Enjoy the Aste Nagusia like a true Bilbao Local: Here's what Not to Miss.

It is the most popular festival period in Bilbao Bizkaia, and for good reason: if you are in the Biscayan capital during Aste Nagusia you will discover that there is always something to do and that every street, every corner, has something exciting to offer.

The Aste Nagusia programme is very broad and there are activities in many different areas, for all tastes and all ages. That's why we invite you to explore the city at your leisure during these dates and leave room for improvisation and surprises.

That said, if you would like to organise your visit and your experience around the key moments of the festival, the ones that will make you feel like a real Bilbao local, take note: here's what you shouldn't miss in Bilbao's Aste Nagusia.

The txupinazo and the proclamation that start the fiestas

The traditional launching of the txupin (a rocket) and the opening speech are the two acts that introduce Marijaia —the icon of the festival, with her arms always raised— and kick off the nine days of the festival.

The square in front of the Arriaga Theatre, where the txupinazo is performed, will be full of people jumping, dancing and singing the traditional song Badator Marijaia (Marijaia is coming), the official anthem of the festivities. Here you will welcome the Aste Nagusia in the midst of an incredible atmosphere.

Music, the star of the festivities

What would Aste Nagusia be without music? During this week you can enjoy more than 100 free concerts and musical activities of all kinds of styles, spread over 8 stages throughout the city.

Rock, pop, classical music, bilbainadas... Choose your style! In addition, apart from the big concerts, you'll find many musical shows in the streets of the city.

The atmosphere of the txosnas

The txosnas, large temporary bars that are set up along El Arenal —from the Arriaga Theatre to the town hall— for these 9 days, are synonymous with music, partying and dancing. There are more than thirty of them, all with different and very interesting decorations, dedicated to different themes.

These txosnas are bars, yes, but they are also much more. Many of them have their own programme of concerts of all kinds and also organise different activities throughout the day. They are a fundamental part of the popular essence of the fiestas, so we recommend you visit and enjoy them.

Activities all over the city

Competitions of all kinds, theatre, workshops, gastronomic events, skills tests, sports, exhibitions, etc. There are endless activities in festive Bilbao, so you will definitely find something to do every day that to suit your tastes.

Get a party programme, choose your favourite events and hit the streets!

The magic of fireworks

In Aste Nagusia, the day always ends —or the night always begins— with an impressive fireworks display in which participants from all over the world compete to create the best display.

When the lights go out, the music in the txosnas stops and everyone looks up at the sky, you will know that the time has come. Find an high or secluded spot and let yourself be surprised.

And there is much more...

Pintxos routes through the Siete Calles, the old quarter of Bilbao, the parade of Giants and Big-heads, the Parade of the Whale, activities for children...

As we told you at the beginning, Bilbao's Semana Grande lasts for a week, but in reality it could be said to be never-ending. There's plenty to do during it, so come along and get ready to discover why many people consider it to be the best festival in the world.