Popular Festivities in Getxo 2026

Andra Mari Festivities - San Isisdro ( 14-15-16-17 May)  

During these festivities, you can enjoy activities for the little ones, such as the traditional Malakate Txokolatada, the bouncy inflatables, the children's pilgrimage and games with snacks. There are also concerts, exhibitions of traditional Basque sports, hand-pelota championships, popular meals, a talo workshop and much more.

Corpus Christi Festivities – Puerto Viejo Algorta (6–7 June)

The celebration of Corpus Christi in the Old Port of Algorta is one of the oldest and most unique traditions in Getxo. Although Corpus Christi is liturgically celebrated on Thursday, in Puerto Viejo the festivity is moved to Sunday to make it easier for local residents to take part. This day stands out for its solemn and seafaring character, setting it apart from the patron saint festivities in August. A procession is held through the Old Port, followed by a popular sardine barbecue (sardinada) accompanied by musical performances.

Zubilletas Festivities– San Juan  (19–20–21 June; 23–24 evenings)

These festivities have a strong neighbourhood and family atmosphere and are organised by the local festival committee. Typical activities include the San Juan Bonfire, children's games and traditional games for the youngest. Popular meals (sardinadas or barbecues) and open-air dances liven up the afternoons and evenings.

Aixerrota Paellas (25 July)

The origin of the Aixerrota Paellas is one of those stories that show how a small gathering of friends can turn into a mass phenomenon. According to tradition, it all began on 25 July 1956, when three friends from Getxo decided to organise a small paella competition in the Aixerrota fields, next to the iconic Aixerrota Mill. In that first edition, only a few people took part, but the idea of cooking outdoors facing the sea quickly caught on among locals. What started as a local plan grew exponentially. In the 1960s, the Sociedad Itxas Argia took over the organisation, giving the event a formal structure. Over time, the competition earned the title of "International", and today it attracts participants from various countries and more than 30,000 people every year to the Andra Mari fields.

Rituals of a unique day:

Paella events are not just cooking competitions; they have very specific codes and traditions:

• The Setup: Groups arrive at dawn to mark out their space. It is traditional to build wooden structures and awnings, turning the fields into an "ephemeral city".

• Clothing: most people dress in denim-style workwear (mahón) and wear personalised T-shirts, creating a spectacular splash of colour along the cliffs. • The Jury and the Catwalk: At midday comes the key moment, when representatives of each group carry their paella in procession to the jury. The cooking point of the rice, flavour, and of course the socarrat (the crispy bottom layer of rice) are judged.

• Solidarity: For years, the tradition has included a charitable component. For example, collaboration with the NGO Zaporeak is common, with attendees donating kilos of rice for humanitarian projects.

• The Place: A strategic setting. The Aixerrota fields were not chosen at random. Located on the cliffs of La Galea, they offer one of the best views of the Abra. Aixerrota means "windmill" in Basque, and the mill overlooking the fields was built in 1727 to alleviate a drought. Today, it has become the undisputed symbol of this festival.

Santa Ana Festivities – Las Arenas (24–25–26 July)

These festivities stand out for their strong neighbourhood and family atmosphere, with most events taking place in Plaza de Santa Ana. The programme usually includes traditions that are repeated each year: tortilla contests, popular sardinadas and the open-air costilladas (rib barbecues). Children's play areas (txikigune), water fights, foam parties and inflatables are also featured. Basque traditions: exhibitions of rural sports (herri kirolak), Basque dance performances and street parades with big-head figures. Competitions: chess, 3x3 basketball, mus (a traditional card game) and txapela (beret) throwing championships.

Algorta Festivities – San Ignacio  (29–30–31 July, 1–2 August)

One of the most popular festivals in Algorta, held in honour of San Ignacio. Its varied programme brings together thousands of people who come to the town to visit the txosnas (festival bars), watch the fireworks, and enjoy the open-air dances held throughout the area. These festivities begin with the popular Desfile de Cuadrillas, where local young people parade in costume with their friends to celebrate the start of the most special days of their town.

Romo Festivities – Our Lady of the Angelss (5–6–7–8–9 August)

The neighbourhood of Romo celebrates its patron saint festivities on the feast of Our Lady of the Angels. They are famous for their wide range of activities and lively nightlife. Pintxos and poteo (bar-hopping for drinks and snacks) give flavour to the Our Lady of Angels festivities, which also feature numerous concerts and dance performances. Bar pintxos competition, kalejira (street parades), txistorrada (grilled chistorra sausage feast), "Olympic games" for groups of friends, traditional Basque dances, sardinadas (sardine barbecues) and on Sunday, a tortilla competition..

San Lorenzo Market – Algorta (10 August)

This popular agricultural market is held every year on 10 August, in Algorta's Plaza de San Nicolás and Plaza del Bihotz Alai. The market offers typical Basque farmhouse products (vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, sweets, bread, etc.) and handicrafts. There are also stalls where you can taste talo with chorizo, cider, txakoli and other foods, while groups of trikitilaris, txistularis and dulzaineros liven up the streets. The day ends with a performance at 8:00 p.m. by the Biotz Alai Choir at the cultural centre Muxikebarri.

Old Port Festivities (12–13–14–15 August)

The patron saint of the Old Port of Algorta is Saint Nicholas of Bari (6 December) but for reasons of climate and seafaring tradition, it is held in mid-August (around the 12th) to encourage greater participation and enjoyment of the activities. Due to their location, these festivities have a special charm. They are famous for their traditional Basque music performances, popular dances and competitions in the port, where the vertical cucaña and the alzadas are held. During the day, popular sardinadas (sardine barbecues) and various cultural events are held in the popular bustle of its small square. At night, the streets of the Old Port are filled with music from the concerts and bars in the area. In addition to the vertical cucaña and the alzadas, the Marmitako competition is the main activity of the fiestas. Traditionally, people dressed in mahón (denim workwear), but also known as Pyjama Day, as many people wear pyjamas on this day. As a curious fact, it was during these festivities that the popular drink Kalimotxo (Kalimotxo) was born, a mixture of cola and redm wine, created during the Old Port Festivities of 1972 by a group of young people from Getxo. The full story of how kalimotxo was born can be found here:

Las Arenas Festivities – Las Mercedes (25–26–27 September)

This neighbourhood celebrates its festivities during the last weekend of September in honour of Our Lady of Las Mercedes. These festivities feature a varied programme of activities that transform the usual tranquillity of this Getxo neighbourhood from Friday to Sunday, bringing the whole town together in celebrations with something for all ages. The snail competition has become the major highlight of the festivities

La Humedad Festivities –San Martin (6–7–8 November)

The festivities of the La Humedad neighbourhood (Algorta) in November correspond to the festival of San Martín. Unlike the San Ignacio festivities in July, these are shorter celebrations usually concentrated on the weekend closest to 11 November (Saint Martin of Tours Day). Typical activities include: Popular meals and neighbourhood barbecues. Music: Evening concerts and open-air dances. Street parades with music students, traditional dances and activities organised by the neighbourhood association. Games, workshops and street performances for children.

Frequently asked questions about Local Festivals in Getxo

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