More than 300 events over nine days of celebration. The opening speech, by Aphisa, will take place on August 22 from the balcony of the Town Hall.
Alcalá de Henares is all set for its 2026 Fairs and Festivals, which will take place from August 21 to 30 with a programme featuring over 300 activities spread across around fifty locations in the city. The festive groups will once again be the heart of the celebrations, which will kick off with a youth prelude on Friday, the 21st.
The Councillor for Fairs and Popular Traditions, Antonio Saldaña, has called for citizen participation:
“I invite you to experience these Fairs and Festivals intensely, with responsibility, respect, and a spirit of coexistence, making Alcalá an example of participation and hospitality once again, as it has been in recent years.”
The inaugural day, Saturday the 22nd, will concentrate the most solemn and anticipated events. At 19:15, there will be a floral offering to the Christ of the Peñas, followed by the election of Mister and the presentation of the Ladies. The official opening speech will be delivered by Aphisa from the balcony of the Town Hall at 21:30, and the night will continue with concerts by Gizzard in Plaza de Cervantes and Loquillo in the Huerta del Obispo.
Music, theatre, and tradition for all audiences
The musical offerings will extend throughout the fairgrounds and the historic centre. In Plaza de Cervantes, Efecto Pasillo will also perform on Saturday night, while the tents of the festive groups will host themed parties such as Pop Rock Indie, Remember, or Retro by DJ Xavy. Theatre will play a significant role with the play “La Pasión Infinita” in the Salón Cervantes and “Aldonza, la Encarnada” in the Monumental Staircase of the Escolapias, with a donation of 6 euros.
Sunday the 23rd will be dedicated to families and traditions. From 10:00, giants and big heads will parade through the streets, while the Plaza de la Paloma will host the seventh edition of the Doblón Classic, a classic car exhibition. There will also be a petanque tournament, an open archery day, a children's park with inflatables in the Olivar neighbourhood, and a costume contest for children aged 0 to 12 in Plaza de Cervantes.
The programme includes activities for all tastes: Nordic walking routes, parades with bands, children's workshops, and gastronomic proposals such as the Motoalmuerzo organised by the Peña Los Presidiarios. The Town Hall wants the neighbourhoods to have their own presence, with events distributed throughout the municipality so that the celebration reaches every corner.
Tickets for paid performances, such as theatre plays, can be purchased through the usual channels of the Salón Cervantes and at the box office. For the rest of the activities, access is free until capacity is reached, and it is recommended to arrive early for the most crowded events, especially for the opening speech and the night concerts.
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