La Ribera de Navarra is a place where tradition blends with festivity to offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Throughout the year, the towns of La Ribera host celebrations renowned for their authenticity and lively atmosphere. From patron saint festivals to gastronomic events, each celebration provides an opportunity to explore Navarra’s rich culture and enjoy its warm hospitality.
Holy Week
Holy Week in La Ribera de Navarra is a key celebration, observed with great devotion in towns such as Tudela, Corella, and Cabanillas. Each town adds its own distinctive touch to the religious events, with highlights including the Santo Entierro processions and popular re-enactments such as the Capture of Judas. Some of these events, like Volatín and La Bajada del Ángel in Tudela, have been declared Festivals of National Tourist Interest, attracting numerous visitors.
Patron Saint Festivals
The Patron Saint Festivals are the true protagonists of La Ribera’s festive calendar. From the Santa Ana Festivities in Tudela, which begin every 24th July, to the celebrations in towns such as Fitero, Cascante, and Murchante, each locality honours its patron with processions, bull runs, music, and traditional dances. These local festivals are the heart and soul of Navarra’s culture, reflecting its deepest identity.
Carnivals
The Carnivals in La Ribera de Navarra are among the most anticipated and vibrant events of the year, particularly in towns such as Tudela, Cintruénigo, and Villafranca. These celebrations combine tradition and fun, with lively parades, costume contests, and historical characters filling the streets with music and joy.
In Cintruénigo, the Zarramuskeros are emblematic figures who chase those who do not cover their faces, while in Tudela, the Zipoteros lead the parade, throwing sweets and adding a unique touch to the festivities.
With a festive atmosphere that spreads throughout the region, the carnivals are perfect for families, offering activities for both children and adults, including large-scale parades and the traditional Burning of the Sardine.
Halloween
Towns come alive with themed activities such as escape rooms, haunted trails, and mystery tours, ideal for young people and families looking for a different kind of experience.
Halloween in La Ribera de Navarra has gained significant popularity in recent years, becoming a festival packed with activities for all ages. In towns like Arguedas and especially at the Sendaviva adventure park, Halloween is celebrated with a spooky atmosphere featuring haunted houses, outdoor escape rooms, and interactive shows, making it an ideal experience for both young people and families seeking thrills and fun in a safe environment.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, Halloween in La Ribera blends mystery, excitement, and unforgettable themed activities.
Plan Your Visit to La Ribera de Navarra’s Festivals
La Ribera de Navarra is a destination that combines tradition, nature, and culture. Throughout the year, its festivals attract thousands of visitors keen to experience authentic celebrations and immerse themselves in the region’s festive spirit. If you’re planning a visit, we recommend checking the local festival calendar to ensure you don’t miss any of these special occasions. Each festival has its own charm and reflects the cultural diversity of the region.
Don’t miss the chance to experience these unique celebrations. Check the events agenda and enjoy the experiences that await you in La Ribera.
What to Do During the Festivals?
La Ribera de Navarra is not only known for its festivals but also for the range of activities available during them. Visitors can enjoy gastronomic routes, cultural visits, and nature tours to iconic sites such as the Bardenas Reales or the Sendaviva adventure park, an excellent option for families.
Don’t miss the next big festival!
Check the event calendar and experience an unforgettable celebration in La Ribera de Navarra.
The Most Outstanding Festivals in La Ribera
La Ribera de Navarra is synonymous with vibrant and deeply rooted traditions. Among the most significant celebrations are the Santa Ana Festivities in Tudela, which take place every year from 24th to 30th July, filling the streets with colour with the famous Chupinazo, bull runs, and parades of giants and big-headed figures. These festivals bring together locals and tourists for a week of music, open-air dances, and the finest Navarrese cuisine.
In Corella, Holy Week is a key event, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest. The processions and religious events, such as the Santo Entierro, attract thousands of visitors who experience the fervour and spirituality in the town’s streets.
Meanwhile, Fitero celebrates the San Raimundo Festival at the end of March, featuring bull runs and a solemn procession in honour of the saint. In Castejón, the San Isidro and San Juan celebrations (15th May and 24th June) are equally noteworthy, with their traditional bull runs and activities for all ages.
In Ribaforada, the San Bartolomé Festival, held every 24th August, is a perfect occasion to experience Navarra’s traditions at their finest. These festivities combine religious events, such as the procession in honour of the patron saint, with popular activities like bull runs, open-air dances, and family-friendly events.
These festivals offer a unique opportunity to experience the culture, history, and hospitality of La Ribera de Navarra. Don’t miss the chance to take part in these exceptional celebrations—check the updated calendar to plan your visit.
Tudela: Santa Ana Festivities and the Famous Chupinazo
Undoubtedly, one of the most important events in La Ribera de Navarra is the Santa Ana Festivities in Tudela, held every year from 24th to 30th July. Tudela’s patron saint festivals in honour of Santa Ana are the most significant in the region. The streets come alive with bull runs, parades of giants and big-headed figures, and numerous open-air dances, including the traditional “La Revoltosa”, making Tudela the epicentre of fun. The festival begins with the traditional Chupinazo and offers seven days of intense celebrations. During this time, both locals and visitors enjoy cultural events, open-air dances, and typical regional cuisine.