Antroxu (Carnival)
Asturian carnival takes over the streets with costumes, brass bands and the traditional Burial of the Sardine. A festive buzz across the centre.
Events through the year
If you land on these dates, make the most of it. Always check the official calendar before planning.
San Juan Night
The shortest night is marked with bonfires on San Lorenzo beach, music and midnight swims. One of summer's biggest gatherings.
Metrópoli Gijón
A pop-culture festival of comics, video games and concerts at the trade-fair grounds. Very family-friendly, with something for all ages.
Semana Negra
One of Europe's most unusual literary festivals: crime fiction, sci-fi, a funfair, live music and book stalls by the river Piles.
Natural Cider Festival
Gijón tries each year to break the record for simultaneous cider-pouring. Tastings, a pourers' contest and cider in full swing along the San Lorenzo seafront.
FIDMA Trade Fair
The big trade fair of the north, with pavilions, gardens, concerts and food at the La Luz fairground. A staple of August in Gijón.
Semana Grande (Begoña Festival)
The city's main festival: free concerts, beach activities and a huge fireworks display over the bay.
Asturias Day
A regional holiday with folk parades, bagpipes, traditional dress and markets. The Museo del Pueblo de Asturias is a perfect stop that day.
FICX — Film Festival
A benchmark for auteur and independent film since 1963. Screenings, meet-ups and a parallel programme across venues all over the city.
Christmas & Christmas Market
Christmas lights, an ice rink, a Christmas market and activities for kids. The old town and the centre buzz until Twelfth Night.
Events and festivals in Gijón through the year
Gijón lives its festivals intensely. If your trip falls on these dates, make the most of it—the city takes to the streets.
The big summer
The Semana Negra (July) fills the Astillero with books, rides and concerts. The Fiestas de Begoña, around 15 August, are the patron-saint celebrations: fair, music and fireworks over the beach.
Culture and autumn
The FICX, Gijón's International Film Festival, arrives in November and is a date for film buffs.
Tradition
The Antroxu (carnival) fills the streets with costumes in February, and Asturias Day and the country fairs dot the calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is Gijón's Semana Negra?
It's usually held in July, by the old shipyard / port area. Check the exact dates each year on the official website.