Embarking on the Camino de Santiago is a unique experience that transcends the religious. It is a journey of self-discovery immersed in breathtaking landscapes, history, and culture. But beyond the grandeur of the French Way or the beauty of the Portuguese Way, there is a network of local festivals along the Camino that further enrich the journey.

These traditional celebrations allow us to learn about the customs and folklore of the towns along the Camino, creating unforgettable moments that add to the mystique of the pilgrimage.

 

Immerse yourself in the culture of the Camino de Santiago through its festivals

If you are planning your adventure on the Camino de Santiago, we encourage you to consider the dates of some of these local festivals. You can always find agencies to do the Camino de Santiago to help you organise your trip during these special dates.

Not only will you have fun, but you will also have the opportunity to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the essence of the adventure. To help you organise, we have compiled some of the most outstanding festivals along the most popular routes:

 

French Way

The French Way, the quintessential Jacobean route, hosts countless local festivals that bring life to the towns it passes through. Here are some of the most representative:

    • San Fermín Festival in Pamplona (6-14 July): World-famous for the running of the bulls, this festival attracts visitors from all over the world. Pilgrims who are here during these dates can experience the atmosphere of Pamplona, with its streets filled with people dressed in traditional white and red.
    • The Battle of Wine in Haro, La Rioja (29 June): A unique celebration where participants drench each other with red wine from buckets, bottles, and water pistols. It’s a fun and refreshing experience that coincides with the San Pedro festival.
    • San Juan Festival in Burgos (24 June): This festival marks the beginning of summer with bonfires, fireworks, music, and dancing. It’s an opportunity for pilgrims to immerse themselves in local traditions and enjoy the hospitality of the people of Burgos.
  • Festival of Saint James the Apostle (15-25 July): The highlight of the local festivals of the French Way is undoubtedly the Festival of Saint James the Apostle, celebrated in the Galician capital from 15 to 25 July. The city is adorned with festivities including street parties, concerts, fireworks, and solemn masses at the Cathedral of Santiago.

For this, you can do the organised French Way from Sarria with the best agency to help you organise your trip during these iconic festivities.

 

Portuguese Way

The journey along the Portuguese Way also holds local festivals of great interest. Here are some of them:

  • São João Festival (24 June) in Porto: One of the most lively festivals in Portugal, characterised by its festive atmosphere with music, dancing, fireworks, and the launching of hot air balloons. Participants also gently hit each other with plastic hammers as part of the tradition.
  • Festa da Senhora da Agonia (19-22 August) in Viana do Castelo: This festival centres on celebrations in honour of the Virgin of Agony. It includes religious processions, folk parades, and fireworks displays. It is famous for showcasing maritime traditions and Portuguese regional costumes.
  • San Telmo Festival (first week of April) in Tui: Before covering the stages of the Camino de Santiago from Tui, we invite you to learn about its local festival. Here homage is paid to San Telmo, patron of sailors and fishermen. It is characterised by processions, cultural and liturgical activities, becoming a significant event for the local community and pilgrims.

 

Northern Way

The stages of the Northern Way to Santiago, a route less travelled than the French or Portuguese Way, also offers a rich variety of local festivals. Here are some of them:

  • San Juan Festival (23-24 June) in various places: Marking the start of summer, this festival is celebrated with bonfires, music, and dancing. It is a special occasion to purify oneself and welcome the new season.
  • Semana Grande/Aste Nagusia (August) in Bilbao: A week full of concerts, cultural events, fireworks, and the traditional launch of the txupinazo. The city is filled with joy and it is a great time to enjoy Basque hospitality.
  • Festival of Santo Cristo de la Misericordia (14-15 September) in Ribadeo: With processions, religious acts, and popular celebrations, this festival stands out for its devotion and ability to bring together the community and visitors in an atmosphere of faith and festivity.

 

Tips for enjoying local festivals on the Camino de Santiago

  • Plan your trip in advance: research the dates of the local festivals you are interested in and organise your route accordingly.
  • Book accommodation in advance: the influx of people during festivals can be high, especially in the most popular cities. Book your accommodation in advance to ensure you have a place to stay.
  • Prepare for the hustle and bustle: local festivals are often lively and crowded events. If you are seeking tranquility, you may want to avoid these dates.
  • Respect local traditions: each festival has its own traditions and customs. Learn about them and show respect for the local culture.
  • Enjoy the experience: local festivals are a unique opportunity to get to know the culture and traditions of the Camino de Santiago up close. Let yourself be carried away by the music, the food, and the festive atmosphere.

 

Embark on your journey to the Camino de Santiago with an open mind and a heart ready to discover new experiences. The local festivals await you to enrich your journey with unforgettable moments.