Fiestas de San Antonio en Guardo

Introduction and local significance

Las Fiestas de San Antonio in Guardo, in the province of Palencia, are the most prominent patron saint festivities in this town in Castile and León. This edition is celebrated from 11 to 14 June 2026, bringing together a programme that combines religious events, musical shows and social activities organised by the peñas (festive groups).

A visit to this town in northern Palencia allows visitors to experience the tradition of the Montaña Palentina, where performances by local groups like the AMGu band and community participation set the pace for the municipality. During these four days, the town offers a varied schedule that unites the worship of the patron saint with popular street entertainment.

Historical origins and tradition

Las Fiestas de San Antonio in Guardo keep alive customs that structure their festive days. The official start is marked by the chupinazo (rocket launch) and a batucada-led parade from Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Associative cohesion finds its fundamental pillar in the so-called Día de las Peñas, a day focused on gathering the town's festive groups.

On the religious side, the central moment takes place on 13 June with the celebrated Holy Mass in honour of the patron saint at Iglesia de San Juan. After the religious service, the Agrupación Folklórica de Guardo performs traditional dances that preserve the identity of the area. As a symbolic closure to the festivities, the celebrations conclude with the final firecracker display at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Programme and main events

Festive activities are spread across various locations in the municipality, including Plaza de la Constitución, the Municipal Auditorium, the bullring and "La Camareta" Football Pitch. The schedule kicks off with the opening gala and speech, followed by concerts by the Accordion Band and the AMGu Music Band, nightly open-air dances, varied shows such as La Revista and bullfighting events.

Among the main highlights are the patronal mass, the mixed bullfighting festival, the food exhibition and the visual drone show. As the official programme is available in the tab at the top of this page, please refer to that list to check the exact time and location of each parade, performance or orchestra.

Traditional festival food

Gastronomy linked to these celebrations is based on dishes prepared for collective tasting:

• Pancetada: distribution of panceta (crispy pork belly) to attendees, held over several days and in various spaces, such as the neighbourhoods of Las Rozas and Barruelo, or as a festival-closing event.
• Paellada de hermandad: a popular meal aimed at the enjoyment and gathering of the festive peñas during the patron saint's day.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To access Plaza de la Constitución, the centre of the events, it is recommended to park on the outskirts of the town centre on days with the highest turnout. Regarding instructions for the events, the public attending the Drone Light Show should position themselves inside the stands of "La Camareta" Football Pitch so they can appreciate the visual choreographies head-on. To take part in the paellada, it is compulsory to wear peña attire and to have purchased a ticket in advance.

It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for the dates of the festival. Staying in the municipality itself or in nearby towns makes it easy to follow the nocturnal events comfortably. Before travelling, check the official programme: schedules and events are subject to change.