Photo: Zarateman · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Patron saint festival
Fiestas en honor a nuestros patronos Virgen de la Palma y San Adrián
San Adrián, Navarra · Comunidad Foral de Navarra
2026 edition
5–9 September 2026
✔ Official dates confirmed
2026 programme
- 5 September, 19:00 · Launching of the "Cohete" rocket by the quintos to kick off the fiestas (Town hall gardens)
- 5 September, 19:00 · Disco float with "el hijo del Rubio" accompanying our cabezudos (From the town hall to El Rebote)
- 5 September, 20:30 · Running of the bulls with the Adrián Domínguez livestock ranch
- 5 September, 22:00 · Disco float with DJ Vicent (From El Rebote to the La Humedad neighbourhood)
- 6 September, 20:00 · Zarzuela concert by the music band and the Orfeón adrianés (Town hall gardens)
- 6 September, 22:00 · Running of the bulls with the Bretos Fernández livestock ranch
- 7 September, 19:15 · Gathering to walk to the church together (Town hall)
- 7 September, 19:30 · Mass and Salve in honour of Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Palma
- 7 September · Traditional bonfire with the distribution of baked potatoes, accompanied by the group Generación Bemol and the quintos bingo (El Rebote)
- 8 September, 07:00 · Aurora (Early morning religious singing)
- 8 September, 10:00 · Dianas with the pipers of San Adrián
- 8 September, 11:00 · Opening of the medieval fantasy market and parade of characters with their entourage (El Rebote)
- 8 September, 11:30 · Street theatre (for all audiences)
- 8 September, 12:00 · Fantasy mask workshop
- 8 September, 12:00 · Procession of the Virgen de la Palma followed by solemn mass (Pza. Vera Magallón, ctra. Estella, El Rebote, c/ Santa Gema, Marquesado, ctra. Estella, c/ Mayor and travesía Vera Magallón)
- 8 September, 13:00 · Guided tour of the exhibition on medieval female healers
- 8 September, 13:30 · Participatory children's theatre "Las brujas"
- 8 September, 14:30 · Live music and dances
- 8 September, 17:00 · Arrival of forest beings, orcs, fairies and fauns
- 8 September, 17:30 · Guided tour of the exhibition on medieval female healers
- 8 September, 18:00 · Participatory children's battle
- 8 September, 19:00 · Medieval tiara workshop
- 8 September, 19:30 · Storytelling
- 8 September, 20:00 · Torchlight procession and farewell fire show
- 9 September, 19:00 · Procession and mass in honour of San Adrián
Sources: Web oficial del Ayuntamiento de San Adrián (sanadrian.es)
Introduction and local significance
The Fiestas in honour of our patron saints Virgen de la Palma and San Adrián take place in San Adrián (Navarra) from 5 to 9 September 2026. This patronal festival brings together locals and visitors for the religious, bull-running and cultural events organised in the municipality during September, marking one of the most eagerly awaited dates on the local calendar.
Historical origins and tradition
Among the town's most deeply rooted customs is the launching of the opening rocket by the quintos (young people turning 18) from the town hall gardens, marking the official start of the festivities. Added to this tradition is the traditional bonfire located in El Rebote, a neighbourhood meeting point where popular events such as the quintos bingo are held. The events also incorporate modern festive elements such as the procession of the cabezudos (big-headed figures) accompanied by mobile disco floats with live music from the town hall to El Rebote and the La Humedad neighbourhood.
Programme and main events
The official programme of the Fiestas in honour of our patron saints Virgen de la Palma and San Adrián includes standout events such as the running of the bulls with livestock ranches such as Adrián Domínguez and Bretos Fernández. Cultural events feature a zarzuela concert by the music band and the Orfeón adrianés in the town hall gardens, as well as the aurora (early morning religious singing) and morning dianas (musical wake-up calls) with the pipers of San Adrián. Also notable is the opening of the medieval fantasy market in El Rebote with character parades, mask and tiara workshops, children's theatre, storytelling, exhibitions on medieval female healers, and a torchlight procession with a farewell fire show. On the religious side, there is the mass and Salve dedicated to the Virgen de la Palma, the solemn procession through the town's streets, and events dedicated to San Adrián. Check the detailed schedules in the official San Adrián programme so you don't miss any events.
Traditional festival food
During the celebration of the traditional bonfire in El Rebote, baked potatoes are handed out to attendees (patatas asadas, baked potatoes), a culinary product closely linked to this festive gathering. The event is also accompanied by the music of the group Generación Bemol while this popular dish is enjoyed around the warmth of the bonfire.
Visitor guide and where to stay
It is advisable to book accommodation in advance to secure a place both in the municipality of San Adrián itself and in nearby towns, making it easier to follow the night-time events without logistical worries. On days with the highest visitor numbers, it is preferable to park outside the centre and use public transport to reach the various festive venues. It is recommended to check the official programme before travelling in case of any last-minute schedule changes to the planned events.