Festivals in Santillana del Mar
Discover the celebrations of Santillana del Mar and the villages within its municipality.
Local festivals in Santillana del Mar
The most distinctive event is the Santillana del Mar Mystery Play and Three Kings Parade, which turns the medieval town into a series of performance spaces.
Usual celebration
It is usually celebrated on 5 January and lasts for one afternoon and evening. Scenes take place in Plaza del Abad Francisco Navarro, Calle del Cantón, Calle Santo Domingo, Plaza de la Colegiata, Avenida Le Dorat, Plaza de las Arenas and Plaza Mayor. The mystery play precedes the arrival and adoration of the Three Kings. The Three Kings Parade Association, the Town Council and hundreds of residents participate as actors, torchbearers, standard-bearers, shepherds, musicians and support staff. It is recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
Santa Juliana, the town's patron saint, is celebrated on 28 June with giants and big-head figures, folklore, tastings and religious events; San Roque is celebrated on 16 August. The municipality's villages also retain their own patronal festivals.
Local public holidays in 2026
Cantabria's official calendar sets 29 June and 16 September for Santillana del Mar. These are local non-working public holidays and are distinct from the 5 January parade and the usual patronal celebrations.
Other events
The municipal calendar includes the Holy Week procession and Way of the Cross, the International Puppet Festival in late May and patronal festivals in Vispieres, Herrán, Ubiarco, Viveda, Queveda, Yuso, Arroyo, Camplengo and Mijares.