The Semana Grande festival will begin in Bilbao on August 17

On August 17, the city’s main festival, Semana Grande, which is called Bilboko Aste Nagusia in the Basque language, will begin in Bilbao (Basque Country). Traditionally, it is celebrated on the first Saturday after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and lasts 9 days (until August 25). The Semana Grande de Bilbao 2024 program includes more than 500 free events for all tastes, including about a hundred live music concerts.

The festival will begin on Saturday, August 17, at 7:00 p.m. with the traditional reading of the proclamation, the launch of the txupinazo rocket from the balcony of the Arriaga Opera House, and the public appearance of the festival’s symbol, the giant Marijaia doll. From this moment on, the streets and squares of Bilbao become the venue for a grand party that attracts several thousand people.

Free concerts will be held on eight stages set up in the city’s squares and parks. And the Plaza de la Convivencia will be transformed into a large street theater, where 23 performances will take place. Each eventful day will end with a pyrotechnic show. Companies from around the world come to participate in the Villa de Bilbao International Fireworks Competition.

Read about the history and traditions of this cheerful holiday in our article: Semana Grande in Bilbao — a colorful festival of the Basque Country.

The most interesting events in the Semana Grande de Bilbao 2024 program are:

• International Firefighters Competition in Villa Bilbao (from August 17 to 23);
• Performances by txistularis and bagpipers (every morning);
• Whale Parade (August 18);
• Processions of the Giants (from August 18 to 25)
• The main Parade of the Giants (August 25);
• Sports competitions at the Frontón stadium (from August 17 to 24);
• Ball at the Frontón Esperantza (from August 17 to 24);
• Bilbainadas (traditional humorous songs) in the Doña Casilda Park (from August 18 to 25);
• «Dance of the Era» (Baile de la Era) in traditional costumes (August 20).

In addition, the organizers have planned many games and activities for children in the Doña Casilda Park. And also about a hundred folklore events that will introduce festival guests to the culture of the Basque Country.

Semana Grande will end on August 25 with the ceremonial burning of the Mariaja doll in the square in front of the opera house.

You can find the full program of Semana Grande de Bilbao 2024 at this link.

 

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Photo JAGO72 from flickr.com