The festivities of Pilar

The festivities of Pilar
It celebrates: From 8th October to 16th October
Place: Zaragoza (Zaragoza)
Category: Religious
Popularity: (****) 4/5
Ideal for children
Organize: Zaragoza City Council
Known start date: Since 1807
Figure of protection: Festivities of International Tourist Interest (2019)
Tags:
Regional DancesInternational Tourist InterestUrban
Reading time: 2 minutes and a half

The festivities of Pilar is a traditional event held in Zaragoza, to honor the Virgen of the Pilar, considered the patron saint of the inhabitants of this region. The celebration begins the week of October 12 each year and culminates the following Sunday with a series of events organized to entertain the attendees.

The festivities of Pilar 2019: folklore, tradition, party, concerts

What is the origin of this festivity?

The celebration of the Virgin of the Pilar dates back to the middle of the 12th century, but the assignment of the date to carry out its celebration was thanks to the city council to remember October 12 as the date when the Marian apparition took place.

It is from the year 1982 when its celebration was an official fact decreed by the Spanish state as a Festival of National Tourist Interest.

What does this celebration consist of?

Fruit offering
Fruit offering

The celebration of the festivities of Pilar is a traditional festival in which a series of activities and celebrations are organized to honor the day of the virgin of the Pilar. The first event that takes place is the Children's Mass where many people attend, dressed in traditional costumes and carrying flowers, which are offered to the Virgin in a massive parade.

Once the floral offering is finished, the mass is held in the Basilica del Pilar. Another celebration is the Fruit Offering, where visitors give the Virgin a great variety of products and fruits brought from different parts of the region.

During the following days, other parades take place, such as the so-called Crystal Rosary, where floats made of glass are paraded, completely illuminated, with representations of different themes and which are a true spectacle.

One of the floats of the Crystal Rosary. To Ecelan - Own job, CC BY 2.5
One of the floats of the Crystal Rosary. To Ecelan - Own job, CC BY 2.5

Likewise, the famous parade of the Giants and Big heads takes place, where figures made of paper representing very popular characters in the region walk the street of the town entertaining the audience with their dances and costumes characteristic of the medieval era.

Other activities that are also part of the event are puppet shows to entertain children, a general fair where a variety of products, crafts, etc. are exhibited, outdoor concerts and the so-called Beer Festival. The festival ends with the fireworks, a real play of lights.

Children activities

The little ones also play a leading role in these festivities in El Pilar and, especially in recent years, activities have been developed for them in the Delicias Park and in the Grande José Antonio Labordeta Park: puppets, performances, marionettes...

What places to visit in Zaragoza during the festival?

Zaragoza
Zaragoza

There are many tourist sites and places of interest in Zaragoza, one of them is the beautiful "Basilica de la Señora del Pilar", a work of art in the baroque style. Also, you can't miss the Aljaferia Palace, a true legacy of Arab culture.

In this place you will find a great variety of museums, the aquarium and botanical garden, a truly amazing place to enjoy with your family. You can also take a wonderful tour of the Ebro in a canoe, a real adventure, and if you are a nature lover, don't forget to visit the Water Park, where great fun awaits for you.

If you want to eat well, then take a tour of the historic center, where you can enjoy the richest tapas in the region. In this area, full of narrow streets, you will find places and bars served by very friendly people and where you can taste everything you want from the traditional Spanish cuisine.

Upcoming festivals

Veladas and Festivities of La Línea de la Concepción

From 14th July to 23rd July
Línea de la Concepción, La (Cádiz)
Enjoy 10 days of a festive atmosphere, the aroma of manzanilla (a type of sherry), and flamenco dresses at any time of the day at the Veladas y Fiestas de La Línea in Cádiz.

Virgin of Carmen and Magdalena Festivities in Cangas del Narcea

From 16th July to 22nd July
Cangas del Narcea (Asturias)
Virgin of Carmen and Magdalena Festivities in Cangas del Narcea
Declared Festivals of Touristic Interest in Asturias, the celebrations of El Carmen and La Magdalena feature dazzling fireworks displays and the thrilling 'Descarga' in honor of the Virgen del Carmen. An unforgettable experience you shouldn't miss.

The Mystery of Obanos

From 20th July to 27th July
Obanos (Navarra)
In even years, a medieval legend of the Camino de Santiago comes to life, where the town transforms itself to perform an impressive theatrical representation filled with banners, carriages, and medieval costumes. This performance stands out for its quality and its stage in the Plaza de los Fueros. It is an unmissable spectacle that brings together the community of Obanos and delights visitors.

The Dance of the Stilts

From 21st July to 25th July
Anguiano (Rioja, La)
The Dance of the Stilts
The Dance of the Stilts, is a popular traditional festival, which is celebrated in the town of Anguiano in La Rioja, Spain and which has been declared as an Intangible Cultural Property.

Festivals this weekend

The weirdest and strangest popular festivals

Festivals categories

Themes

Most searched

Older festivals

The San Fermines

From 6th July to 14th July
Pamplona/Iruña (Navarra)
Since XII century

Most recent festivals