Fiestas de Corella

Introduction and local significance

Las Fiestas de Corella, held in the Foral Community of Navarre, take place this year from 17 to 19 April 2026. These days are dedicated to the Virgen del Villar, bringing the municipality to life with a packed schedule of traditional, religious, and festive events. The display of pilgrimages, bullfighting spectacles, and cultural events around the sanctuary defines the identity of this Navarrese celebration. Visiting these Fiestas de Corella allows you to experience first-hand how the municipality integrates its historical rituals with a programme open to visitors, ranging from running of the bulls to gastronomic events.

Historical origins and tradition

At the heart of the festivities is the figure of the Virgen del Villar, whose devotion sets the pace for the main days. The main tradition is the pilgrimage to the sanctuary, where various masses are held, including the Brothers' Mass and the Solemn Mass, attended by the Town Hall. This religious connection is intertwined with a strong local bullfighting culture, embodied by the running of the bulls and the release of heifers in the bull ring.

Other distinctive rituals include the consecration to the Virgin and the children's floral offering, events that involve the new generations in the festive legacy. Likewise, Calle San José becomes the stage for the torillo de fuego embolado (bull with fire attached to its horns), one of the most deeply rooted customs during the festive nights. The 18 April stands out especially for the lighting of the bonfire in front of the town hall, a moment when the local tradition of turradas (toasted bread rubbed with garlic and wine) is shared. Cultural activities are complemented by performances from groups such as the Grupo de Danzas Tambarría and the Gaiteros de Tudela, who keep traditional music alive.

Programme and main events

静岡 The official programme of the Fiestas de Corella offers a variety of events combining culture, music, and bullfighting. The musical offering is wide-ranging, with performances by orchestras such as EnEsenzia in the municipal marquee, various DJ sets, and the regular participation of txarangas (brass bands) like La Unión and Riau-Riau, which parade through the streets at different times. Among the highlights are the children's floral offering and the consecration to the Virgen del Villar, which take place on 18 April.

The Bull-Leapers Competition held in the bull ring, attracting fans of popular bullfighting, is also essential. To enjoy music, the programme includes events such as the concert by the Asociación Musical Banda de Corella in Plaza de España. Finally, the distribution of fideuá (a noodle-based seafood dish) in the municipal marquee during "El Arranque" and the lighting of the bonfire with the distribution of turradas are relevant events for social gathering during these dates. It is recommended to check the full details of times and locations available in the official guide so as not to miss any event on the calendar, with the daily programme usually starting in the early hours with brass band parades.

Traditional festival food

Cuisine in Corella features simple dishes with a strong social and community character. Standouts include garlic and local wine turradas, which consist of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and washed down with local wine; this dish is traditionally distributed during the lighting of the bonfire, encouraging neighbours to gather in the Town Hall square.

On the other hand, fideuá has established itself as a central recipe in the festive culinary offering. It is prepared for distribution in the municipal marquee during the event known as "El Arranque", which has a strong charitable purpose, allowing attendees to take part in local cooking while sharing time together during the celebration.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To plan the trip, visitors must take mobility in the municipality into account, with the main venue being the bull ring. The authorised car park is the last car park of El Villar, which serves as the arrival point for the tourist train. This special transport service operates from 17 to 19 April under the following schedule:

• Morning (09:00 to 12:00): Ascent from the bus station to the El Villar campsite.
• Afternoon (15:30 to 18:00): Descent from the sanctuary to the town.

During the festive days, several streets in the historic centre —such as Calles Mayor, Losada, Emilio Malumbres, Ramón y Cajal, San José, M. Escudero, and Plazas de España and de los Fueros— become exclusively pedestrianised, restricting vehicle access to the centre. It is recommended to use public transport or park outside the urban core to avoid crowds.

Regarding safety, it is compulsory to respect the ban on participating in the bull runs if the attendee is under 16 years of age. Likewise, the sale of alcohol to minors under 18 and the sale of firecrackers and rockets are prohibited. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, either in the municipality itself or in nearby towns, to facilitate attendance at nighttime events. Before setting off, it is vital to consult the official programme, as times and events are subject to possible changes.