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Patron saint festival

Fiestas en Honor a San Rafael Arcángel en El Espinar

El Espinar, Segovia · Castilla y León

2026 edition

26–29 September 2026

✔ Official dates confirmed

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2026 programme

  1. 26 September, 10:00 h. · PETANQUE TOURNAMENT (El Arcángel pitch)
  2. 26 September, 12:00 h. · HOE THROWING (bullring esplanade)
  3. 26 September, 13:30 h. · FANCY DRESS VERMOUTH (bars)
  4. 26 September, 14:30 h. · POPULAR LUNCH (judiones for everyone) (plaza de Castilla)
  5. 26 September, 18:00 h. · SOAPBOX DERBY (cuesta del apeadero)
  6. 26 September, 20:00 h. · OLIVE STONE SPITTING (plaza de Castilla)
  7. 26 September, 23:55 h. · FIREWORKS DISPLAY (municipal swimming pool area)
  8. 26 September · Evening dance with the VERMUT MAMUT orchestra, CANIS AND CHONIS THEMED NIGHT and BINGO
  9. 27 September, 13:30 h. · ROCIERO VERMOUTH (plaza de Castilla)
  10. 27 September, 18:00 h. · DANCE EXHIBITION (plaza de Castilla)
  11. 27 September, 18:30 h. · PORRÓN DRINKING CONTEST (plaza de Castilla)
  12. 27 September, 20:00 h. · TARDEO (afternoon drinks) (La Tranka peña clubhouse)
  13. 27 September · Performance by DISCO GALAXY (plaza de Castilla)
  14. 28 September, 17:00 h. · CHILDREN'S GAMES (plaza de Castilla)
  15. 28 September, 19:00 h. · ADULTS' GYMKHANA (plaza de Castilla)
  16. 28 September · Evening dance with the PRINCESA orchestra and SURPRISE THEMED NIGHT
  17. 29 September, 10:30 h. · Departure of the ENTOURAGE towards the parish church (paseo Rivera)
  18. 29 September, 11:00 h. · MASS AND FLORAL OFFERING in honour of San Rafael Arcángel, followed by a PROCESSION and brotherhood drinks reception (parish church and senior citizens' centre)
  19. 29 September, 17:00 h. · TRADITIONAL GAMES AND TUG OF WAR (bullring esplanade)
  20. 29 September, 18:00 h. · FESTIVAL BASKETBALL (plaza de Castilla)
  21. 29 September, 20:00 h. · END OF FESTIVITIES with a performance by TUTTI FRUTTI DUO (plaza de Castilla)
  22. 29 September, 22:00 h. · Lighting of the final firecracker string (TRACA FINAL) of the festivities

Sources: Web oficial del Ayuntamiento de El Espinar (elespinar.es)

Introduction and local significance

Las Fiestas en Honor a San Rafael Arcángel in El Espinar are celebrated from 26 to 29 September 2026 in this municipality in the province of Segovia. This patron saint festival brings together locals and visitors for a programme combining religious services, popular competitions and evening dances. The participation of local groups and the variety of events make these dates a highlight of the festive calendar in Castilla y León.

Historical origins and tradition

静岡 The celebration maintains deeply rooted local customs led by various groups from the town. The official entourage attending the main events includes the municipal corporation, the quintos (young people turning 18), the queen and maids of honour, the peñas (social clubs) and pandas (groups of friends). This traditional parade is also accompanied by the local dulzaina (traditional wind instrument) school and the Municipal Music Band, which set the rhythm for the institutional and festive gatherings.

Programme and main events

The calendar of events includes notable dates such as the petanque tournament, the popular judiones (large white bean stew) lunch, the wacky soapbox derby down the cuesta del apeadero and the fireworks display at the municipal swimming pool area. The religious events feature mass and a floral offering to the patron saint in the parish church, followed by the procession and the brotherhood's drinks reception. Those interested can check the complete list of times and locations in the official programme available on the information sheet.

Traditional festival food

The standout dish of these days is judiones (large white bean stew), the star of the popular lunch held in the plaza de Castilla. This traditional recipe is prepared in collaboration with the San Rafael Association of Merchants and Business Owners and is offered free to all attendees. It is one of the most participatory culinary traditions of the festival programme in the municipality.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To enjoy the activities without any hitches, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, either in the municipality itself or in nearby towns that make it easier to follow the night-time events. During the days of highest turnout, it is preferable to use public transport or leave your vehicle parked outside the town centre. Likewise, it is recommended to check any last-minute updates in the official programme before heading to the different festival venues.