From Holy Week to Basque Fest 2026

Spring in Bizkaia is celebrated with Holy Week and Basque Fest. Experience the traditional processions in Bilbao and the iconic Living Passion in Balmaseda. Immediately afterwards, the city hosts Basque Fest, a vibrant festival that fills the streets with Basque culture, music, gastronomy, and avant-garde art.

Holy Week 2026 begins on 29 March and ends on 5 April. Processions dating back centuries take over Bilbao. Penitents, marching bands and Catholic sculptures fill the city streets.

The Borriquito Procession on Palm Sunday, the Holy Supper Procession on Maundy Thursday, and the Holy Burial Procession on Good Friday bring thousands of worshippers and spectators to the streets. Other popular events include the Nazarene Procession on Holy Monday and the Soledad Procession on Holy Wednesday.

THE LIVING PASSION OF BALMASEDA

A few kilometres away from Bilbao, following the course of the Kadagua river, in the historic town of Balmaseda, Holy Week offers one of the most unique events in the region: the Living Passion. The event consists of a Way of the Cross performed by local residents. More than 700 people dressed in biblical costumes act out the scenes. It is advisable to use public transport to avoid traffic and parking problems.

The neighbourhoods of Arkotxa (Zaratamo) and Durango also stage living passion plays.

BASQUE FEST, TRADITION, MUSIC AND AVANT-GARDE IN BILBAO

For several years now, just after Easter, Bilbao has been hosting Basque Fest. The festival transforms the city into a huge showcase of traditions, creativity and community involvement. Its aim is to bring Basque popular culture to the general public, both locals and visitors alike. Its diverse and open programme offers music, gastronomy, rural sports, dance, theatre and other activities.

The streets, squares and emblematic spaces of Bilbao become living stages that encourage people to participate. Contemporary bands, trikitilaris, choirs and bertsolaris perform in open venues.

For a few days, Bilbao not only shows what it is, but also how it wants to project itself into the future: a city that looks to the world without abandoning its roots. It is well worth immersing yourself in the Basque Fest and enjoying it.