The Festivities of Vitoria-Gasteiz, also known as La Blanca, are a major event that brings together both adults and children in a week full of free activities and concerts. From the Hotel Silken Vitoria in the city center, we encourage you to fully experience these celebrations in 2019.
Dates
The Virgin Blanca Festivities 2019, patron saint of Vitoria, will be held from Sunday, August 4th to Friday, August 9th, inclusive.
Vitoria Festival Program 2019
If you have never attended the Vitoria Festivities, there are some essential moments and events, which are the following:
- The ringing of the bells at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 4th, followed by "The Chupinazo" in the Plaza de la Virgen, while the gathered crowd sings, smokes cigars, and drinks champagne.
- The descent of Celedón. A popular character who each year kicks off the Vitoria celebrations by sliding down on an umbrella from the tower of the San Miguel church. The tradition started in 1957 and has evolved with two constants: the doll that descends suspended by invisible threads, and later a real person who embodies Celedón, greeting from the Town Hall.
So far, those who have portrayed Celedón are José Luis Isasi Montalbán, from 1957 to 1975 and from 1977 to 1978; Enrique Orive Galindo, in 1976; Iñaki Landa, from 1980 to 2000 and in 2007; Gorka Ortiz de Urbina, from 2001 until today. Currently, it is also quite a spectacle to see Celedón trying to cross a packed square making his way to the Town Hall.
- Procession of the Lanterns. On August 4th at 10 p.m., it is one of the most prominent religious events, as well as the Rosary of the Dawn, on August 5th at 7 a.m.
- Blusas and Neskak Groups. August 5th is the big day when the blusas and neskak groups take to the streets aiming to fully enjoy the days of La Blanca.
There are a total of 25 groups, each with a different costume, and although they usually have waiting lists, recently one of them has reported problems with a shortage of members, so this might be a good time to sign up.
- Vaquillas (young bulls). In the 2019 program, there are no bulls but there are vaquillas with shows both for adults and for the little ones under the title “vaquillas for txikis”.
- Fairgrounds in Mendizabala. From where the fireworks will be launched, while Celedón’s ascent takes place, marking the end of the festivities until the following year.
Concerts
The programming of the La Blanca Festivities in Vitoria culminates with the highly anticipated concerts at Plaza de Los Fueros. In 2019, the lineup includes Huntza, Gatillazo, La M.O.D.A, Fangoria, and Mago de Oz.
Other activities
The 2019 festival program will be complemented with other activities for the whole family such as the giants and big heads. Also, as every year, the little ones will be able to enjoy the descent of Celedón and Edurne Txiki, on Wednesday, August 7th, at 12 noon, a tradition started in 1983 that has endured over time for the joy of the children of the city.
Accommodation for the Vitoria Festivities 2019
In order to find good accommodation during the Virgin Blanca celebrations in Vitoria, it is advisable to book in advance. From the 4-star Hotel Silken Ciudad de Vitoria, we encourage you to guarantee your stay with the best price by booking through our official website. Likewise, you can benefit from other advantages such as late check-out subject to availability, free cancellation until 6 p.m. the day before arrival with the flexible rate without restrictions, or exclusive promotions from the Silken Rewards program.
An excellent location
By staying at the Hotel Silken Ciudad de Vitoria in the city center, you can fully participate in the La Blanca Festivities by walking to all locations. The hotel, for example, is just 11 minutes from the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, where the main events of the celebration take place. The Plaza de Los Fueros is 12 minutes away.
Our services
At our hotel, you will find all the comforts of a 4-star hotel. Highlights include the garage with 101 spaces, the very complete buffet breakfast, or the restaurant with daily and weekend menus. Additionally, we have just renovated our fitness room with new equipment so you don’t neglect your daily exercises during your vacation, a completely free service for guests of Silken Ciudad de Vitoria. We look forward to celebrating La Blanca Festival with you in Vitoria 2019.
