Fiestas de San Juan Mártir y Santa María la Real en Nájera

Introduction and local significance

The Fiestas de San Juan Mártir y Santa María la Real in Nájera officially take place from 15 to 18 September 2026. This patronal festival in the municipality of La Rioja brings together locals and visitors for a comprehensive festive calendar that fills the streets with activity throughout September. The involvement of local peñas (peñas - social clubs) and traditional events make this celebration deeply rooted in the region.

Historical origins and tradition

The festivity maintains a strong link with the town's religious traditions, dedicated to its patron saints and the Virgin. Liturgical events include solemn vespers, high masses and processions carrying the relics of San Juan, San Ciro and San Antígeno, as well as the image of the Virgin from the parish church of la Santa Cruz. These ceremonies are complemented by the traditional floral offering and the active participation of citizens and local groups who preserve the municipality's devotional heritage.

Programme and main events

The festivities feature a wide variety of events combining tradition, music and bullfighting spectacles. Highlights include the pinning of the Peña Malpica scarf on the festival royals and the subsequent firing of the rocket from the Town Hall balcony to officially kick off the celebrations. The programme also includes bull runs along calle Villegas, novilladas (novilladas - bullfights with young bulls) at the plaza de Toros la Farola, Basque pelota matches at the Municipal Frontón with a tribute to Álvaro Untoria, sporting competitions such as the Naxara C.D. match at the Campo de la Salera, and music concerts such as the Fito y Fitipaldis tribute in the Plaza de España. You can check the complete details of times and locations in the official programme available in the header above.

Traditional festival food

The culinary offering during the main days stands out for the popular tastings organised by local peñas and groups at various points in the town centre.

• Bocadillo de jamón con pimiento verde (ham and green pepper sandwich) accompanied by wine, water or must, served as a popular appetizer.
• Prawn skewers prepared and distributed by the peña Juventud in the Plaza de Navarra.
• Zurracapote (traditional sweet wine drink with fruit and spices), the emblematic traditional alcoholic drink that can be tasted at the Peña Malpica venue.
• Zapatilla (ham and tomato rubbed bread), a local gastronomic classic organised by the peña Juventud on calle Descampado.
• Salchichón skewer (cured sausage skewer), another of the tastings offered in the Plaza de Navarra thanks to the peña Juventud.
• Lomo con pimientos rojos (pork loin with red peppers) prepared directly by Peña Malpica.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To fully enjoy the Fiestas de San Juan Mártir y Santa María la Real in Nájera, it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance, either in the municipality itself or in nearby towns that make it easy to follow the evening events. During days with the highest influx of crowds, it is best to opt for public transport or park vehicles outside the central area to avoid traffic jams. Likewise, in the event of adverse weather conditions such as rain, the organisation will move scheduled outdoor children's events to indoor spaces such as the Sancho III sports centre or the Doga cinema room. Before heading to any of the events, it is recommended to check the official programme updates for any last-minute changes.