The 2026 Summer Fiestas in Bizkaia

Summer would be unthinkable without the burst of joy that characterises its local fiestas. Between mid-July and October, Bizkaia becomes a mosaic of celebrations where tradition, music and local identity fill the streets, drawing in thousands of people in a non-stop parade of neckerchiefs and a great atmosphere

Elantxobe

The countdown gets off to a great start at the end of July. A highlight is Madalena eguna (Magdalene Day) on 22 July, one of the most unique and well-attended maritime festivals in Urdaibai. On this day, Elantxobe becomes the focal point of a historic coastal twinning with Bermeo and Mundaka. The tradition commemorates the legendary 17th-century dispute over ownership of the island of Ízaro, resolved by a rowing regatta in which Elantxobe acted as judge.

Every year, following the symbolic throwing of a roof tile into the sea by the Bermeo authorities in front of the rock, a sea of boats and a crowd dressed strictly in the blue of the fishermen’s uniform disembark at the spectacular, steep-sided harbour of Elantxobe.

Music, dancing and toasts take to the streets in a festival that blends legend, the sea and Basque fellowship.

Ermua

The festivities then move inland, where Ermua celebrates the feast of St James (24–27 July)

Gorliz

Gorliz takes over by the seaside with the feast of both St James and, later in the month, St Ignatius.

August is when a whole bunch of street parties and fireworks really take off.

Plentzia

Plentzia, on Butrón Bay, fills its streets around 10 August for the festival of San Antolín,

Portugalete

Portugalete dresses up in its finest in the middle of the month (14–17 August) for San Roque

Bilbao

The absolute highlight is Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia, nine days of festivities beginning on the Saturday following 15 August. For a week, Marijaia reigns over a town devoted to concerts, fireworks and the unique atmosphere of the txosnas.

Gernika

Without a break, the festivities move to Gernika for Andra Mari and San Roque (14–18 August) with their pelota matches and popular concerts.

Lekeitio

September is not to be outdone, kicking off with the iconic sanantolines in Lekeitio (1–8 September), famous for its spectacular Antzar eguna (Goose Day) on the 5th.

Bermeo

Almost concurrently, Bermeo celebrates the Andra Mari festivities (7–16 September) with a strong maritime flavour.

Getxo

Getxo honours Las Mercedes at the end of the month, filling Las Arenas with folklore. (25-27 Septiember)

Amorebieta-Etxano

The summer season is brought to a close by Amorebieta-Etxano with San Miguel at the end of September, leading straight into 1 October in the atmosphere of a rural pilgrimage that bids farewell to the fine weather.