August and September are the most festive months of the year. There are so many celebrations in so many places that it is impossible to list them all. We have selected four held very close to the Cantabrian Sea: each one boasts an overwhelming personality, a more than reasonable dose of fun and, above all, the best possible location.
Aste Nagusia in Bilbao. Bizkaia, the Basque Country.
When is Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia held?
Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia (‘Great Week’ in Basque) is held over nine days, from 22 to 30 August 2026.
What shouldn’t I miss during the Aste Nagusia in Bilbao?
Like so many other festivals, the Aste Nagusia is a complete experience whose spirit spills over into practically every hour of the day and fills Bilbao’s most central neighbourhoods with a festive atmosphere, turning the capital of Bizkaia into something resembling a small village. However, there are several events and places that are well worth experiencing up close:
- The txupinazo and Marijaia’s appearance. At midday on Saturday, next to the Arriaga Theatre, the nerve centre of the opening festivities, the official reception is held, the opening speech is read and the txupinazo rocket is launched. The highlight is Marijaia’s appearance on the balcony, a giant woman with a pale face, colourful clothes and rosy cheeks who, with her arms always raised, invites everyone to join the party and revelry.
- The fireworks. Every night at 10:30 p.m., the International Fireworks Competition paints the sky above the Botxo in a multitude of colours. The best ‘spots’ from which to watch them are the riverbanks beside the Arenal, Campo Volantín, Deusto Bridge or any rooftop in Abando (provided you have access to one, of course). Anyone wishing to look out over Bilbao from above and watch the shower of fireworks over the city should head up to the Artxanda viewpoints.
- The txosnas and free music. The txosnas, mainly located in the Arenal, are the heart of the festival, offering music, food and a genuinely festive atmosphere. The music programme includes more than one hundred free performances across nine different venues, including stages such as Abandoibarra, beside the Guggenheim, and Plaza Nueva.
- Gargantúa. What child would not be fascinated by the possibility of being devoured by a hungry giant wearing a txapela? For decades, the Gargantúa in Plaza del Arriaga has fuelled the dreams, and perhaps even the occasional nightmare, of Bilbao’s children. Unmissable.
And somewhere near Bilbao to rest after the festivities?
All you need to do is take the metro to reach the beaches of Arrigunaga, in Getxo, or Plentzia and forget about the street bands and crowds. By car, of course, the beach options multiply: La Arena in Muskiz, La Salvaje in Getxo and Arrietara in Sopela are some of the very spacious beaches located just 30 minutes by car from the capital.
International Descent of the River Sella. Asturias.
When is the International Descent of the River Sella held?
It will be held on Saturday, 8 August 2026, traditionally the first Saturday in August. This year will see the 88th edition of this event, also known as the Canoe Festival, which has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest and has become a true social phenomenon combining sport, celebration, tradition and scenery.
What shouldn’t I miss during the celebrations surrounding the International Descent of the River Sella?
The event revolves around a descent of the River Sella from the bridge in Arriondas to beautiful Ribadesella, which has become an excellent excuse to fill almost every point along the route with a festive atmosphere.
- The build-up in Arriondas. The accompanying activities begin as early as Thursday, with the arrival of the peñas in the town, and continue on Friday night with the lighting of bonfires. On Saturday itself, before the start, a parade of peñas passes through the streets, accompanied by brass bands, bagpipe bands, a parade of tritons and folk groups.
- The climactic moment of the start. Just before the starting gun, the official announcer closes their speech with a resounding phrase coined during the early years of the descent: “Let the public remain silent and listen to our words…”. An overwhelming silence then falls, before being joined by the sound of ‘Asturias, patria querida’. After the anthem, the roar of the cannons marks the start of the race.
- Following the race from the riverbank. The entire bank of the River Sella is freely accessible… provided there is space, of course. The best places from which to follow the race? The starting point in Arriondas, Llovio Bridge with its rapids and the finish line in Ribadesella.
- The Sella Train. It is probably the most authentic and intense experience connected with the descent… provided you are not one of the competitors taking part in the sporting event, of course. This special train has accompanied the canoeists almost since the event began, travelling ‘dressed’ for the occasion and packed with passionate supporters.
And somewhere near Ribadesella to rest after the festivities?
To the east of Ribadesella, along the stretch of coastline separating the town from San Antolín Beach, the one where the FEVE train is almost splashed by the sea during storms, there are several fascinating ‘spots’ for anyone who loves the coast. Make a note of them: the Cliffs of Hell, the Pría blowholes, Cuevas del Mar Beach and Gulpiyuri Beach. Simply enter any of these names into Google Images to understand why we recommend them.
Festa do Vino Albariño. Cambados. Pontevedra, Galicia
When is the Festa do Vino Albariño held?
The 74th Festa do Albariño will be held from 28 July to 2 August 2026 in Cambados. This is no coincidence: as well as being an essential monumental town, Cambados is the world capital of Albariño wine. It has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.
What shouldn’t I miss during the Festa do Albariño?
- The opening ceremony and proclamation. The opening ceremony and reading of the proclamation take place in Praza do Concello, followed by the opening of the wine stands on Paseo da Calzada, where thousands of bottles of this fresh, aromatic wine are uncorked.
- The Capítulo Serenísimo. This is one of the festival’s most distinctive and long-established events. It includes a parade of authorities and invited gastronomic brotherhoods along Avenida de Madrid and culminates in the investiture ceremony for the Donas e Cabaleiros do Albariño in the Parade Ground of the Pazo de Fefiñáns. Figures as varied as Charles de Gaulle, Camilo José Cela and Torrente Ballester have been admitted to this order.
- The Wine Tunnel. It is like a time tunnel, except that instead of travelling to the Middle Ages or the future, visitors ‘travel’, and taste their way, through the production of more than 150 wineries belonging to the Regulatory Council of the Rías Baixas Designation of Origin. The best part of this journey is that it takes place under the guidance of an expert sommelier.
- Concerts in Praza de Fefiñáns. Every night, musical performances are held in this square built entirely from stone and surrounded by historic pazos.
And somewhere near Cambados to rest after the festivities?
What better way to recover from the festivities than on an idyllic little island? The place in question is A Illa de Arousa, one of Spain’s few inhabited islands accessible by bridge. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Galicia, which is saying quite something, as well as several charming little coves, old industrial remains, including mills and former canning factories, that evoke a very recent past, and numerous natural spaces. And yes, of course, the food here is also excellent.
The Last Landing of Charles V. Laredo, Cantabria.
When is the Last Landing of Charles V held?
The 2026 edition of this celebration, which has been declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, will be held from 18 to 20 September. During those three days, Laredo returns to the year 1556, although some parts of the town have never really left that period, to recreate the emperor’s imperial court, surrounding the event with numerous activities for all kinds of visitors. Will a historical festival appeal to people travelling with children? Without a doubt. In addition to the re-enactment itself, which looks more like a grand period film, the programme includes events specially designed for younger visitors.
What shouldn’t I miss during the Last Landing of Charles V?
- The re-enactment of the Landing on Salvé Beach. This is the festival’s main event, staged in an impressive arena installed on the beach, with stands accommodating almost 5,000 spectators. After the re-enactment, a fireworks display takes place in an incomparable setting.
- The Grand Imperial Parade and the Landing of the Emperor’s Sisters. With all the pomp you could expect and in the best possible setting: the old streets of the town of Laredo.
- Jousts, mounted knight fights and birds of prey displays. The closest thing to having Netflix in the 16th century: highly realistic live shows performed by the finest professionals in each field. Unmissable.
And somewhere near Laredo to rest after the festivities?
Laredo has one major advantage: it is both a historic town and a seaside holiday destination, meaning that Salvé Beach itself, one of the settings for the festival, is also an excellent place to relax the following day. And this is no small matter: it is one of the longest beaches in Cantabria. For a plan involving less time in Laredo, Santoña, Laredo’s neighbour on the opposite side of the estuary, offers a quieter atmosphere, excellent cuisine, famously, extremely famously known for its anchovies, and beaches such as Berria, which are perfect for switching off after several days of historical re-enactments and crowds.
