The Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza

Don’t miss the Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza! Join thousands of visitors from around the world and enjoy 10 days of festive events, including the famous Feria Taurina del Pilar. Book your tickets now and experience one of Spain’s most important celebrations, recognized as a National and International Tourist Interest. We look forward to seeing you there!

Without a doubt, the Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza are the most important celebrations in the city and one of the most eagerly awaited events by its residents.

Recognized as one of the best festivals in Spain, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world each year, this Zaragoza festival is held in honor of the Virgen del Pilar, the patron saint of the city. Over 10 days, a multitude of festive events take place, including the Feria Taurina del Pilar, one of the most significant bullfighting events in Spain.

Lasting approximately 10 days, though this may vary from year to year, the Feria del Pilar was declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in 1980 and an International Tourist Interest in 2019, underscoring its importance not just in Spain, but globally.

 

History of the Feria del Pilar in Zaragoza

The Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza are deeply rooted in devotion to the Virgen del Pilar, the patroness of the city. According to legend, in 40 AD, the Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle James while he was preaching in Zaragoza. She left a jasper column as a sign of her presence, and since then, the Basilica of Pilar has become a significant pilgrimage site.

The fair in honor of the Virgen del Pilar has been celebrated in Zaragoza since the 13th century, making it one of the most iconic and historically rich festivities in Spain.

Basilica of the Virgin of Pilar

When Are the Fiestas del Pilar 2024?

The Fiestas del Pilar are celebrated annually around October 12th, the day of the Virgen del Pilar. The festivities last approximately 10 days, during which the city is adorned in festive attire and filled with a vibrant atmosphere, drawing over 4 million people from all over the world—more than double the population of Zaragoza.

The celebrations always start on the weekend before the 12th and continue until the Sunday after. Specifically, the Feria del Pilar 2024 will take place from Saturday, October 5th, to Sunday, October 13th, offering a total of 9 days filled with activities, traditions, concerts, processions, and much more.

The fair is spread throughout the city center, with the iconic Plaza del Pilar being the most important venue, along with the streets of the historic center.

Plaza de toros de Zaragoza, La Misericordia
Zaragoza Bullfighting Fair - La Misericordia Bullring

What to Do During the Fiestas del Pilar?

During the Fiestas del Pilar, more than 500 cultural and recreational events are held for all ages, with over 90% taking place on the streets and being free to attend.

The fair kicks off with the opening speech in Plaza del Pilar, marking the start of the festivities. From that moment on, the streets of the city’s historic center come alive with people, music, and color, transforming into stages for countless concerts, plays, and other performances for all audiences. The celebrations last from early morning until late at night.

Craftsmanship plays a significant role during the fair, along with the giant and big-headed figures, and of course, the gastronomy. Bars and restaurants throughout the city offer a wide and varied selection of typical Aragonese cuisine.

October 12th is the main day of the Feria del Pilar and also the most emotional. The day begins with the Rosario de la Aurora, a dawn procession that gathers hundreds of people as they walk through the streets from San Pablo Church to the Basilica of Pilar. Later in the morning, the Flower Offering takes place, where thousands of people dressed in traditional attire present millions of flowers to the Virgen del Pilar.

The following day, October 13th, features the Fruit Offering, and in the evening, the Rosario de Cristal, a procession through the historic center of the city, with over 200 lanterns and 15 glass carriages.

Among the many activities, bullfighting holds a prominent place in the Feria del Pilar, with the La Misericordia bullring often selling out daily. The fair concludes with a spectacular fireworks display along the banks of the Ebro River, providing one of the most picturesque views of the city.

The Feria Taurina del Pilar in Zaragoza

Due to its long-standing tradition, the Feria Taurina del Pilar is one of the most important events of the Zaragoza festival, drawing the top figures in bullfighting each October. The La Misericordia bullring, which seats over 10,000 people, consistently sells out.

During the Fiestas del Pilar, bullfighting reaches its peak in Zaragoza with a festival that includes bullfights, rejoneo (bullfighting on horseback), and novilladas (fights with young bulls), as well as many other festivities from early morning, such as vaquillas (smaller bulls), recortadores (bull-leapers), emboladores, and rejoneo. This makes the La Misericordia bullring one of the most significant venues during the Fiestas del Pilar, earning it the nickname “The Cathedral of Popular Festivities.”

While the final lineup has yet to be announced, the Zaragoza Feria Taurina typically includes 12 events: six bullfights, one rejoneo, two novilladas with picadores, and one without picadores.

Attending the bullfights in Zaragoza during the Fiestas del Pilar is a must, making tickets hard to come by. Therefore, at Servitoro, we offer you the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Zaragoza bullring online in advance, ensuring your presence at La Misericordia.

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