Festivals in Guadalajara
Discover the main festivals, celebrations and traditions of Guadalajara, municipality of Guadalajara, in Castile-La Mancha.
Virgin of Antigua and Fairs of Guadalajara
La main date is 8 September, when Guadalajara honours the Virgin of Antigua, patron saint of the city. The day usually includes religious services and the solemn procession, which gives way to the Fairs and Festivals. The duration is not fixed: The City Council specifies the dates of the Big Week and its events each year, so the calendar from a previous edition should not be transferred to the 2026 programme.
The party spreads through the centre and other municipal areas. The procession passes through spaces such as the Co-Cathedral of Santa María, Calle Mayor, Plaza Mayor and the Sanctuary of Antigua. Among its own events are the parade of giants and big heads and the running of the bulls from the Mercado de Abastos to the bullring through the historic centre, declared of Regional Tourist Interest. The Brotherhood of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua, clubs, runners, associations, municipal services, neighbors and visitors participate.
Annual programme: The municipal programme for the 2026 Fairs and Festivals was not published when this file was closed; Therefore, only the documented stable features are maintained and are not attributed to 2026 concerts, tours or schedules from previous years.
Local public holidays in 2026: The official calendar of Castile-La Mancha sets Guadalajara on 8 September and the 18 September. They are two non-working days at the municipal level and are not equivalent to the full duration of the Fairs.