Semana Grande in Bilbao

During the Semana Grande of Bilbao the festivities are celebrated in honor of the Virgin of Begoña.

The Biscayan capital hosts concerts, shows, theater, fireworks and children’s activities in different stages of the city such as the Plaza Nueva, the Bizkaia, the Unamuno or the Encarnación, the Uribitarte or the Arenal. The proclamation and the chupinazo, which starts the festivities, take place from the Arriaga Theater.

In addition, in the bullring of Vista Alegre the bullfighting fair is celebrated, which includes a corrida de rejones and eight bullfights.

Once a rocket is shot into the sky (known as the txupinazo), the festivals mascot, Marijaia, makes her grand entrance onto the balcony. What follows next is the culmination of events that forms the biggest party of the year, known as Aste Nagusia or Semana Grande.

At Aste Nagusia, Basque culture is celebrated at its fullest. There is traditional Basque music and dancing, as well as Basque rural sports such as wood chopping and stone carrying competitions. The streets are lined with tents offering a wide variety of food and drinks. And for the kids there are parades of giants and the Gargantua, who devours the children who enter into his mouth. But don’t worry, inside the Gargantua is a slide and the children exit safely from his posterior.