Filled with attractive destinations and unique culture, Spain is an ideal place to explore and enjoy. Most importantly, every city of the country tells a different story which holds rich heritage and beautiful natural surroundings to captivate tourists. Known for its iconic museums, contemporary art collection and architecture, Bilbao is also among those largest renowned cities in Spain which beholds charisma that makes it inspiring. Apart from architecture, there are incredible events that compliment its beauty including the famous semana grande festival 2024. Be it cuisine or leisure activities, but have you heard about this event?
Undoubtedly, it is one of the most popular festivals of this destination. Curious to know more?
Everyone who visits Bilbao falls in love with it and if you ever get the chance to be part of this amazing festival, you’ll have the best days. Although everyone has heard about famous landmarks of this city including Guggenheim Museum, San Mames football ground and more, it’s certain that experiencing the most famous semana grande festival 2024 of this city is going to be even more exciting.
Bilbao’s renowned festival Aste Nagusia is commonly known as “Semana grande” which means “Great Week” in english. This event of nine days happens every year amidst the city decorated so beautifully. The festival is a great time to enjoy for everyone from kids to adults being part of this amazing celebration. If you love reveling in festivals of these enchanting cities, then you must catch the sight of this cultural heritage event in Basque country. Below are some of the things that you might want to know about this year’s festivities. Let’s go through them !
Before getting to know about the events or programmes of this week, a history always pops up. Why is Semana grande important? Why it started and everything that resonates with your curiosity will come to clarity with this reading.
Since 1978 it has been held annually and the August celebration coincides with the spectacular activities like bullfights, circus, fairgrounds, traditional dances and more. This fest is organized according to a particular model between a group of citizens (comparsas) and Bilbao city council. This model was originated with contest of ideas by the department store El Corte Inglés – through Kiko Mochales – for the festival, which was awarded with a monetary prize of a hundred thousand pesetas, in order to introduce a new participatory model that would revitalize the backwards festival established during Francoism. This contest was won by Txomin Barullo (one of pioneer festival groups of Bilbao) and consisted of a shared organization between council and konpartsak (festive troupes).
The first event of this festival is chupinazo which has taken place since 2001 from the balcony of Teatro Arriaga. In 1980, the Mayor Jon Castanares decided that the council would organize this festival themselves which led to the boycott by festive groups. However, council withdrew their model and festive week of 1981 resumed the collaborative model from 1978. And with such an amazing history and cultural importance it was recognised as cultural heritage in 2009.
After going through this incredible history, are you over the moon now? So the travelers, this year’s eminent semana grande festival in Spain 2024 or “Great week” will take place from 17 to 25 August. Most importantly, main activities will be on Friday 23 August.
Although every corner of the city is filled with lights, decor and festive vibes, every street narrates a story to be part of this festival. The main event is held in the Arenal district. The onset of this vibrant fest is done with the Chupinazo, a firework launched from the balcony of the beautiful Arriaga Theatre. Followed by a speech, pregon. And you’ll come to know about the holy symbol of the festival, the famous Marijaia, a figure of fictional women who appears on the balcony to launch the celebration. Sounds exciting? So, mark the Semana grande festival 2024 dates in your calendars and be there!
Enlisting everything from Semana Grande food to events below!
Over the incredible nine days, festivities will take over at every corner of the city streets and thousands of visitors will gather to enjoy the numerous cultural activities at semana grande festival 2024. A worthy celebration!
The txupinazo, a burst of fireworks which will be marking the onset of this festival Aste Nagusia 2024 will take place on 20 August around 6 pm, when Marijaia returns to Bilbao.
In the next few days, you will hear this word more often. Being the icon of these festivities, Txosnas are the temporary houses filled with vibrant music, drinks and fun. Just roam around the area where they are set and you’ll find the uniqueness in each of them. Pick the best for you!
Each year, the festival hosts a traditional fireworks competition which is a tradition of every day of this great week. Most importantly, Europe’s famous pyrotechnicians will be competing in this, so no one will want to miss this. Fireworks start at 10:30 pm every night in Etxebarria Park and you will witness an amazing burst of colors. Really!
Theater takes you in another world with its inspiring stories and acts and if you are a theater or drama lover, then this festival has a surprise for you. Don’t miss to reserve your day in this great week for theater to enjoy the ebay performances in different theaters like legendary Arriaga or Euskalduna. Have drinks, enjoy your outing and see the art!
In the Schengen region, cultural festivals are incomplete without concerts. And so Bilbao’s festivals. Concerts are a vital part of such celebrations where well known singers from the world come and perform. There are public as well as private venues for such concerts where you can witness distinctive musical styles and vocals and immerse yourself in this soothing experience. Keep your eyes on tickets!
Although good time runs fast, the memories it creates are forever. Bilbao’s semana grande festival 2024 is full of activities and joy that come at the end of the great week when Marijaia will go back to rest in the Arriaga Theatre square. Meet you next year with the same energy!
Wondering where to stay in this city when you come for this festival? If you are the one who wants a cozy, comfortable and luxurious stay then Bilbao is full of choices for you. There are various awesome places to eat, spend plenty of time, and enjoy the festival.
Casco Viejo is an amazing town nearby if you wish to stay at a historic center. Another option is Abandoibarra which holds beautiful parks and amazing art galleries nearby. Indautxu is also renowned for its nightlife filled with joyful streets, laughter and drinks. And last but not least is Bilbao La Vieja which is such a charming place that no one can resist it, especially young couples. The list of hotels or stays in Bilbao will not end with just these places, it is a long one, but we have just given an idea that you can find the incredible in this city so there is nothing to worry about.
Through the renowned sites including agoda, trip advisor, booking.com and more you can pick the perfect place for yourself to spend a night in this city. To enjoy the festival, you deserve to have an equally incredible place to stay. Plan your stay, and plan your great weekend wisely and get your spain visa from uk! Remember!
In conclusion, Bilbao is setting for its treasure, semana grande festival 2024 in the honor of Virgen de Begona. A week filled with concerts, theater, shows, fireworks and more at different corners of the city from Plaza Nueva square to Arenal wharves will definitely be appealing and exciting. Pack your bags, level up your excitement and be there!
In hurry, don’t forget to get your spain visa appointment on time because Bilbao’s fest has to be on this year’s bucket list and you’ll love it. If you are worrying about how you can get a Spanish visa and if it is hard to apply, then ease out all your stress with us.
***Just follow these steps and be a part of this festive extravaganza!
STEP1: Fill the online application form and pay the fees to schedule the appointment.
STEP 2: You will receive calls from our Schengen visa experts and get assistance regarding booking the appointment with the BLS visa centre.
STEP 3: Visit the centre and get your biometric data & documents verified.
STEP 4: After successful processing you can secure your visa with your passport through a courier.
Also Check:- Top 8 Famous places in Greece to visit this holiday 2024
During the festival, there are fiestas in honor of the Virgen De Begona. There are concerts, traditional performances, theaters, fireworks and more to enjoy.
The great week will take place from 17 to 25 August.
Yes. Bilbao is a spanish region which comes under the Schengen area so you will require a visa to travel the city to see this festival.
Nowadays everything can be done online and so does the visa processing. Just fill out the online application for a Schengen visa and then our experts will guide you further.
