Zaragoza

Whilst living in Spain, I was keen to experience some of the country’s local and national traditions and festivals, or ‘fiestas.’ My housemates, being Spanish, were also keen to introduce me to some of their country’s traditions. I’m not necessarily religious myself, but I’d heard that this particular religious festival was an important, big festival for the city and Catholics alike.

We were lucky enough to get a hotel right in the centre. My housemate being quite savvy, booked well in time to get the perfect location! The train station was just a short bus ride away, so pretty easy to get to and from too.

The Fiestas del Pilar is an annual festival celebrated in the city of Zaragoza, Aragon in honour of the patron saint of the city, the Virgen del Pilar. The week-long festival takes place every year in October. Usually beginning the weekend of or before the 12th.

The festival is opened before the 12th with an opening speech from the ‘Pregon’ on the balcony of the City Hall. This is then followed by fireworks and concerts in the Plaza del Pilar.

The most important day of the festival is 12th October, which is also a national holiday. The feast of La Virgin del Pilar, the patron saint of the city. A mass Floral Offering takes place from early that morning. Thousands of people from all over the country and beyond dressed in traditional costumes come to Plaza del Pilar Square to leave flowers before the Virgin.  

There were literally queued lines of people in traditional dress winding their way around the whole city. All making their way to the cathedral in the centre to offer flowers to Pilar. The crowds were calm and with a great sense of respect for their religion and beliefs.

Once each person has reached the centre there is an army of volunteers arranging the flowers into a pyramid form. Creating a flower mantle around the base of the statue. This then remains in the square for the duration of the festival for public viewing.

The following day after the Floral Offering is the Offering of Fruit, but unfortunately we had left the city before this.   

There is also lots of entertainment for both children and adults including puppet shows, concerts, small theatre shows, dances, solo singing artists, bars and pop bars and eateries. Many concerts by local and even famous bands and singers. They are set up around the city and usually for free. So, the festival certainly offers a wide variety of events. All of which is organised by the city hall throughout the festival. One of my favourite aspects was the giant heads and figures.

These are giant costumed figures made of paper mache to look disproportionately big-headed ‘cabezudos’ or giant ‘gigantes.’ During the festival, the giants parade along the streets covering different areas of the city each day. There are ten in total. All wearing different costumes and headpieces. They are a more formal part of the festival showcasing medieval and historic characters.

The last day the festival usually finishes with a grand finale outdoor concert and fireworks over the Ebro River.