Skip to content
fiestapueblo.es

Photo: Herrinsa · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Patron saint festival

Fiestas de la Virgen de la Peana en Ateca

Ateca, Zaragoza · Aragón

2026 edition

7 September 2026

✔ Official dates confirmed

Share on WhatsApp

2026 programme

  1. 28 August, 23:00 · 2026 Festival Concert by the Agrupación Musical Atecana
  2. 29 August, 18:00 · 2nd Jesús Pinilla Football Memorial
  3. 29 August, 23:55 · Presentation night of the Majas of Ateca 2026
  4. 4 September, 19:30 · Theatre by Grupo Alce
  5. 4 September, 23:00 · Proclamation of the Peñista of the Year
  6. 5 September, 11:00 · First appearance of the Cabezudos (big-headed figures)
  7. 5 September, 12:00 · Gathering of Peñas and Floats, Chupinazo and parade of floats and peñas
  8. 5 September, 18:00 · Tardeo (afternoon drinks and music) with Carmelo Lopez
  9. 5 September, 20:00 · Children's and Senior Box Climbing Competition 2026; Afternoon snack hosted by Peña 13-14
  10. 5 September, 20:30 · Tour of Ateca with DJ
  11. 6 September, 01:00 · Kripton Orchestra (municipal marquee)
  12. 6 September, 07:00 · Charanga procession for late-night supper
  13. 6 September, 11:00 · Bouncy castles in the school yard and Second appearance of the Cabezudos
  14. 6 September, 14:00 · 29th Rancho Competition and Flan Competition
  15. 6 September, 16:30 · First regional division league match, CD ATECA – SD AGREDA
  16. 6 September, 17:30 · From the swimming pools to El Cortijo with the charanga and First bull run in El Cortijo
  17. 6 September, 18:00 · Bullfighting Grand Prix
  18. 6 September, 20:30 · "Otero del Cid" Jotas Festival, Joke Competition
  19. 6 September, 23:00 · Estopa and Melendi Tribute Concert
  20. 7 September, 00:00 · From the marquee to Plaza de España with the charanga
  21. 7 September, 01:00 · Montesol Orchestra and Formula Show Orchestra (municipal marquee)
  22. 7 September, 10:00 · Popular packed lunch, Olive stone spitting competition
  23. 7 September, 11:30 · Senior Elite Handball Match (Pelota Mano)
  24. 7 September, 12:00 · Performance by «Mago Javi»
  25. 7 September, 17:00 · Second bull run in the streets of San Martín
  26. 7 September, 18:00 · Mixed bullfighting event
  27. 7 September, 20:30 · «Puro Relajo» Concert
  28. 8 September, 00:30 · Gathering in Plaza de España with the El Deskontrol charanga
  29. 8 September, 08:00 · Rosario de la Aurora
  30. 8 September, 11:30 · Solemn celebration of the Eucharist
  31. 8 September, 12:00 · Children's theatre «Tachán Teatro» and Vermouth in the bars with music by Dixieland Blues Band
  32. 8 September, 17:00 · Finnish Skittles
  33. 8 September, 20:30 · Rosario de Cristal
  34. 8 September, 23:30 · Batucada (percussion ensemble)
  35. 9 September, 01:00 · End-of- fiestas Mascletá (daytime fireworks show) and «Wakanda y la Tribu» show (in the square)

Sources: Web oficial del Ayuntamiento de Ateca (aytoateca.es) · Web oficial del Ayuntamiento de Ateca (aytoateca.es)

Introduction and local significance

Feria de la Virgen de la Peana in Ateca are celebrated in honour of the patron saint of this town in Zaragoza. The official reference date for the 2026 edition is 7 September 2026, although the programme takes place over several days, beginning on 28 August with the first event. These festivities stand out for the involvement of local peñas (social clubs) and associations, who participate in a lineup combining liturgical services, popular leisure and sporting events. Visiting Ateca during these days allows you to experience how the local community organises its festive coexistence.

Historical origins and tradition

Festivities in honour of Virgen de la Peana incorporate various elements of popular religiosity into their structure. Tradition is mainly manifested in events such as the Rosario de la Aurora (Dawn Rosary) and the Rosario de Cristal (Crystal Rosary), which mark the moments of solemnity in the calendar. These rites coexist with the participation of the peñas, responsible for organising events, competitions and musical activities, giving the celebration a dynamic and collective character.

Programme and main events

The calendar for the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Peana in Ateca is extensive, and it is recommended to check the official programme published at the top to verify exact times and locations. Activities begin on 28 August with the 2026 Festival Concert by the Agrupación Musical Atecana, followed the next day by the 2nd Jesús Pinilla Football Memorial and the presentation of the Majas (festive queens). During the days leading up to the main block of the festival, theatre performances and the proclamation of the Peñista of the Year are organised. From 5 September onwards, highlights include the gathering of the peñas and the chupinazo (opening rocket). The offer includes bullfighting events, such as the encierros (running of the bulls) held in El Cortijo and on Calle San Martín, alongside orchestra performances, tribute concerts and charanga (brass band) processions. 8 September concentrates the religious and solemn events, such as the Eucharist and the Rosario de Cristal.

Traditional festival food

Local cuisine comes to the fore during the festival days through gastronomic competitions. Ranchos (a traditional local stew of meat and potatoes) are the subject of a competition during the celebrations. Similarly, flanes (custard puddings) form part of the festive tradition, being another typical dish competing in the scheduled pastry contests. These foods reflect the custom of preparing and sharing culinary creations among neighbours during the fiestas.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To organise your visit to the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Peana in Ateca, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance. On days with the highest influx of visitors, it is preferable to use public transport or park outside the centre to make getting around easier. Staying in the municipality itself or in nearby towns is a suitable option for following the nocturnal events. It is necessary to check the official programme before travelling, as times and events are subject to possible changes.