Leisure and Culture

The Virgen del Pilar ribbon gets a new color one month before the festival: the new design is now on sale

The Virgen del Pilar ribbons are being reinvented again with just one month to go before the 2026 Fiestas del Pilar. After the success two years ago of the limited edition featuring the design of the traditional Aragonese cachirulo, Zaragoza’s Metropolitan Chapter has now launched a new color: dark green, with a white image of the Virgin. This time, however, it is not a limited edition but a new shade added to the regular ribbon collection.

Emma Falcón Ricart · 12/09/2026

Anime and manga take over Zaragoza Auditorium: Ultimate Manga full program

Manga, anime, video games, cosplay and Asian culture take center stage in Zaragoza this weekend. Ultimate Manga returns to Zaragoza Auditorium’s Multi-Purpose Hall with 111 stands covering fantasy, comics, graphic novels, illustration, video games, board games, workshops and music. From Friday through Sunday, Zaragoza becomes the capital of the geek universe, with activities for all tastes.

Santiago Roncagliolo on Leo XIV: "His trip to Spain demonstrated his political skill"

Robert Prevost was born in Chicago, trained as an Augustinian and spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru, where he became bishop of Chiclayo in the country's north. There, he confronted firsthand the sexual, psychological and financial abuse linked to the dissolved Sodalitium of Christian Life. That talent took him to Rome under Pope Francis, who made him one of his trusted figures at the Vatican before he was elected his successor in 2026 under the name Leo XIV.

Neither folded nor stuffed in a drawer: how to store a Manila shawl so it lasts for years

The time to dust off the shawls and wear them again at the 2026 Offering of Flowers during the Fiestas del Pilar is approaching. But after almost a year in storage, previous celebrations may have left unwanted stains, the fringes may have become tangled or the piece may no longer look as it once did. Cleaning it and, above all, storing it correctly are key to preserving it for years.

Emma Falcón Ricart · 12/09/2026

Central Market to be filled with music, art, poetry and free workshops in a new cultural program

In the coming days, the Central Market will become a place where visitors can not only buy fruit, pickles or fish from its various stalls, but also attend a poetry recital, watch an artistic street parade with a soprano or design a fabric bag in a free workshop. “Half and a Quarter. Art at the Central Market” is the new cultural initiative that residents of Zaragoza can enjoy from September 17 to 20, according to the market’s social media accounts.

Cristina Morte Landa · 12/09/2026

The Expo comes alive again: more than 5,000 university students, nine hours of music and partying by the Water Tower

Just one week after welcoming Amaia, Guitarricadelafuente, Loquillo and more than 45,000 people, the Expo area is preparing to come alive again. This time, at a different pace and, it must be said, a somewhat younger one than Vive Latino. Thousands of university students will fill Parque del Agua, next to the Water Tower, this Friday for the first edition of Único Fest, a major back-to-school party featuring music, an open bar, a brass band and food over nine hours.

Cristina Morte Landa · 12/09/2026

La Ronda de Boltaña schedules a free concert in Zaragoza and sells out within hours

The desire to enjoy Aragón’s leading folk group in Zaragoza once again became clear this week. La Ronda de Boltaña announced on Thursday a free concert at the Paraninfo’s Central Courtyard on Friday, September 18, marking the start of the University of Zaragoza’s artistic program. Within just a few hours, tickets to see and hear the popular Pyrenean group live had sold out.

Jorge Solanas Simón · 12/09/2026

Espacio Zity setup begins in Valdespartera as Zaragoza’s 2026 Pilar Festival takes shape

Exactly one month remains until Zaragoza firefighters light the ceremonial rocket from Zaragoza City Hall’s balcony, ushering in a week of festivities across the city. The countdown to the 2026 Pilar Festival is already underway, and some of the celebrations’ most popular venues have begun preparations to ensure everything is ready and the music keeps playing for nine unforgettable days.

Jorge Solanas Simón · 11/09/2026

Changes to the OT 2025 Concert in Zaragoza: Some Sections Closed and Seating Upgraded

The 16 contestants from OT 2025 are counting down to their concert at the Príncipe Felipe, one of the tour’s final stops. On stage, Olivia, Claudia Arenas, Cris, Tinho and Guille Toledano, among others, will bring back some of the show’s anthems, including "Superestrella," "Potra salvaje" and "Yo quiero bailar." Tickets are still available, and the concert will begin at 9:30 p.m. However, there have been some changes.

Cristina Morte Landa · 11/09/2026

Roberto Verino and Luis Zueco to Discuss Goya in Literature at the Historical Novel Festival: Full Program

The profound transformations that the most universal genius from Zaragoza experienced and endured throughout his life were unmistakably reflected in much of his work. For this reason, Goya will be at the center of all events and activities at the seventh edition of the Historical Novel Festival.

Jorge Solanas Simón · 11/09/2026

The Musical Among the World's Most-Watched Comes to the 2026 Pilar Festival

The Palacio de Congresos will become the 19th-century Paris Opera, with Daniel Diges as Erik and Ana San Martín as Christine Daae. The figures speak for themselves: more than 100 people across the cast, musicians—14 of whom will perform on stage—and production, along with costumes that have received the Broadway World Spain Audience Award and hand-painted backdrops created by an Italian craftsman, make this a major production that has already captivated more than 300,000 people in Madrid.

Cristina Morte Landa · 11/09/2026

The Eclipses That Shaped Aragon Return to Paraninfo in an Exhibition Through 2027

The University of Zaragoza invites visitors to look to the sky and discover how our understanding of eclipses has changed over the centuries. The exhibition "Eclipses: Omen, Science and Spectacle" traces this evolution in the Jorge Coci room of the Paraninfo building, where it will remain open to the public until January 22, 2027.

Yolanda Tarancón Simón · 11/09/2026

María José Gutiérrez, expert in antique shawls: "Very lightweight pieces will be worn at this year's Fiestas del Pilar"

Choosing what to wear for the Fiestas del Pilar starts well before October 12. Skirts, shawls, jewelry and other garments return as trends shape traditional outfits.

Emma Falcón Ricart · 11/09/2026

The Most Anticipated Fiestas del Pilar Tickets Have a Date: Oktoberfest Sales Begin

“October is just around the corner.” With those words, Oktoberfest announced its return to Valdespartera for the 2026 Fiestas del Pilar, once again joining Zaragoza’s festival program.

Noelia Esparcia Gresa · 10/09/2026

A new venue in San Mateo and a major production starring Goya: Teatro Arbolé's program

Thirty-eight years have passed since Teatro Arbolé opened its legendary venue in Actur, yet the Zaragoza company remains as committed as ever to bringing smiles to audiences. As tradition dictates, "The Three Little Pigs" opened Teatro Arbolé's new season last Sunday, ushering in a wide-ranging program for all audiences in a year full of new developments.

Jorge Solanas Simón · 10/09/2026

These are the times to avoid if attending the Flower Offering independently: route and what to know

People who want to take part in Zaragoza’s Flower Offering independently on October 12 will not need to register in advance, but they should bear in mind a recommendation from Zaragoza City Council: avoid, as far as possible, the period between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is when the largest number of participants is expected, and it also coincides with the institutional events, meaning it is the time when the longest waits and largest crowds are likely to occur.

Vanesa Aso Martín · 10/09/2026

Tickets to See "Dune: Part Three" at IMAX Sell Out Within Hours

It promised to offer a new way to experience cinema, and judging by the success of everything bearing the word "IMAX," it has more than delivered. After Nolan's "The Odyssey" achieved the best presale in the history of Palafox cinemas, another heavyweight is following almost the same path: "Dune: Part Three." The cinemas are offering Zaragoza residents the chance to see the film a few days before its official release, specifically on December 15.

Cristina Morte Landa · 10/09/2026

The loophole no longer allowed at the 2026 Pilar Flower Offering

The Pilar Flower Offering to the Virgin of the Pillar has changed its registration system in 2026 to curb a practice that allowed some groups in previous years to multiply their chances in the draw. This year, 994 groups registered, compared with 1,158 in 2025, a difference that Zaragoza City Council largely attributes to the elimination of duplicate registrations rather than to a real drop in participation.

Vanesa Aso Martín · 10/09/2026

It’s official: Almochuel City Council will open the 2026 Flower Offering

Zaragoza’s Flower Offering on October 12 will begin at 6:30 a.m. with Almochuel City Council leading the event, according to Wednesday’s draw. The 2026 edition has 994 registered groups, bringing together 99,980 participants, plus individual participants attending throughout the day.

Vanesa Aso Martín · 10/09/2026

Xoel López, Pancho Varona and Cariño to perform in Zaragoza: all the Inverfest concerts

Inverfest is continuing to establish itself as one of Zaragoza's most acclaimed festivals, with a lineup that is adding more well-known acts. The event, co-organized by Zaragoza City Council, has confirmed nine new concerts for its third edition in the Aragonese capital. Funambulista, Xoel López, Standstill, Pancho Varona, Cariño, Tu Otra Bonita, Carlangas, Carlos Sadness and Drugos join a program that will exceed 40 performances this coming winter. They add to acts including La Bien Querida, Kiko Veneno and Yerai Cortes, among others.

Cristina Morte Landa · 10/09/2026