Explore 10 events and festivals in Badajoz, Extremadura throughout 2026.
La Encamisá de Navalvillar de Pela
La Encamisá de Navalvillar de Pela is an ancient equestrian tradition held on the eve of the feast of Saint Anthony (January 16), in which horsemen dressed in white shirts and colorful scarves ride through the town's cobblestone streets by torchlight, accompanied by bonfires and the communal sharing of buñuelos (fritters) and pitarra wine. The ritual has pre-Christian origins and is one of the most distinctive folk celebrations in the Extremadura region, drawing visitors from across Spain to witness this unique blend of equestrianism and devotion.
Carnival of Badajoz (Carnaval de Badajoz)
The Carnaval de Badajoz, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, runs from February 13-22, 2026 and is one of Spain's largest and most flamboyant carnival celebrations. The festival is renowned for its spectacular comparsas (costumed troupes) and murgas (satirical musical groups), culminating in a grand parade through the city center and the competition for the Golden Costume award at the Estadio Nuevo Vivero. Hundreds of thousands of visitors attend annually, making it one of the top carnival events in the country.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Semana Santa in Badajoz is a deeply rooted celebration featuring processions by numerous cofradías carrying historic Baroque imagery — some dating to the 16th century — through the city center. Key highlights include the "Entrada de Cristo en Jerusalén" on Palm Sunday and the solemn "Prendimiento" procession on Holy Thursday, which draws crowds from across Extremadura. The celebrations have been declared of Regional Tourist Interest and are considered among the most impressive in the region.
Fiesta de la Primavera (Spring Festival)
The Fiesta de la Primavera (Spring Festival) is a late-night open-air music event held around the time of the spring equinox, featuring live performances by national artists and local DJs that draw over a thousand attendees for an evening of dancing and festivity. The event marks the arrival of spring with a celebratory atmosphere in an outdoor setting, typically on a weekend evening in late March. It is a popular social gathering in the Badajoz events calendar.
Semana del Libro (Book Week)
The Semana del Libro (Book Week) in Badajoz celebrates World Book Day with a week of literary activities including the XVIII Reading Marathon of "Don Quixote," storytelling sessions, English-language theater performances, and creative workshops for children. The event is organized by the city's cultural institutions and takes place across bookshops, libraries, and public spaces in the city center. It is one of the most comprehensive book celebration programs in Extremadura.
Romería de San Isidro
The Romería de San Isidro on May 15 is a traditional pilgrimage honoring Saint Isidore the Laborer, the patron saint of farmers, celebrated across Badajoz province with processions to rural chapels, outdoor masses in the countryside, music, and communal meals. The event reflects the deep agricultural heritage of Extremadura and brings rural communities together for a day of shared faith and festivity. In Badajoz city, the celebrations include a blessing of the fields and traditional folk activities.
Extremadura International Folk Festival
The Extremadura International Folk Festival (#45FFIExtremadura), organized by Coros y Danzas de Badajoz since 1980, is a member of the CIOFF international folk network and brings together folk dance and music groups from across Spain and the world to Badajoz each July. The festival features the "Gala of the Nations," a spectacular evening show combining all the participating groups in a joint performance celebrating the diversity of folk traditions. It is one of the longest-running international folk events in Spain.
Cano at Alcazaba Festival
Cano at Alcazaba Festival is an open-air concert at the historic Alcazaba Árabe de Badajoz, pairing the music of contemporary Spanish artist Cano with one of the most dramatic archaeological settings in Extremadura — a Moorish fortress overlooking the city. The Alcazaba Festival series brings major national artists to perform at iconic historic venues in Badajoz, creating a unique combination of live music and cultural heritage. Antonio Orozco is also featured in the 2026 edition.
Al Mossassa (Al-Mossassa)
Al-Mossassa is a cultural festival commemorating the founding of Badajoz by Ibn Marwan in the 9th century, declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. The multi-day event fills the city with historical parades, concerts, artisan markets, medieval and Arabic heritage exhibitions, guided tours of the historic Alcazaba, workshops, and theatrical performances exploring the city's Moorish origins. It is one of the most distinctive heritage festivals in Extremadura.
Contempopránea Music Festival
Contempopránea is an indie pop and alternative music festival held in Alburquerque, a small fortified town in the province of Badajoz, bringing top national Spanish indie acts to an intimate and atmospheric setting. The festival has built a loyal following for its carefully curated lineups and convivial small-festival atmosphere, offering a more personal experience than larger Spanish music events. Each edition includes a tribute concert to a legendary band alongside the main lineup.
