History and deep roots of the festivals
Devotion to Saint Anne arose in 1530, when Tudela and the surrounding villages were ravaged by the plague. The desperate residents turned to Saint Anne for protection, and in gratitude, proclaimed her patron saint of the city, replacing Saint Peter in Chains. From then on, the tradition of celebrating her feast day with a procession and other annual events was established. Over the centuries, the festivities have combined solemnity with popular joy. They have only been suspended in exceptional circumstances, such as conflicts or epidemics, but they have always returned, reinforcing the cultural roots and identity of Tudela.
Tudela Festival Program 2025
Check out the complete program for the Tudela Festival 2025 and don’t miss a single event, from bull runs and concerts to processions and family activities. Tudela Festival 2025 Program (PDF)
The Tudela rocket
The official start of the festivities is marked by the firing of the rocket in the Plaza de los Fueros, where the rocket and shouts of “Long live Saint Anne! Long live Tudela!” usher in an action-packed program combining religious, bullfighting, gastronomic, and cultural events. Before this kickoff, the people of Tudela enjoy a communal lunch, where the aromas of chistorra (traditional thin Spanish sausage), fried eggs, and bacon mingle with the excitement and anticipation of the locals. This first day is just the prelude to seven days brimming with tradition and fun.
The festivities officially begin on July 24th with the rocket launch from the Plaza de los Fueros, but the day starts much earlier. From the early hours of the morning, groups of friends and social clubs gather for the communal lunch, one of the most anticipated moments for the people of Tudela. In bars, gastronomic societies, and the streets of the old town, fried eggs, bacon, and chistorra sausage are prepared, creating a distinctive atmosphere that marks the true start of the celebrations. The aroma of these lunches mingles with the wine, the first brass bands, and the palpable anticipation before the opening rocket launch.
When the rocket explodes in the sky, Tudela is finally freed and gives way to intense days in which the city practically does not sleep.
The peñas: the soul and driving force of the festivities
During the Santa Ana Patron Saint Festivities, the peñas (social clubs) are the heart of Tudela’s social and cultural life. Each peña has its own history, headquarters, attire, and program of events, and they are responsible for many of the week’s most anticipated activities.
Peña La Teba, founded in 1969, has around 70 members. Its members, recognizable by their black vests with an embroidered crest on a green background, are known for organizing the floral offering to Saint Anne, a costume luncheon, and the traditional wineskin drinking contest. La Teba keeps the tradition and camaraderie alive among its members and neighbors throughout the festive week.
Peña Ciudad Deportiva, founded in 1973, has around 60 members and is known for its involvement in local tributes and awards. It organizes the tribute to the most popular citizen of Tudela, the “Porrín de Tudela” award, the children’s Dorotea festival, lunches with the residents of the Royal House of Mercy, and the Target Football Championship. Its white and red vest with an embroidered crest is a symbol of its constant presence at the most emblematic events of the town’s festivities.
Peña La Jota, since its founding in 1978, combines musical and folkloric tradition with the organization of various events, such as the Rocket Festival, the placing of the traditional scarf on the Santa Ana gate, the “Always Young” dinner and party, the tribute to the Absent Tudela Native, the JOTAfest festival, and “Poor You.” Its approximately 31 members wear green vests with an embroidered emblem.
Peña Moskera, also founded in 1978, has around 50 members. Its members are identified by their white polo shirts with embroidered crests and black smocks. They organize tributes to the Grandmother of Tudela, the Popular Tavern Keeper, and the first child born after July 26th, as well as enlivening the streets with brass bands and parades throughout the week.
Peña Beterri, founded in 1982 and with approximately 200 members, wears a black smock with an embroidered crest. Its activities include the Navarre Artisan Food Fair, rural sports in Plaza Nueva, daily musical performances in the street, and lunches for members of Anfas, standing out for its ability to mobilize and revitalize the city.
Peña El Brindis organizes tributes to the residents of the Real Casa de Misericordia and the Atalaya center. Its members, about 40 in number, wear brown vests with an embroidered crest.
Peña El Frontón, founded in 1994 and chaired by Ana Delgado, is based at Portal Street, 12. Its 53 members, wearing yellow smocks and embroidered shields, are known for placing a scarf on the monument of the jota and paying homage to the gardener, highlighting local trades and traditions.
Peña Andatu, founded in 1999 with nearly 60 members, wears a purple smock with an embroidered shield and organizes innovative events such as the “Señor Tomás” Comedy Night, alternative concerts to bullfighting, Tuletón, Gorrinasada and “Anda-tu Cara me Suena”.
La Revolvedera, founded in 2012, with about 30 members, organizes the “Golden Kiosk” Youth Award and the “Pre-party” meal, integrating youth, culture and local participation.
Other entities
The Order of the Volatín, founded over 30 years ago, is dedicated to promoting local traditions. Its members organize the Vegetable Festival, the Giants Gathering, the procession of Saint James, and children’s bull runs.
The Federation of Clubs coordinates the various clubs, collaborating in the organization of children’s bull runs, Dorotea, popular meals and emblematic events to maintain the balance between tradition, fun and coexistence.
The tributes: living memory of Tudela
The Tudela festivities are also a time to recognize the people who embody the soul of the city. Throughout the week, various tributes are held, organized mainly by the peñas (local social clubs), which celebrate the life, social, and cultural contributions of local residents.
The tribute to the most outstanding citizen of Tudela, organized by the Peña Ciudad Deportiva sports club, recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to the city, their selfless work, or their contribution to the social and cultural fabric of Tudela. It is one of the most moving events, as it typically brings together family, friends, and neighbors in an atmosphere of heartfelt appreciation.
The Grandmother and Grandfather of Tudela, honored by the Peña Moskera and Peña La Jota, symbolize the living memory of the city. They represent generations who have lived through the Tudela of yesteryear, passing on values, customs, and ways of life that are still present in the festivities today.
The Tudela Native Abroad, a tribute promoted by the Peña La Jota association, recognizes those who, even living elsewhere, maintain a deep connection with Tudela and return every year to celebrate the festivities. Tribute is also paid to the Popular Tavern Keeper, a key figure in the festive social life, and to other groups such as market gardeners, residents of the Royal House of Mercy, and children born on significant dates, reinforcing the idea of inclusive and deeply human celebrations.
The processions: tradition, music and popular sentiment
The Tudela Festivals are a great meeting point, as is Holy Week, when the city experiences moments of devotion and tradition.
The Patron Saint Festivities of Saint Anne in Tudela maintain a strong religious component, expressed through three main processions. Each has its own schedule, route, musical accompaniment, and character, and all form an essential part of the city’s festive identity. They are not experienced as isolated events, but as collective moments filled with emotion, sound, tradition, and popular participation.
The Procession of Saint James – July 25
The Procession of Saint James takes place on July 25th, winding its way through the Old Town of Tudela and maintaining a distinct character within the festival program. It is a solemn procession with a strong popular element, accompanied by the Giants and Big-Heads troupe, bagpipers, and the Municipal Band.
One of the most distinctive elements of this procession is that it moves to the rhythm of the march “Marcial, you are the greatest,” a piece deeply linked to the festive spirit of Tudela. The rhythm of the music sets the pace and creates a very recognizable atmosphere for the locals, who identify this sound as an inseparable part of St. James’ Day.
The route through the streets of the old town transforms the procession into a blend of history, music, and citizen participation, deeply rooted in the collective memory.
The Procession of Saint Anne the Elder
The Procession of Santa Ana la Vieja takes place at 6:00 a.m. on July 26th, one of the earliest and most unique moments of the festivities. It has a very special character, distinct from other processions, both in its timing and its route, as well as the elements that accompany it.
The procession begins at the Church of La Magdalena and heads towards the Cathedral, passing through the city’s historic streets while Tudela is still awake. Candles and basil are not carried on this route, as these elements are reserved for the later procession of Saint Anne.
A distinctive feature of this procession is that it is accompanied by the Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos (Parade of Giants and Big-Headed Figures), which gives it a very Tudela character. The presence of the giants in the early hours of the day, along with the still tranquil atmosphere of the city, creates a unique scene that many locals consider one of the most authentic moments of the festivities.
The Procession of Santa Ana la Vieja maintains a sober and traditional tone, but at the same time a close one, marking the beginning of the main day of the festivities and connecting with the oldest roots of devotion to the patron saint.
The Procession of Saint Anne
The Procession of Saint Anne, the central and most solemn event of the festivities, begins at 11:30 a.m. on July 26. It is the most important religious event of the entire program and the one that brings together the largest number of participants and their companions.
The procession involves the Municipal Corporation, religious authorities, associations, clubs, and numerous citizens, offering a clear image of unity around the patron saint of Tudela. The image of Saint Anne is carried in procession accompanied by Giants and Big-Heads, dancers, and traditional music, creating an event where faith and popular culture intertwine naturally.
During the procession, it is customary to throw petals as the image passes and to have jotas sung to it, performed from various points along the route. These spontaneous songs and the applause of the onlookers reinforce the emotional nature of the procession, which is experienced with particular intensity by locals and visitors alike.
It is in this procession that one of the most recognizable symbols of the festivities appears: candles wrapped in basil, carried by the faithful, which perfume the streets with an unmistakable aroma. This scent, mingled with the summer air and the festive atmosphere, is an integral part of the sensory experience of Saint Anne’s Day.
The Procession of Saint Anne is not only a religious act, but a collective manifestation of identity, memory and tradition, in which Tudela recognizes itself and reaffirms its bond with its patron saint.
Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos (The Giants’ Parade of Tudela)
The main troupe of Giants of Tudela is one of the most recognizable and beloved symbols of the Santa Ana festivities in Tudela. Their presence in the streets not only sets the rhythm of the celebrations but also connects directly with the history of the ancient Kingdom of Navarre and with the collective memory of several generations of Tudela residents.
The giants represent highly significant historical figures, carefully selected for their connection to Navarre and the city’s traditions. Among the most emblematic are Sancho the Strong and Juan de Labrit, two monarchs deeply rooted in the Navarrese imagination, along with Catherine of Foix and Blanche of Navarre, female figures of enormous historical importance. The group is completed by the couple Íñigo Arista and his wife Oneca de Velázquez, considered the first kings of Navarre, which reinforces the foundational and symbolic nature of the ensemble.
The current giants date back to 1986 and represented a significant renewal of Tudela’s festive heritage. These figures, carried by dancers and weighing over 50 kilos, have become a cultural landmark of the city, not only for their size and visual impact, but also for what they represent: history, tradition, and continuity. Each figure is meticulously designed in its features, clothing, and colors, reflecting the dignity and solemnity of the historical figures they represent.
We must also mention the giant figures of Tudela, who are part of the festive procession and enliven the parades with their presence. During the festive street processions, these figures, with their large, caricatured heads, accompany the giants and chase children wielding their whips (vergajos), in a popular tradition deeply rooted in the festivities that provokes laughter, chases, and participation from the little ones.
During the festivities, the parade of giants takes to the streets numerous times, accompanied by bagpipers and traditional musicians. Their dances, performed with precision and energy, become one of the most anticipated moments of the day, especially for the children, who experience the giants’ appearance with genuine excitement. At the same time, for many adults, watching them dance is a direct journey back to childhood, to shared memories, and to a way of understanding the festivities that is passed down from generation to generation.
The Giants’ Parade is not merely a decorative element or a one-off spectacle. It plays an active role in important events such as processions, parades, and festive gatherings, seamlessly integrating into the unfolding of the festivities. Its presence brings solemnity, joy, and a strong sense of belonging, transforming each appearance into an event that reinforces the bond between Tudela, its history, and its celebrations.
This balance between historical value and popular emotion is what has made the Comparsa de Gigantes de Tudela one of the most representative and respected elements of the Fiestas de Santa Ana, a living heritage that continues to grow and excite year after year.
The Tudela Giants Gathering
One of the most spectacular and well-attended events of the Santa Ana Festival in Tudela is the Giants’ Gathering, popularly known as the Gigantada, organized by the Order of the Volatín. This event is much more than a parade: it’s a meeting of popular culture, tradition, and coordination that transforms Tudela into a vibrant stage of folklore and music.
Participating troupes and organization
During the Gigantada, local troupes and troupes from other municipalities in Navarre, as well as from towns outside the region, participate, broadening the scope of the tradition and consolidating Tudela as a regional leader in the culture of giants and big-headed figures. Among the participating troupes are Abarzuza, Andosilla, Artika, Caparroso, Corella, Cortes, Gartxot de Azpilagaña, Javier Bozal, Larraga, Noáin, the New Tudela Troupe (Gurría Brothers), Tudela, Tudela-Perrinche, Valtierra, and the Tudela Bagpipers.
Tours and performances
The troupes are divided into three groups that parade through different neighborhoods of Tudela: the Plaza de la Judería, the Plaza de la Constitución, and the Plaza de Sancho el Fuerte. Each group performs individually, dancing to the rhythm of bagpipers and local musicians, offering the public colorful, musical, and energetic street performances. The giants turn, bend, dance, and create spectacles that combine tradition and collective joy.
After these individual performances, all the groups gather in the Plaza de los Fueros, where the final dance takes place, usually around 1:30 p.m. This moment is the highlight of the event: dozens of giants spin in unison, accompanied by the Tudela Bagpipers and local musicians, creating a stunning display of coordination, music, and color that symbolizes the unity of all the participants and their pride in tradition.
The Giant Parade as a cultural and social driving force
The Gigantada (Parade of Giants) is not only visually and festively significant, but also represents an act of social and cultural cohesion, uniting local groups, musicians, troupes, and residents around the celebration of Tudela’s identity and Navarrese culture. The participation of hundreds of people, the coordination efforts, and the financial investment demonstrate the event’s importance and the need to keep this tradition alive and accessible to all generations.
According to its organizers, the Gigantada is also an officially recognized initiative of social interest that reinforces Tudela’s image as a city of tradition and celebration, and projects its popular culture beyond the Ribera region, becoming a benchmark for other municipalities and similar events.
The Rebel of Tudela
Also known as La Revolvedera, La Revoltosa is the traditional dance and one of the central events of the Santa Ana Festival in Tudela. Every day of the festival, starting on July 24th, the people of Tudela gather around the bandstand in Plaza Nueva to participate in this unique event, which combines music and tradition.
The event begins after the Baile de la Era, the Tudela Polka, and the Jota, preliminary steps that mark the start of the festivities in the town square. The dance consists of spinning around the bandstand at full speed, following the music of the Municipal Band. The musicians, positioned inside the bandstand, play an active role: they slow down or speed up the participants’ pace according to the flow of the moment, making the dance an interactive and rhythmic event.
Originally, until the 1970s, La Revoltosa included a change of direction midway through the dance, a peculiarity that was eliminated due to accidents and collisions among the participants. Currently, the dance follows a constant circular route and lasts approximately thirty minutes for adults and fifteen for the children’s version, allowing even the youngest to enjoy this tradition.
Musical history: the 1941 Medley
La Revoltosa has its roots in 1928, when the Tudela Municipal Band performed several Basque medleys during the town’s festivities. Over time, these pieces were combined into the 1941 version, the work of Luis Gil Lasheras, a musician and composer from Tudela. Gil Lasheras recalled:
“During the time of Primo de Rivera, I wrote the first scores, which I always titled ‘Fiestas 1920’, but which the people christened ‘La Revoltosa’ because of its boisterousness and revelry. I wrote about five ‘Revoltosas’, because I composed one every three years. The last ‘Revoltosa’ remains in the memory of the musicians of Tudela.”
An event for everyone
La Revoltosa knows no age or experience: young and old, entire families and visitors mingle around the bandstand, twirling to the rhythm of the music, creating a spectacle that is participatory, communal, and vibrant. The children’s version, held on Children’s Day around 9:00 p.m., allows the youngest to participate safely, keeping the tradition alive for new generations.
After La Revoltosa, the music and festivities continue in the plaza, with concerts, orchestras, and DJs keeping the party going well into the early hours. Thus, La Revoltosa has become the heart of the Santa Ana Festival, an event that reflects the identity, joy, and history of Tudela.
Toro de Fuego (The Bull of Fire)
The Fire Bull, also called zenzenzusko or embolado bull, is one of Tudela’s most emblematic traditions, especially for children and adults. Its name first appeared in 1953, and since then it has evolved from a dangerous spectacle with real bulls and fire on their horns to the current, safer, and more humane version, with a cardboard or metal frame that imitates the animal.
The origin of this tradition is ancient, with mentions dating back to the 17th century, and according to some sources, it even goes back to Iberian battles against Carthaginians in 228 BC, where bulls with fire were used as a military tactic.
The Fire Bull is a nighttime event that complements the city’s festive life. It takes place every night of the festival at 9:00 p.m. in Plaza Nueva, where a frame decorated with pyrotechnics is circled around the bandstand. Although humane and safe, it maintains the excitement and tradition of the running of the bulls, attracting hundreds of locals and visitors and creating a vibrant atmosphere that kicks off the festive night.
The spectacle combines tradition, innovation, and community participation, offering seven minutes of fun in which children and adults run and dodge the bull while it “responds” with lights and sparks. The setup, which weighs about 25 kilos, includes cushions for the carrier, wooden horns, and strategically placed firecrackers, all under the supervision of the Red Cross and Civil Protection.
The Toro de Fuego is an example of how the festival in Tudela reinforces the city’s cultural identity, thrilling all ages and preserving an ancestral tradition adapted to modern times.
Bull runs and bullfighting fair in Tudela
One of the most traditional and anticipated elements of the Santa Ana festivities are the bullfighting events, which combine excitement, adrenaline and popular participation.
Morning bull runs
Every day of the festival, from July 25th to 30th, morning bull runs take place, where runners—locals and visitors alike—accompany the bulls from the corrals to the Tudela Bullring.
These bull runs are moments filled with tension and tradition, where the skill and courage of the participants are put to the test on routes that wind through the city’s central streets. Each run has its own rhythm and dynamics, and is followed by large crowds who cheer on the runners.
Bullfights in the Bullring
The Santiago and Santa Ana Bullfighting Festival also includes bullfights at the Tudela Bullring (popularly known as “La Chata de Griseras”).
These bullfights bring together nationally and regionally renowned bullfighters, transforming the arena into a stage where technique, skill, and bullfighting tradition converge. These events attract fans of all ages and are a cornerstone of Tudela’s festive identity, keeping alive a tradition that dates back centuries.
Descent of the Bulls
After an afternoon of bullfighting, the participants head towards the center of Tudela in a joyful procession. They are usually in costume, lively, and perhaps a little tipsy after the bullfight, accompanied by brass bands and their social clubs, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, music, and spontaneous fun. This moment best reflects the joy, exuberance, and social life that characterize Tudela’s festive traditions.
Music, concerts and evening shows
Music and nighttime entertainment take center stage at the Santa Ana Festival, with a varied program that combines tradition, folk dance, and concerts of different styles for audiences of all ages.
Nights of the Queiles
The Queiles Nights take Paseo del Queiles Promenade before dinner, usually around 9:30 p.m., and are geared towards a more adult or family audience. They feature folk dance performances, variety shows, and theatrical acts, where locals enjoy folk dances, theatrical productions, and shows with humor or light social commentary. It’s a relaxed and intimate cultural event that allows attendees to interact with the performers.
Concerts in Plaza Nueva
After La Revoltosa, the main concerts of each day take place in Plaza Nueva:
- Dance orchestras, such as Jamaica Show, Vulkano or Nueva Etapa, offer entertainment and music for dancing outdoors.
- Concerts by renowned artists, bringing groups or soloists recognized at a regional or national level.
These concerts are the musical highlight of the festivities and are generally held after the main activities in the square, extending the party until the early hours of the morning.
Concerts in social clubs and other squares
At the same time, other concerts are organized in social clubs or secondary squares, such as San Jaime or Calle Herrerías. These events are separate from the concerts in Plaza Nueva and offer additional musical options for residents and visitors, including local music, pop-rock, jazz, or alternative styles, depending on each year’s program.
Fireworks
The fireworks are another of the most anticipated moments of the festivities. They are launched from the banks of the Ebro River around 11:00–11:30 p.m., illuminating the historic center and the river. This visual spectacle is enjoyed by families, young people, and visitors, and provides a spectacular end to the day before the nighttime revelry begins.
La Dorotea: a recovered tradition
La Dorotea is one of the most emblematic and beloved street parades of the Santa Ana festivities in Tudela, and its recent return has been enthusiastically celebrated by the residents. It is a nighttime parade that winds through the Old Town, where hundreds of Tudela residents join in, singing and dancing to the rhythm of the well-known folk song:
“The day you get married, Dorotea… oh, Dorotea, oh, Dorotea!”
This tradition had disappeared for years, but in 2025 it returned with a vengeance, revitalizing citizen participation and the collective spirit of the festivities. La Dorotea is generally held in the early hours of the morning, after the main events and once the streets are already filled with the festive atmosphere generated by the bull runs, the peñas (social clubs), and the Revoltosa (a traditional dance).
children’s acts
The Santa Ana festivities in Tudela are designed for all ages, and the youngest children have their own dedicated space with games and children’s events. Among the highlights are the simulated bull runs, where children can safely experience the excitement of bullfighting tradition, accompanied by their parents and on routes adapted to their age.
The Paseo del Queiles and the Plaza de la Constitución are regular venues for creative games, workshops, magic shows, and children’s theater, attracting entire families during festive afternoons. These activities aim to combine learning, entertainment, and community, while also allowing children to participate in the city’s social and cultural life.
In addition, the traditional street fairs and raffles, historically located along the Paseo del Prado, have been relocated to areas such as the vicinity of the Mercadona supermarket for safety reasons and improved accessibility. These fairs include amusement rides, target games, and candy stalls, enhancing the festive experience for children.
One of the most popular and popular activities in recent years is the Land-Based Water Park, a true foam party and water games event that transforms the Plaza de la Constitución and its surroundings into a fun and refreshing space. Children and teenagers participate in water races, water balloon fights, impromptu slides, and interactive games, making this event one of the most anticipated activities of the festival afternoons.
These children’s and recreational initiatives not only guarantee fun and entertainment, but also reinforce the festive identity of Tudela and allow new generations to grow up actively participating in its traditions, creating unforgettable memories that are passed down from parents to children.
