The city of Zaragoza annually holds the Pilar Festival being an ethnic holiday devoted to the patron saint of the city – the Virgin Mary of the Pillar. The bright ethnic festival is held in October. The folk celebration lasts about 7 days and attracts even more foreign guests year after year. On the first day of the festival celebration local folks gather on a square located in front of the City Hall where a grand festive opening of the festival takes place. Known politician announces a speech honoring the historical achievements and culture of the city.
Zaragoza is the Aragon’s capital. During its history the city has been conquered a number of times, so it is named the City of five cultures. Zatagoza keeps the imprints of the … Open
Zaragoza offers its guests to visit various gastronomy establishments meeting each taste and fancy. As haute cuisine connoisseurs so sparing tourists and fastidious exotic dishes admirers … Open
The main condition of participation for all the guests of the festival is having a traditional costume on. Having put on a folk costume and having chosen a basket of fruits one can start a way to the statue of the Virgin. One of the most favorite entertaining events among guests of the festival is still the Gigantes y Cabezudos parade which name can literally be translated as a “parade of puppets with big heads”. The tradition of holding the puppet march dates back to the Middle Ages when local folks constructed four huge puppet sculptures symbolizing four parts of the world for the festive ceremony. At the same time when the Pilar Festival is held, the city of Zaragoza holds the Beer Festival in a city park. Commonly the city attracts many tourists from all over the world in October.
One of the main symbols of Zaragoza is considered to be the Cathedral of San Salvador. Its luxurious building was erected on a place of an ancient mosque. The Cathedral presents a unique … Open
The early November jazz event is popular among music enthusiasts. We are talking about the International Jazz Festival, whose venues include lots of stages – both indoors and outdoors (art cafes, theatres, concert halls, bars, and clubs). During the event, guests of the city are entertained by musicians from around the globe, many of whom are renowned even by tourists who are not keen on jazz and blues. At the beginning of March, locals recollect the events of 1838 with the Festival of Cincomarzada. It marks the time (March 5th) when their ancestors fought heroically for their city, not giving it to the Carlists (apostles). The main events take place in the picturesque Parque del Tio Jorge (named after one of the battle’s heroes). The event features music concerts, picnics, interactive games, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
After an exploration tour over the local sites and landmarks city guests will find exciting and interesting to visit local entertainment establishments which are richly presented in the city … Open
Christmas in Zaragoza is another bright event which excites its guests with a piquant cocktail of colorful parades which create a festive atmosphere. Musicians, dancers, theatrical troupes from all over the world take part in processions along the city’s central streets to surprise Zaragoza’s residents and visitors with bright shows. In addition to parades, there are also craft and food fairs during the Christmas celebrations. Other religious festivals that are widely celebrated in the city include Epiphany or Reyes Magos (January 5th-6th), Easter or Semana Santa (usually in mid-April), as well as the celebration of John the Baptist or San Juan (June 23rd). In addition to the celebration of the Virgin Pilar, the locals also celebrate other saints such as St. Valerius (29th January) and St. George or San Jorge (23rd April).