From summer until the end of the year, Oviedo has a schedule full of activities. And since participating in local festivals is one of the best ways to get to know a place, we encourage you to plan your trip to this fantastic Asturian city during one of the following dates:
- International Descent of the Sella, August 3
- Passing of the Vuelta Ciclista a España through Oviedo, September 7
- Day of La Santina (Asturias Day), September 8
- San Mateo Festivities, September 13 to 22
- America Day in Asturias, September 19
- San Mateo Fireworks, September 20
- Disarmament Menu, October 19
- Princess of Asturias Awards, October 25
International Descent of the Sella – Bajada del Sella
Also known as the Canoe Festival or Canoe Race, it gathers every year hundreds of international participants who descend the Sella River covering the nearly 20 kilometers that separate the Asturian towns of Arriondas and Ribadesella. Undoubtedly, one of the most famous competitions of this sport with an unbeatable atmosphere. You can attend as a spectator or dare to be one more in the descent, even in the categories with children or dogs. This 2019 the Bajada del Sella will take place on August 3. Both Arriondas and Ribadesella are about an hour's drive from Oviedo.
Passing of the Vuelta Ciclista a España through Oviedo
The 2019 Vuelta Ciclista a España route includes three crucial stages in Asturias (two finishes and three starts). Specifically, stage 14, on Saturday, September 7, will be held between San Vicente de la Barquera and Oviedo. Thus, the Asturian capital will host a Vuelta finish again after 32 years. A flat break between tough mountain stages that will favor the sprint of the great cyclists.
Day of La Santina - Asturias Day
On September 8, Asturians celebrate the festival of their patron saint, the Virgin of Covadonga. A figure of the Virgin Mary located in the cave of Covadonga and affectionately nicknamed “La Santina” referring to her being “small and graceful.” In Oviedo, as in most Asturian towns, activities and celebrations are organized in her honor.
San Mateo Festivities
Although San Mateo is not the patron saint of Oviedo (that is San Salvador), his day, September 21, is celebrated as if he were. This 2019 the festivities will take place from Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 22 with concerts every day in the Plaza de la Catedral, the legendary street stalls in the old part of the city, and numerous cultural activities. At the same time, the Opera Season is held at the Campoamor Theater and a special program for the little ones at the Campo de San Francisco with theater, puppets, juggling, etc. During these days it is typical to eat a "bollu preñao" in the parks along with a bottle of wine.
America Day in Asturias
As part of the San Mateo Festivities, on September 19 the spectacular America Day parade in Asturias takes place, in tribute to all Asturians who emigrated to “make their fortunes in the Americas.”
San Mateo Fireworks
Also included in the San Mateo Festivities program, the September 20 fireworks are the prelude to the big day, San Mateo. They are launched from the Parque de Invierno but are visible from practically anywhere in the city.
Disarmament Menu
Although it is not a national holiday and its origin is uncertain, the Disarmament Menu is one of the most deeply rooted celebrations in Oviedo. For more than a century, the people of Oviedo have gathered with friends or family every October 19 to eat chickpeas with cod and spinach, tripe, and rice pudding.
Princess of Asturias Awards
Known until 2014 as the Prince of Asturias Awards, the Princess of Asturias Awards have been presented annually since 1981 to individuals, institutions, or working groups worldwide who have distinguished themselves in one of 8 categories: art, sport, social sciences, communication and humanities, concord, international cooperation, scientific and technical research, or literature.
Where to sleep in Oviedo
If after reviewing the Oviedo schedule you can organize a getaway coinciding with one of the proposed activities, we await you at the 4-star Hotel Silken Monumental Naranco in the city center. Remember that by booking through our Official Website you have the best price guaranteed plus free cancellation until 6 p.m. the day before arrival with the flexible unrestricted rate.
