Virgen Blanca Festivities · Vitoria-Gasteiz

Every year, from 4 to 9 August, the capital of Euskadi (the Basque Autonomous Community) celebrates the Virgen Blanca (‘White Virgin’), its patron saint. Events begin as early as late July, ahead of the official opening on 4 August.

A little history

• Before 1883, the festivities were held in September. In 1884, a council resolution moved them to August and officially dedicated them to the Virgen Blanca.
• The Virgen Blanca was proclaimed patron saint of Vitoria in 1921, then crowned queen of the city in October 1954.
• The current format of the festivities dates from 1953.

Celedón’s descent

On 4 August at 18:00, Celedón comes down from the bell tower of San Miguel church. It is the most eagerly awaited moment of the festivities. The character was invented in 1957 by a group of Vitoria locals who wanted to give their fiesta something unique. He represents a peasant from Álava (Araba), in a beret and traditional shirt, always carrying an umbrella. That same evening sees the Rosario de los Faroles, the lantern procession.

What’s on

• Concerts, including bertsolari (verse improviser) sessions
• Fireworks
• Food and craft fairs, tastings, a souk
• Activities for children
• Fun contests: sack races, tricycle races, boat throwing, Miss and Mister elections

Guide: our Vitoria-Gasteiz guide.

Sources

• Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council — Virgen Blanca festivities
• Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council — History, tradition and Celedón’s descent
• Euskadi Tourism — Virgen Blanca Festivities 2027