Festivals and traditions
Festivities in Nuevo Baztán
Despite its small size, Nuevo Baztán is a dynamic town with a multitude of celebrations throughout the year—some commemorating the origins of the villa, others reflecting its connection to Navarrese roots, or simply celebrating its present-day identity.
Below we present the main festivities that take place in our municipality each year.
Foundation Festivities
The town’s most popular and eye-catching celebrations, held in tribute to the founding of the municipality on 9 October 1723, and therefore usually celebrated on the second weekend of the month.
During this weekend, usually Saturday and Sunday, the historic centre comes alive with a festive atmosphere, baroque decorations, a Palace Market with crafts in Plaza de la Iglesia, and a wide range of activities such as historical reenactments, theatrical routes, and workshops on Enlightenment-era crafts such as glassblowing, sword forging, soap-making and hat-making… A great variety of activities, shows and workshops designed for families and for visitors curious about the history of the town.
La Javierada
The original Javierada is a traditional popular pilgrimage that thousands of people make every March to the Castle of Javier (Navarre), the birthplace of Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint of missions.
In Nuevo Baztán, however, we have our Madrid edition, organised for more than 50 years, from Olmeda de las Fuentes to Nuevo Baztán, on Sunday.
It is celebrated with the Stations of the Cross and Mass in honour of Saint Francis Xavier, popular meals featuring typical Navarrese dishes, performances by jota groups, dancing, songs and music. If you attend, don’t forget to bring the red neckerchief and learn “¡No te vayas de Navarra!”, the signature song of Navarrese people in Madrid.
Popular Festivities of the Most Holy Christ of Socorro
A week of patron-saint festivities after the first weekend in May, held in honour of the Most Holy Christ of Socorro, due to the Filipino ivory carvings housed in the Parish Church of Nuevo Baztán, recorded in the municipality since 1724. Among the many ivory carvings representing the Holy Family, the Christ of Socorro is the most representative, leading processions and religious ceremonies.
In addition, on these same dates, local residents and groups in Nuevo Baztán prepare, as a community, one of the municipality’s signature dishes: Bull Stew (Guiso del Toro), with prior registration.
Nuevo Baztán Summers
During the hottest time of the year, the town comes alive with an extensive cultural and tourist programme, designed to enjoy the holidays with activities scheduled at pleasant times. Among the most popular are:
- Summer cinema in Plaza de Fiestas
- Palace Concerts
- Classical Concerts in the Church
- Shows, theatre, puppetry and events.
