Vitoria Festivities 2026 and Celedón: history, tradition, and atmosphere

Txupinazo of Vitoria Festivities and descent of Celedón

For those uninitiated in the matter, the txupinazo or chupinazo is the launching of a rocket that marks the start of certain popular festivities. In Gasteiz, it takes place on August 4th at 6:00 p.m. 

Every year, a relevant personality or entity from the area is responsible for launching it. In the Vitoria Festivities 2026, Baskonia will hold this honor due to winning the basketball Copa del Rey during the past season. 

Celedón is the other protagonist of this event, which is estimated to gather around 35,000 people in the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Most are wearing a red or arrantzale neckerchief, in addition to the bottle of champagne and the cigar, which are already part of the festive attire for this August 4th.

Celedón, history of the main character of the Festivities

Those who have never visited the Vitoria Festivities will surely not know who Celedón is. He is the character who stars in the start and farewell of these festive days and, since 2024, is portrayed by Iñaki Kerejazu. 

On August 4th, a dummy representing Celedón crosses the sky of Vitoria over the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Right after, Iñaki Kerejazu crosses the square on foot to go up to the balcony of San Miguel and rally the crowds while officially kicking off the festivities. On the night of August 9th to 10th at one in the morning, Celedón makes the reverse journey he took on the fourth to bid farewell to these days of revelry. 

It is said that the character was created in 1957 and is based on Celedonio Anzola, a mason from the nearby town of Zalduondo, who walked every day to the city's festivities.

Vitoria Festivities 2026: highlights of the program

In addition to the txupinazo that marks the starting signal for the festivities, there are multiple events that you should not miss and can check in theofficial program. Here is a selection of the most striking ones:

Paseillo of blusas and neskas

The blusas and neskas are citizens dressed in traditional clothing. They carry out multiple activities and are organized into different cuadrillas (festive groups). The paseillo, a parade to the rhythm of various music styles, is one of the central events of the festivities. 

Until the Vitoria Festivities 2026, each group paraded independently in the paseillo, but this year will be the first time it is done jointly. 

The route starts at Fueros Street (intersection with Olaguibel), passes through Ortiz de Zárate, Florida, and Dato, and finishes at Postas. The cuadrillas belonging to the Comisión de Blusas kick off the parade at 5:00 p.m., while those from the Federación will do so at 7:30 p.m. It is held every day.

Concerts, pure festive atmosphere

There are different stages offering an attractive and varied lineup. We highlight some of the most appealing proposals: 

Plaza de los Fueros (August 4–8, 11:59 p.m.) This is the quintessential venue for musical performances during these days. They are free. We highlight the following performances:

Leire Martínez (August 4): the former face of La Oreja de Van Gogh brings her commercial pop proposal to the Gasteiz event.

Soziedad Alcoholika (August 6): the locals from Vitoria, prophets in their homeland, will delight heavy rock fans.

Celtas Cortos (August 8): classics of Spanish folk music for the penultimate day of the Vitoria Festivities 2026.

Fireworks

You can enjoy them every night from almost anywhere in the city. They are launched at 11:00 p.m. from Mendizabala.

Theater and Comedy

There are multiple stages across the city. Open-air, such as El Rincón del Humor (Prado Park), or indoors, like the Félix Petite Theater. Here are some notable proposals:

Two much Circus, ‘Double Bill’ (August 5, 12:00 p.m. Plaza Conde de Peñaflorida): Children's show by these artists who have recently toured half of Europe with their show. Free.

Jon Plazaola, ‘AA Aita’ (August 7, 7:30 p.m. Rincón del humor): the famous Basque comedian brings AA Aita, a show in Euskara. Free.

Paloma San Basilio, ‘Dulcinea’ (August 7, 8:00 p.m. Félix Petite Theater): Paloma San Basilio, accompanied on piano by Julio Awad, offers a classic show for fans of the popular artist. 24 euros.

Vitoria Festivities 2026: how to enjoy them and where to stay

The first thing anyone coming to the Vitoria Festivities should know is how they can and should be enjoyed. It is important to note that from the youngest to the oldest, everyone can experience this event to the fullest. 

For the little ones, Gargantua is noteworthy—a slide shaped like a giant. Children enter through its mouth and come out through the back. The day of Celedón and Edurne txiki, a representation of Celedón for the youngest members of the family at Plaza de la Virgen Blanca on August 7th at 12:00 p.m., is also an unmissable event. 

Adults already have more than enough explanation in this article on how to have fun. But if they want to know where to stay, they can consider several options:

Apartamentos Líbere (Avenida de Gasteiz, 45): a good option to stay in the city center. High availability and good prices.

Apartamentos Eire (Aranzabal, 4): small in size but also with a good location and good prices.

Hotel Ciudad de Vitoria (Portal de Castilla, 8): for those who prefer more formal accommodation, this four-star hotel is located halfway between the center and Prado Park, an exceptional place to unwind.

Hotel NH Canciller Ayala (Ramón y Cajal, 5): a stone's throw from all the action. For those who want to immerse themselves in the Vitoria Festivities 2026 from minute one until the very end.

Vitoria Festivities 2026 in honor of the Virgen Blanca and religious events

For many, religious events constitute a separate section. Therefore, we present them to you in this section:

Procession of the Lanterns: this procession takes place every August 4th starting at 10:00 p.m. A cortege composed of nearly 300 illuminated polychrome glass and metal pieces departs from Plaza de la Virgen Blanca to travel along Prado Street, Manuel Iradier, and Eduardo Dato before returning to the aforementioned square.

Floral Offering: The different cuadrillas of blusas and neskas make this offering to the Virgen Blanca on August 5th at 9:00 a.m. at the Church of San Miguel. On August 7th at 10:45 a.m., the same event takes place, led by children.

Day of the Virgen Blanca: It is on August 5th. It includes a solemn mass and a very important procession through the Old Town.

Dawn Rosary (Rosario de la Aurora): On August 5th at seven in the morning, a route takes place in which the Virgen Blanca is carried in procession through the city's old town. Upon completion, at eight o'clock, an open-air mass takes place in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca.

Vitoria Festivities 2026 and Engel & Völkers: properties to enjoy them

Obvious, our portfolio has more than one property right in the center, that is, in the heart of the Vitoria Festivities 2026.

These are homes in the center, such asthis one, from where you can experience all the festivities firsthand. 

A stone's throw from all the activities of this exciting event. Our consultants will advise you in the best way so that you can buy the home of your dreams or sell your property at the best price. But, regarding the topic at hand, if you are a fan of the Vitoria Festivities, you should at least also take a look at apartments likethis one

Frequently asked questions about Vitoria Festivities 2026: where to eat, sleep, how to get there, atmosphere: 

Where to eat during the Vitoria Festivities? There are places offering traditional Basque cuisine such as Matxete or the more refined Kea. 

Where to stay during the Vitoria Festivities? You have options ranging from affordable ones like the Libere or Eire apartments to higher-end choices such as the Ciudad de Vitoria or NH Canciller Ayala hotels, both four-star. 

When to visit Vitoria Festivities 2026? This year the festivities run from Tuesday to Sunday. The fourth and the weekend will concentrate the largest crowds. If you prefer quietness, visit on the 5th, 6th, or 7th. 

Which is the main day? It is August 4th. 

When do the Vitoria Festivities end? On the 9th at 1:00 a.m. with the ascent of Celedón. 

How do I get to Vitoria Festivities? There are multiple connections from across the peninsula by train, bus, and plane. 

What is the atmosphere like? On the fourth, up to 35,000 people gather in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca . The atmosphere is very festive throughout the entire day.