When & Where: 9 days around the 15th of August, mainly in the city centre.
The Bilboko Aste Nagusia (Bilbao’s Great Week) is the most important annual festival in the city of Bilbao and one of the largest cultural events in the Basque Country. Celebrated every August, it lasts nine days and transforms the city into a centre of music, theatre, gastronomy, traditional Basque sports, and community celebration. Although the origins of the festival date back to the late 19th century, the current model was established in 1978. Since then, Aste Nagusia has become a symbol of Bilbao’s modern identity — open, participatory, and deeply rooted in local culture.
The festivities begin with the launch of the chupinazo, a firework that marks the official opening in the Arriaga Theatre square. Immediately afterward, the character of Marijaia, a cheerful female figure with raised arms, is unveiled on the theatre balcony. Marijaia embodies the spirit of the festival — joy, inclusiveness, and togetherness — and remains the central icon until the closing ceremony, when she is symbolically burned to mark the end of the celebrations.
Throughout the week, Bilbao hosts an extensive programme of concerts, street performances, parades, fireworks competitions, and Basque rural sports (herri kirolak). Music is a central feature, with free concerts representing a wide range of styles, from traditional Basque sounds to contemporary international artists. The old town, known as the Casco Viejo, becomes the main meeting point, filled with open-air bars and festive stalls organised by local cultural associations known as txosnas. Each txosna represents a community group and contributes to the distinctive atmosphere of diversity and social participation that defines the event.
Families can also enjoy activities specifically designed for children, including puppet shows, workshops, and street games. Traditional Basque dances and processions honouring local customs coexist with more modern forms of entertainment, creating a balanced reflection of Bilbao’s heritage and urban dynamism.
Aste Nagusia is recognised for its inclusive and community-driven spirit, where locals and visitors celebrate side by side. It showcases Bilbao not only as an industrial and cultural capital but also as a city that values creativity, social engagement, and festive tradition. The Great Week remains one of the most representative and vibrant expressions of Basque identity.
Posted on October 29, 2025
