PILAR 2016 GUIDE

Many foreigners are asking me what the Fiestas del Pilar are about... Don't worry! I will explain it here in a basic and easy way!

So, in order to make it easier, I will difference between traditions, everyday events, concerts and party and extras! Of course, you can check the full program clicking here!

tradition

Technically, the Fiestas del Pilar is a Christian Catholic tradition, we celebrate the appearance of the Virgin Mary over a pillar long time ago (that's why the Basilica has the same name).
We pay respect to her covering her statue and the pillar with a big ammount of flowers, brought by thousands of people from all over the world, since it's also the Virgin for Latin America! On day 12 of October, the Ofrenda de Flores takes place!

Althought technically starts on friday 7... it's on Saturday and after El Pregón (The Speech) when the Fiestas officially start! 

The Rosario de Cristal is a beautiful tradition that parades glass made sculptures around the centre! This year on thursday 13.

It's also a great ocasion to check the traditional costumes and dances from Zaragoza, the Baturro costume and Jota. But also there is different representations of other traditional dresses and dances from other parts of Aragon and Latin America! Actually every year there is a special Hispanic country invited, last year was Nicaragua, being Cuba this year!
Check a jota in traditional costume here!

For kids and the ones that still feel like it, there is a funny tradition! The Bigheads or Cabezudos, which actually you need to run from, since they try to hit you with a wip or with a broom!

Another one is the Tragachicos (KidEater) which is this year propaganda sign symbol, basically people come from his mouth and appear again from his... 

Everyday  events

Obviously, a week long holiday attracts a lot of bussiners and handcrafters... thats why we have several permanent markets and activities!

Muestra Aragonesa, like a big traditional market in the riverside behind the basilica, features foods and goods from all the villages of Aragon. Castel beer stand is a must! (NomadWill recomendation). Open everyday from 11 till night!

Muestra de Artesania, it's a Handcraft market, also featuring goods from every part of Aragon, it is located in Plaza de los Sitios from Saturday 8 until the end of the Fiestas.

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Feria de Muestras, like an expo pavillion, it features a lot of car collections, furniture, domestic goods demonstrations, as well as representations of several universities, laboratories as well as Spanish Army and police. Bus to here is free! Can a nice plan for a calm afternoon.

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Foodtrucks, actually one of the most hipsterish activities in the Fiestas. Several gourment vintage tours will make your stomach happy with delicious food! Now located near Plaza Europa

Ferias/Attractions, appart from Zaragoza's amusement park, during the Fiestas, nomadic attractions make a big park in Valdespartera, near Interpeñas. Actually it's a great plan for an afternoon before Interpeñas or Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest, located both in the Amusement park and in Valdespartera-Interpeñas (more young people in the last one), it's the best plan for a night that you are not in the mood for hardcore party! 

concerts & party

2016 Fiestas del Pilar has more than 60 different concerts (and many more artist!), most are obviously in Spanish, but there are a lot for international people! Check some of them below!

The 3 main concert areas are: Plaza del Pilar (free concerts), RiverSound festival and Interpeñas, all info in the official program

extras

There is also less known things, but funny too!

Paper planes competition! On Sunday in Echegaray y Caballero 162

Water Motorbike competition! On Saturday behind the Basilica

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Vaquillas, Cows and Bulls run withouth killing them every morning at 8 am!

Zaragoza is proud to have the best Spanish beer! Winner of 4 World Beer Awards this year! Enjoy Ambar!

The website www.SoydeZaragoza.es , which gives the best information about Fiestas del Pilar has made an app for you not to miss anything! Download it here!

Finally, I did a very simple chart for all of those who are still lost with the program, you can download it below

plan_pilares.xlsx
File Size:	15 kb
File Type:	xlsx

Descargar archivo

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I hope you enjoy this Fiestas del Pilar and you have an incredible time in Zaragoza!