FESTIVALS & FIESTAS ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO IN 2024.
If, like us, you are starting to plan your vacations and adventures for the rest of the year, you may be busily plotting your Camino de Santiago route. If so, this post is here to arm you with vital knowledge about festivals happening in Spain and Portugal on the Camino de Santiago routes throughout 2024.
It may not surprise you to know that fiestas happen frequently throughout the year in Spain. These can be small local affairs, or like San Fermin in Pamplona can take over an entire city. Whatever the scale of the event, it’s pretty much a guarantee that the party will continue until the wee hours.
Depending on your disposition, these fiestas might be massive events that you don’t want to miss. Or, you might want to give them a wide berth – especially if you like your beauty sleep. Either way, it can be useful to be aware of these key dates – not least because accommodation during these times, particularly in large cities, can be difficult to come by if you don’t book in advance.
Notable events in 2024
There are two interesting year long events to be aware of for 2024.
The first, is that Oviedo is this years Spanish capital of gastronomy. This means that throughout the year, there are going to be many food based events in the city. If you’re considering walking the Camino Primitivo – this is one to watch.
The second thing of note, is one for art lovers. 2024 is the centenary of Spanish artist Eduardo Chillida. To celebrate, there are going to be a number of exhibitions, including in Bilbao and Aviles (both on the Camino del Norte.)
Public holidays in Spain and Portugal in 2024
It is useful to take note of public holidays when you walk the Camino de Santiago. On these dates (as well as on Sundays) it is likely that you will see reduced opening times for shops and sometimes restaurants.
From a cultural perspective, it can also be helpful to take note of these holidays. Not least because your wonderful albergue hosts will probably be working on these days!
Public Holidays in Spain
- 1 January 2024 (new years day
- 29 March 2024 (good Friday)
- 1 May 2024 (workers day)
- 15 August 2024 (Assumption of the Virgin Mary)
- 12 October 2024 (Spanish day)
- 1 November 2024 (All Saints Day)
- 6 December 2024 (Spanish constitution day)
- 25 December 2024 (Christmas Day)
Public Holidays in Portugal
- 1 January 2024 (New Years Day)
- 29 March and 31 March 2024 (Easter)
- 25 April 2024 (Freedom Day)
- 1 May 2024 (Labour Day)
- 31 May 2024 (Corpus Christi)
- 10 June 2024 (Portugal Day)
- 15 August 2024 (Assumption Day)
- 5 October 2024 (Republic Day)
- 1 November 2024 (All Saints Day)
- 1 December 2024 (Restoration of Independence)
- 8 December 2024 (Immaculate conception)
- 25 December 2024 (Christmas Day)
Festivals on the Camino in April 2024
Here are some festivals & fiestas on the Camino in April 2024.
The town of Arcade is on the Camino Portuguese route, close to Pontevedra. This year the famous Oyster Festival takes place on the 6 and 7 April and offers a chance to taste these seafood delicacies.
As noted above, Dia de Liberdade (Freedom Day) is a public holiday in Portugal on 25 April 2024. Look out for fun events and fireworks in Porto and along the Portuguese Way.
Festivals on the Camino in May 2024
Here are some fiestas and festivals on the Camino in 2024.
On the 1st May, you’ll find many May day celebrations as this is a public holiday in Spain. Look out for the festival in Pontevedra if you are walking the Portuguese route. This festival is thought to mark the start of the good weather – hopefully a good omen for your Camino!
Between 8 and 12 May you will find the “Festas de Ascension” in Santiago de Compostela. Look out for stalls selling octopus, theatre shows and plenty more celebrations.
Festivals on the Camino in June 2024
Here are some fiestas and festivals on the Camino in June 2024.
The city of Logroño on the Camino Frances, has an annual celebration dedicated to it’s patron saint. This year, it will be held between 08 and 12 June 2024. Look out for information on the “Fiestas de San Bernabe.”
In Lisbon, the celebration of Saint Antony takes place in June. This year it will be held on 13 June. There are celebrations in the city throughout the week. Look out for live music, food stalls and all sorts of fun!
On 23 June, “St John’s Eve” is celebrated in Galicia. This is a mid-summer style celebration. You can find parties happening in Finisterre, A Coruna and a spectacular one in Santiago de Compostela (a good day to arrive!)
In Porto on the Camino Portuguese, a mid-summer festival is held towards the end of June (this year the 23 and 24.) The streets will come alive with partying, dance and food.
Festivals on the Camino in July 2024
July is a big month for festivals – here are some that are happening in July 2024 on the Camino routes.
San Fermin – a large celebration in Pamplona that will include the famous running of the bulls events. This year it takes place from 6 to 14 July. Look out for this on the French route.
Book your accommodation early if you plan to walk through Pamplona during this time!
Bilbao Music Festival takes place in July on the Camino del Norte. Specifically the 11/12/13 July. Now, this is not one for the faint hearted! This is a full on music festival – you may need a few rest days. This years line up includes Arcade Fire and Massive Attack. Tickets can be bought here.
St James Day is on the 25 July. This is a spectacular celebration in Santiago de Compostela as it celebrates “st James” the apostle of the Camino. Fireworks will be held in the city as well as processions. This is the biggest day in the Camino calendar!
Santiago firework display – marking the end of the Apostle Festival, there will be another large firework display in Santiago de Compostela on 31 July 2024.
In addition, you’ll also find many fiestas along each of the Camino route as the towns and villages throughout Spain celebrate the summer!
Festivals on the Camino in August 2024
Here are some fiestas and festivals on the Camino in August 2024.
Padron Pepper Celebration – who doesn’t love Padron peppers? This takes place on the 1st Sunday of August – this year, 4 August. Find it in Padron on the Portuguese Way.
Semana Grande (Big week) festivals take place all along the Camino del Norte in August. Look out for events in Gijon (4 to 15) and Bilbao (17 to 25).
Between the 15 and 20 August, you will find San Roque festivals in Galicia. A big one is held in Melide (towards the end of the Camino Frances). Ribadeo on the Camino del Norte, also has a big celebration at this time.
On the 15th August, you can find the Fiesta del Veraneante in Sahagun. This is the half way point of the Camino Frances. Giving you double the reasons to celebrate!
Festivals on the Camino in September 2024
Between the 20 and 26 September 2024, the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival will take place in city of Logroño. Find this on the Camino Frances route. Look out for parades, music and food. And of course, wine! Aside from the wine festival, this is a great time to walk the Camino Frances as temperatures are a little cooler!
We will keep this list updated as more events get announced throughout the year!
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Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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