Fiestas de la Virgen de la Peña en Fustiñana

Introduction and local significance

The Fiestas de la Virgen de la Peña in Fustiñana are officially celebrated from 14 to 17 November 2026. This patronal festival is dedicated to the co-patroness of the locality, situated in the Comunidad Foral de Navarra. During these days, the municipality of Fustiñana invites residents and visitors to participate in a programme rooted in the calendar of the Ribera de Navarra. The Town Hall of Fustiñana coordinates the main events, which take place in public spaces such as the Plaza de los Fueros and the Casa de la Villa. The significance of this event lies in the survival of secular rites organised by the locals themselves, making these dates an ideal time to discover the cultural identity of this Navarrese municipality through its most unique traditions.

Historical origins and tradition

The celebration centres around the figure of the Virgen de la Peña, venerated as the co-patroness of Fustiñana. One of the most notable aspects of the festival's organisation is the role of the Depositarios, a family from the village chosen each year to prepare and fund part of the festivities alongside the Town Hall. As a prelude to the main days, a popular collection for the Virgen is held on the third Sunday of September to cover the organisation costs. Among the most striking rituals is the tradition of Las Nueces, which involves the mass throwing of walnuts from the balconies of the Casa de la Villa during the nights of Saturday and Sunday. This act is complemented by the free distribution of wine in the Camporta and the solemn blessing of both the walnuts and the wine. The traditional programme also includes the lighting of a large bonfire in the Plaza de los Fueros, jointly led by the depositarios and the municipal corporation. Musically, the Auroros de Fustiñana perform traditional auroras in honour of the Virgen de la Peña at dawn, while the Banda de Música travels through the streets playing morning dianas. Additionally, the Monday of the festivities is marked by the celebration of the Día de los Ranchos or calderetes, a day when groups and families prepare their own dishes using ingredients previously provided by the depositarios.

Programme and main events

The official programme of the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Peña in Fustiñana includes multiple activities for all audiences, highlighting the launch of the announcing rocket from the Casa de la Villa, solemn processions and masses in honour of the patroness, the lighting of the bonfire in the Plaza de los Fueros, night concerts, and the traditional preparation of ranchos. For detailed information on the specific schedules for each day, the celebration locations, and any last-minute changes, the official programme of events available at the top of this page should be consulted.

Traditional festival food

The traditional cuisine of these festivities in Fustiñana is based on local products and community recipes enjoyed in the streets and peñas of the municipality. Among the most representative gastronomic elements are the following:

• Nueces: Hundreds of kilos of this dried fruit harvested in the region are used both for traditional consumption and for the unique throwing from the town hall balconies.
• Chistorra: An emblematic sausage of the Ribera cuisine that is an essential part of popular lunches and tapas during the festival days.
• Vinos de la zona: Wines from the Ribera de Navarra denomination, prominent in both popular meals and in the wine distribution accompanying the blessing of the walnuts.
• Ranchos y calderetes: Stews collectively prepared by groups on the Monday of the festivities, made with meats and potatoes.

These products reflect the agricultural pantry of the Ribera area and provide sustenance for the communal meals held throughout the festival cycle.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To plan your arrival in Fustiñana during the patronal festivities, the main access is by road via the regional road network. Regarding public transport, the municipality is connected by bus line 353, which links Fustiñana with Tudela and also offers direct connections to Pamplona and Zaragoza. Given the increase in visitors during these days, it is recommended to use the parking facilities provided by the town hall on the outskirts of the urban area, as traffic restrictions and road closures are in place in the historic centre due to the public events. It is advisable to arrive early for the most crowded events and to combine private vehicle travel with walking to get around the municipality. As for accommodation, it is advisable to book in advance, with options available in the municipality itself or in nearby towns, which greatly facilitates attendance at the night and early morning events in the programme. Before starting your journey, it is highly recommended to check the official channels to confirm event timings and any possible modifications to urban access.