activities > Non Bike > Festivals
Spain knows how to do fiestas. The Basque Country knows better!
All over Spain local areas have regular festivals and the Basque country is no different. San Sebastian has Europe’s longest continually running Jazz festival and Pamplona hosts the world famous running of the bulls at their San Fermin festival.
San Fermin – Pamplona – 2nd week of July
The biggest celebration of a local saint in Spain San Fermin is famous for the running of the bulls but it’s easy enough to go without seeing a single bull as they do the run early in the morning. Hundreds of thousands of people descend on Pamplona for a full on but good natured party. Apparently it’s possible to find a party any time of the day or night all week.
Jazzaldia festival - San Sebastian – 4th week of July
Europe’s longest continuously running Jazz festival, <jazz voice>nice!</jazz voice>
Hondarribia blues festival 17th – 20th of July.
Great bands playing right on the sea side with lots of people, food and drinks. Did I mention that it’s all free?
Semana Grande - San Sebastian – Mid-August
For its “Big Week”, San Sebastian literally erupts, with an amazing nightly firework display lighting up the bay.
Clásica San Sebastián Start of August
San Sebastian’s big cycling race which is normally well attended by the Tour de France riders.
Jaizkibel Hill Climb Time to be Determined
A car race up and over Jaizkibel. There is normally a great turn out of WRC cars, highly tuned Japonese cars and various other exotica. They race up the switchbacked road to the highest point. We will try to take this in as part of our normal Jaizkibel bike ride for those that are interested.
Fiesta of Hondarribia Start of September
A slightly more relaxing fiesta which only lasts for a couple of days. One of my favourite fiestas because of it’s relaxed atmosphere.
Fiesta of Irun Middle of June
This is my favourite fiesta. It is full of life and energy and lasts for over a week. The streets are full of dancing and singing but the atmoshphere is so friendly and all you will see is smiling faces.
Fiesta of Pasajaes Start of August
A fiesta in a stunning local fishing village.
If you haven´t seen these small towns fiestas you cannot believe the intensity or the energy of these parties. For up to a week the streets are packed with people eating, drinking, dancing and generally being merry. There are parades, boat races, competitions and most importantly eating through the day and the pubs are open most of the night and the fireworks and singing carry through the warm summer air!
