When & Where: Every year, during the first or second weekend of May, across public spaces of Arrigorriaga.
The International Clown Festival of Arrigorriaga is one of the most distinctive street arts festivals in the Basque Country. Held annually in the town of Arrigorriaga, near Bilbao, the festival focuses on clown theatre, visual comedy, circus arts, and family-oriented street performances. Over the years, it has become an important cultural event within the Basque performing arts calendar, attracting local audiences as well as international companies and artists.
History and Cultural Importance
The festival was created to promote clowning and street theatre as accessible forms of artistic expression connected to public space and community participation. In the Basque Country, street festivals have long played a central role in local cultural life, often combining music, theatre, improvisation, and popular celebrations.
Unlike traditional circus performances held inside theatres or tents, the International Clown Festival of Arrigorriaga transforms squares, parks, and streets into open-air performance spaces. The programme usually includes silent comedy, physical theatre, acrobatics, puppetry, and interactive performances designed for audiences of all ages.
Typical Schedule and Festival Atmosphere
The festival generally takes place during spring, usually across 2-3 days in early May. Performances are distributed throughout Arrigorriaga’s public spaces, creating a lively atmosphere across the town centre from afternoon until late evening.
The programme typically combines free outdoor performances with workshops, children’s activities, parades, and special evening shows. Both local Basque artists and international clown companies participate, giving the festival an increasingly international profile while maintaining a strong local identity.
Practical Information for Visitors
Because most performances take place outdoors and within walking distance of each other, the festival is relatively easy to explore independently. Arrigorriaga is well connected to Bilbao by train (C3 line from Abando Indalecio Prieto station in Bilbao) and road, making it accessible for day trips.
Visitors should check the official programme in advance, as schedules and locations vary each year. The festival is especially suitable for families, though many performances also appeal to adult audiences interested in contemporary street theatre and visual comedy traditions.
Updated on May 29, 2026
