  • Konpartsak tents reflect Bilbao’s socio-political diversity, fostering community engagement.
• Music:
  • Basque folk (Euskal Herriko Musika), rock, and international acts at txosnas and main stages.
  • Late-night concerts (midnight–4:00 AM) in Plaza Nueva, blending traditional and modern sounds.
• Costumes:
  • Attendees in casual summer attire or traditional Basque outfits (white shirts, red berets, sashes).
  • Gigantes y Cabezudos performers in colorful, historical costumes.
• Local Customs:
  • Socializing at txosnas over pintxos and kalimotxo (red wine and cola).
  • Respectful crowd behavior: Avoid pushing during parades, no littering in Old Town.
  • Singing Marijaia’s anthem during opening and closing ceremonies.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Pintxos: Basque tapas (e.g., gilda, anchovy skewers) at txosnas and Old Town bars.
  • Bacalao al Pil-Pil: Cod in garlic sauce, served at Plaza Nueva stalls.
  • Txangurro: Stuffed crab, a Bilbao delicacy at festival eateries.
  • Vegetarian Options: Grilled vegetables and patatas bravas at txosnas.
• Beverage Highlights:
  • Kalimotxo: Red wine and cola mix, popular at txosnas.
  • Txakoli: Basque sparkling white wine, served chilled.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Mostito (grape juice) or sparkling water at food stalls.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport:
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO): 12 km, 15 minutes by taxi ($20–$30) or bus ($2–$3, Line A3247, bizkaibus.eus).
• Public Transport:
  • Metro: Bilbao Metro Lines 1, 2 to Casco Viejo or Abando stations (500m from Arriaga Theatre, $1.50–$2, metrobilbao.eus).
  • Bus: Lines 56, 77 to Old Town ($1–$2, bilbobus.eus).
  • Train: Bilbao-Abando Station (1 km from Arriaga, $2–$5 from regional cities, renfe.com).
• Parking:
  • Public lots near Arenal or Plaza Nueva ($5–$15/day, saba.es).
  • Limited street parking; use Artxanda lots for fireworks viewing.
• Accessibility:
  • Wheelchair-accessible venues (Arriaga, Plaza Nueva); email turismo@bilbao.eus.
  • Schengen visa may apply; check exteriores.gob.es.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels:
  • Hotel Gran Bilbao: Near Old Town, $150–$300/night.
  • Hotel Carlton: Historic, central, $120–$250/night.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • NH Collection Bilbao: Walkable to venues, $80–$150/night.
  • Hotel Abando: Near Abandoibarra, $60–$120/night.
• Budget Options:
  • Bilbao Hostel: Budget dorms, $20–$50/night.
  • Pensión La Salve: Near Guggenheim, $30–$70/night.
• Airbnb and Apartments:
  • Old Town apartments ($50–$120/night); book via bilbaoturismo.net.
• Booking Tips:
  • Stay in Old Town or Abando for walkable access.
  • Book 6+ months ahead due to high demand; check festival partner deals.