Festivals in Ponferrada

Local festivals of Ponferrada

The festivities of La Encina, dedicated to the patron saint of Bierzo, are the great celebration of Ponferrada. Its central day is 8 September and the 9th is popularly known as Encinina. The city also celebrates the Templar Night and an Easter declared of National Tourist Interest.

• Date and duration: The La Encina cycle usually occupies the first days of September. The 2026 schedule runs from the end of August to 9 September, with performances by local groups already planned between 30 August and 2 September.
• Usual places: the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Encina, the Town Hall Square, the old town, the Municipal Auditorium, the Temple Park and other stages and venues distributed throughout the city.
• Traditions: mass and procession of the patron saint, offering, institutional events, concerts, festivals, clubs, children's activities and gastronomic proposals. La Encinina closes the festive cycle on the 9th. The specific programme determines the routes, stages and schedules each year.
• Participación: The City Council, the basilica, associations, clubs, local bands and artists, cultural groups, residents of Ponferrada and its districts and visitors from the entire Bercian region participate.
• Local public holidays in 2026: The municipal agreement establishes the 8 September, festival of La Encina, and the 9 September. Both are non-working days, paid and non-recoverable.

Sources: municipal special of the Holm Oak Festival 2026, municipal tourist information about La Encina y municipal agreement on local holidays of 2026.