Fiestas de la Virgen del Arrabal en Simancas

Introduction and local significance

The Fiestas de la Virgen del Arrabal in Simancas are celebrated this year from 7 to 11 September 2026. This patronal festival in honour of the Virgen del Arrabal turns this municipality in the province of Valladolid into an unmissable festive hotspot in Castilla y León. It is well worth a visit for its combination of religious devotion, popular bull-running events and a high level of participation by local peñas (social clubs) in the streets. The town hosts an extensive calendar of activities that attracts locals and numerous visitors every year, all eager to immerse themselves in local traditions and the hospitality of its people.

Historical origins and tradition

Among the most deeply rooted rituals of this celebration is the traditional request for bulls for the September festivities by the young people of the municipality, an event that takes place every 15 August. From 31 August to 8 September, the Novena to the Virgen del Arrabal is celebrated, concluding always with the singing of the Hymn to the Virgen del Arrabal at the Hermitage. Another prominent custom is the traditional bonfire located in the Paseo de la Ermita, which is jumped over by the young people of the town after completing the solemn floral offering to the patron saint.

Programme and main events

Before the official start of the festivities, the municipality hosts several notable preliminary events, such as the 4th Indoor Football Peña Trophy on 28 August at the Municipal Sports Centre or the 40th Simancas Folklore Festival on 29 August in the Plaza Mayor. On 5 September, the 6th "Villa de Simancas" Golf Tournament is held at the Club de Golf Entrepinos, followed by the Grand National Recortadores Competition on 6 September at the bullring. Once the core official dates arrive, the programme includes the peñas gathering and opening speech, the bull runs through the barricaded streets of the town centre, performances by orchestras such as Benidorm Show and Diamante Show, fireworks by Pirotecnia Pibierzo, and the peñas Grand Prix. You can check the full details of times and locations in the official programme on the listing.

Traditional festival food

During the days of celebration, several traditional dishes and preparations can be tasted in the streets and squares of the municipality. Among the most prominent are the following:

• Sopas de ajo y chocolate (garlic soup and chocolate): offered by the Amigos de la Verbena del Arrabal on Calle Arrabal.
• Limonada con pastas (lemonade with sweet pastries): distributed by the Amigos de la Verbena del Arrabal during the evening street dance.
• Peonillas acompañadas con limonada (local anise biscuits served with lemonade): typical of the area, offered during the musical vermouth in the Plaza Mayor.
• Huevos fritos con chorizo y patatas chips (fried eggs with chorizo and crisps): served at the traditional communal dinner in the Plaza Mayor.

Visitor guide and where to stay

It is advisable to avoid driving through the town centre during the festivities, and recommended to use the car parks set up in the open area in front of the Archive, the Medical Centre and the old road. Please note that on Friday 11 September the medieval bridge will be closed from 18:00 due to the setting up of the fireworks, with total pedestrian access prohibited until they finish. Access to the bullring for the bull runs is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis up to capacity, with doors opening one hour before each bullfighting event. To fully enjoy the Fiestas de la Virgen del Arrabal in Simancas, active participation in the festivities is prohibited for minors and individuals showing signs of intoxication, and mistreating the cattle is strictly forbidden. For your stay, it is best to book accommodation in advance and consider staying in the municipality itself or in nearby towns to easily follow the evening events.