The official program for the Alcalá de Henares 2026 Fairs and Festivals, taking place from August 22 to 30, has been unveiled, highlighting a wide range of musical, recreational, and cultural offerings distributed throughout the city. More than 300 festive events are expected at nearly fifty different locations, with significant participation from local festive groups (peñas).
The festivities, traditionally known as "for San Bartolomé" and with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, will officially commence on Saturday, August 22, with the offering by the peñas, the presentation of the Fair Maidens, and the opening speech. This year, the speech will be delivered by the APHISA Association, commemorating its 50th anniversary and recognizing its work in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. The celebrations will conclude on Sunday, August 30, with a parade of floats and a fireworks display.
The Councilor for Festivals and Popular Traditions, Antonio Saldaña, has invited citizens to participate in the celebrations with "responsibility, respect, and a spirit of coexistence." The main hub of the festivities will be the Recinto Ferial de la Isla del Colegio, which will open its doors to the public on the afternoon of Friday, August 21. The Plaza de Cervantes will host the Daytime Fair with music for all audiences each day.
Other important venues include the Huerta del Obispo, O'Donnell Park, and the streets of the Historic Center. Activities will extend to the city's five districts through parades of Giants and Big-Heads, children's parks, and sports tournaments in municipal sports centers. The festive groups (peñas) will organize over 150 activities, including music, sports, workshops, and solidarity events.
The musical lineup, one of the main attractions, will feature national artists in the 'Conciertos de la Muralla' cycle. Performers include Loquillo (August 22), the Muralla Pop Fest (August 27) with tribute bands, Muralla Camp (August 28) with Chenoa, Fangoria, and Coyote Dax, and the cycle will close with Vanesa Martín (August 29).
In parallel, Sementales Park will offer music every night with local artists such as the Agrupación de Zarzuela de Alcalá, Juanjo Espinosa, and Manuel Alejandro. The Plaza de Cervantes will feature orchestras, tribute bands, and DJ sets, as well as concerts by Efecto Pasillo (August 22) and Rosa López (August 29).
Culturally, the Teatro Salón Cervantes will present 'La pasión infinita' with Pepón Nieto (August 21-22), 'Alcalá Comedy Show' (August 23), Yllana's production 'Gool' (August 26-27), 'Canadá' with Santiago Molero and Alberto Amarilla (August 28), and 'Mejor no decirlo' with Imanol Arias and María Barranco (August 29-30).
The Patio de Santo Tomás de Villanueva will host music and dance cycles, including the Ballet Flamenco of Cristian Díaz (August 23), the Compañía de Danza Española Camino de Vuelta (August 24), and Compañía Esquivel (August 25). Also performing will be Ballet Albéniz (August 26), the Dance School of Azucena Rodríguez (August 27), Ensamble Sapere Aude (August 28), the Dance Company of Pilar Barbancho (August 29), and TIA.
Children will have special prominence with over fifty activities distributed across neighborhoods, including inflatables and games in the Plaza de Cervantes. The Department of Equality will organize a children's workshop on co-responsibility.
The sports program highlights the Cervantes Trophy of RSD Alcalá (59th edition) on August 29, along with tournaments in petanque, chess, paddle tennis, archery, 3x3 basketball, and futsal.
Guided tours will be offered, such as 'Get to Know Alcalá with Your Family' and 'Heritage in the Moonlight,' as well as visits to the Antezana Foundation and theatrical tours of the Laurent Staircase. The Giant and Big-Heads parade costumes will be exhibited at the Capilla del Oidor, and the Quinta de Cervantes will host the collective exhibition 'Brush and Chisel'.
The traditional exhibition of the Armed Forces, Security Forces, Local Police, and Firefighters will take place on Saturday, August 29, at the Ciudad Deportiva del Val.
The closing of the festivities on August 30 will feature the Parade of Floats, with a new route through streets such as Luis de Medina, Vía Complutense, and Libreros to the Plaza de Cervantes, followed by a fireworks display in the Huerta del Obispo.
The bullfighting program, from August 27 to 30, will feature prominent figures like Diego Urdiales, Alejandro Talavante, Fernando Adrián, and Emilio de Justo. It will include a bull-cutting contest (August 27), bullfights, and novilladas, as well as the traditional release of bulls on August 28, 29, and 30.
