The Basque capital's festivals are coming up: dates, activities, and concerts in Vitoria-Gasteiz, San Sebastián, and Bilbao.

August is about to begin, and with it come the major festivals of the three provincial capitals of the Basque Country . Vitoria-Gasteiz, San Sebastián, and Bilbao celebrate their most representative events this month, combining popular events, fireworks displays, traditional sports, and free open-air concerts. All of them feature iconic figures, such as Celedón, Marijaia, and the traditional cannon shot, which mark the beginning of each celebration.

The Virgen Blanca Festival will kick off this festive calendar between August 4 and 9 in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Following the chupinazo (fireworks) and the descent of Celedón , the city will be filled with events such as food fairs, bertsolaris shows, fireworks, and unique competitions such as the abarcas (sandal throwing). The musical program will feature artists such as Rozalén, Mägo de Oz, Fermin Muguruza, Gorka Urbizu, and Biznaga .

Traditions, concerts and festive atmosphere

From August 9th to 16th , the capital of Gipuzkoa will celebrate its Semana Grande (Big Week) with the Alderdi Eder Cannon Shot as the opening act. The International Fireworks Competition , traditional sports, and family activities will mark the daily rhythm in San Sebastián. The main concerts will take place on the Sagües stage , with outstanding performances by Leire Martínez, OBK, Sexy Zebras, and Vicco , among other musical offerings aimed at different audiences.

Bilbao's Aste Nagusia will take over from August 16 to 24 , with Marijaia as a visible symbol of the festivities, which attract thousands of visitors each year. The Biscayan capital will feature more than 100 free performances in nine venues , with Abandoibarra and Parque Europa being the main stages. The program includes concerts by renowned artists such as Rozalén, Coque Malla, Alcalá Norte, and Shinova , as well as DJs and nighttime shows for all tastes.

In addition to the musical offerings, Bilbao will also feature txosnas (small grills), communal meals, and the traditional burning of Marijaia, which will bring the celebrations to a close. Neighborhood involvement and the street atmosphere continue to be two of the key ingredients of a festival that has become one of the highlights of summer in the Basque Country. This year, the town crier and txupinera (small grilled meat vendor) of Bilbao's Semana Grande will be Francis Díez and Olatz Agirre .

Each city offers its own unique personality and style, but all three share a common goal: to fill their streets with life, culture, and civic engagement . From Plaza de la Virgen Blanca to Doña Casilda Park, the month of August offers an opportunity to discover the festive pulse of the Basque capitals.