Fiestas del Pilar 2025: discover Zaragoza, Spain's most vibrant city in October

Can you imagine a city that doesn’t sleep for ten days, pulses to the rhythm of brass bands, and lights up with unique shows? That’s what Zaragoza lives every October with its Fiestas del Pilar, the most anticipated event of the year, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. In autumn, the Aragonese capital transforms into a true stage where the celebrations in honor of its patron saint are enjoyed to the fullest. The festivities will take place from October 4 to 13, with an extra day of programming since the 12th—El Día del Pilar and Spain’s National Day—falls on a Sunday. In this post, we tell you everything you need to know to experience the Fiestas del Pilar 2025 to the fullest and why staying at Vincci Zaragoza Zentro 4* is the best way to enjoy the celebration:

Did you know how the Fiestas del Pilar began? We’ll tell you

The Fiestas del Pilar weren’t always as we know them today. For centuries they were celebrated on a different date, January 2, until in 1613 the Church decided to move them to October 12, coinciding with the end of the harvest. Little by little they began to gain momentum with processions, masses, bullfighting festivities and, later, emblematic events such as the Rosario de Cristal (1891) or the Official Jota Contest (1894), which still move those who experience them today.

In the 20th century, some of its most beloved traditions appeared, such as the Flower Offering, which was born in the 1950s, or the Offering of Fruits, incorporated shortly thereafter. With each addition, the festivities grew until they became what they are now: an explosion of devotion, music, and joy that transforms Zaragoza completely every October.

Start to finish: the program that will define El Pilar 2025

The 2025 Fiestas del Pilar program officially kicks off on Saturday, October 4, although there will already be activities from Thursday the 2nd. One of the most emblematic venues will be Espacio Zity, with capacity for thousands of people and a concert lineup bringing together major national and international artists such as Rels B, Duki, or Morad, among many others.

In addition to these major stages, Zaragoza will offer a wide variety of free activities in Plaza del Pilar and different neighborhoods: outdoor concerts, shows in the Jardín de Invierno and Estación del Norte, as well as plays and musicals in the city’s main theaters. There will be no shortage of handicraft fairs, street food, dance and circus performances, nor the family-friendly activities that fill the streets with life.

As for traditions, the Flower Offering will once again be the heart of October 12, with thousands of people dressing the main square in color. Other highlights include the opening proclamation, vaquillas, parades, charangas, and the Rosario de Cristal, which lights up the night.

Highlights of El Pilar 2025

- Concerts at Espacio Zity with national and international artists.
- Free concerts in Plaza del Pilar, Jardín de Invierno, and Estación del Norte.
- Plays and musicals in the city’s main theaters.
- Family activities: funfair, children’s workshops, circus, light-and-sound shows.
- Gastronomy and food trucks in different parts of Zaragoza.
- Traditional events: Flower Offering, parades, Rosario de Cristal, masses, and vaquillas.
- Sports events: tennis tournaments, canoeing, beach volleyball, among others.
- Zaragoza International Circus Festival.
- Special events: official opening proclamation, competitions, and craft and agri-food fairs.

Gastronomy and fun: the perfect mix in Zaragoza

Zaragoza is synonymous with tapas, and during the Fiestas del Pilar it’s almost mandatory to hop from bar to bar, since gastronomy is an essential part of the celebration. Here are some must-stops by area:

El Tubo

- El Champi: famous for its griddled mushrooms, a classic that never fails.
- Casa Lac: Spain’s oldest restaurant, specializing in vegetables and carefully crafted tapas.
- Doña Casta: unmissable for its croquettes and huevos rotos.

Centro

- Casa Juanico: legendary for its “jamón con chorreras” tapa.
- Meli Melo: always lively, with original proposals such as frog legs.
- La Republicana: a classic atmosphere and boldly flavored tapas like its huevos rotos.

Delicias

- El Rincón de Joselén: popular for its huevos rotos with foie and its torreznos.
- Bar Artigas: a varied bar featuring mushroom, leek, and gratin tapas.
- Taberna Gasca: one of the busiest, with a generous pinchos bar.

Other neighborhoods

- Pinocho Gastro Tapas (Las Delicias): more elaborate tapas, such as the mille-feuille of ternasco (Aragonese lamb).
- Universidad: an area with a youthful vibe and a variety of cuisine.
- La Magdalena: alternative spots with authentic tapas and a great atmosphere.

After the party comes the calm at: Vincci Zaragoza Zentro 4*

After an intense day of offerings, concerts, and tapas, nothing is more welcome than returning to a place where calm reigns. At Vincci Hoteles we take care of every detail so that rest is also part of your celebration, and the Vincci Zaragoza Zentro 4* is the perfect meeting point between the energy of the festivities and the comfort you deserve.
Its privileged location keeps you a stone’s throw from the main venues, while its rooms designed for well-being, elegant atmosphere, and attentive service guarantee the tranquility you need to recharge.



Here, every moment finds its place: culinary offerings, both traditional and cutting-edge, to accompany you from breakfast through dinner; versatile halls for meetings or private celebrations; a lounge terrace where you can unwind with a cocktail; and convenient paid indoor parking to ensure comfort from the moment you arrive. In addition, we offer services on request designed to make a difference and personalize your experience.



Also discover our weekly menu and enjoy the Aragonese gastronomic tradition at our Vincci Zaragoza Zentro 4*.



Zaragoza during El Pilar is music, flowers, tapas, and emotion. A city that pulses like few others and leaves its mark on everyone who experiences it. And doing so from the Vincci Zaragoza Zentro 4* is the best way to feel it as you deserve.



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