Cultural programme
In addition to its important cultural heritage, unique monuments and delicious cuisine, Avila offers a thousand and one cultural activities to bring our guests closer to the walled city.
The summer fiestas begin in the city in the middle of July. The area around the bullring is filled with light and colour thanks to the stalls and attractions that are set up there and the marquees of the groups who entertain us with all kinds of events. There is cinema, folk music, sport, concerts featuring today's artists and other shows to entertain the public of all ages in a city which is becoming more and more popular every year. In addition, the Council has prepared a stable, original and attention grabbing programme of events to delight the visitor. On the first weekend in June the Ronda de las Leyendas is held; this is an original way of introducing the visitor to the city's monuments, and for them to learn about its rich history and legends. On the last weekend in June there is the Avila Tapas Competition, in which the votes of a professional jury and everybody who takes part decide the best tapas offered by the city's bars, taverns and restaurants to lovers of this type of cooking in miniature. For three months from the middle of June, the Walls of the city become a stage where history and legends accompany the visitor on a journey into the past in which they can also enjoy the magnificent night-time views. September sees the end of the programme with the Mediaeval Days, in which the historic part of the city is transformed into a mediaeval stage, where both locals and visitors can enjoy the market (the star of the Mediaeval Days), the festivities, the shows and the life in the streets.
The best of flamenco song and dance from around the country is performed for the people of Avila.
This event is held in the month of June every year and brings to life ancient stories about the city's past. Actors dressed in period costumes act out historical events in the places where they actually occurred. The staging is stunning thanks to the use of lighting and the spectacular natural scenery.
The "Ciudad de Avila" International Polyphony Events present a series of recitals giving a small sample of the choral music of today.
For one weekend the bars, taverns and restaurants of the city offer their best recipes to lovers of these delicious creations.
This cultural spectacular brings together music and words and takes place on natural open air stages, such as in the Corralón de Carmen Pedrosa, next to the Episcopal palace, the Palacio de Bracamonte and the Claustro de Reyes in the Monasterio de Santo Tomás
Avila welcomes and displays the work of some of the most creative craftspeople, with a wide range of potters and ceramics artists taking part.
During the summer months, professional actors act out moments from the history of the city during these theatrical visits to the wall. Visitors can enjoy the show and also the impressive views of the city.
The National Crafts Fair shows visitors the wide range of crafts produced, and promotes local products, in addition to helping to train the craftspeople who exhibit their work.
This fair brings together crafts from many different peoples, exhibiting a wide range of articles made using a huge variety of materials and techniques.
Classical, Brazilian, country and jazz music comes together in this cultural event which is held in various squares around the city.
Various monumental locations throughout the city are illuminated by candlelight to play host to these concerts specialising in jazz.
September begins with Avila remembering its past for a few days and returning to the mediaeval period. Nobles and villains, troubadours and musicians, artisans and merchants meet in the square which centuries ago gave birth to the first market in the city. In addition to the market stalls, there are original puppet shows, parades and concerts from the period.
During this day the city reveals, to locals and visitors alike, and for free, all the riches of its artistic, monumental and historic riches. Many convents, churches and museums take part in this initiative.
The festival offers concerts with performances of a range of varied ancient music based on historical criteria.
This mixture of modern and classic theatre is one of the major attractions of this international show, which attracts prestigious theatrical performances.
Female Flamenco Singer Week
FEBRUARYThe best of flamenco song and dance from around the country is performed for the people of Avila.
Ronda de las Leyendas
FIRST WEEKEND IN JUNEThis event is held in the month of June every year and brings to life ancient stories about the city's past. Actors dressed in period costumes act out historical events in the places where they actually occurred. The staging is stunning thanks to the use of lighting and the spectacular natural scenery.
Polyphony Week
JUNEThe "Ciudad de Avila" International Polyphony Events present a series of recitals giving a small sample of the choral music of today.
Avila in Tapas
LAST WEEKEND IN JUNEFor one weekend the bars, taverns and restaurants of the city offer their best recipes to lovers of these delicious creations.
“Noches y Almenas” musical evenings
JULYThis cultural spectacular brings together music and words and takes place on natural open air stages, such as in the Corralón de Carmen Pedrosa, next to the Episcopal palace, the Palacio de Bracamonte and the Claustro de Reyes in the Monasterio de Santo Tomás
The “Avialfar” Ceramics Fair
JULYAvila welcomes and displays the work of some of the most creative craftspeople, with a wide range of potters and ceramics artists taking part.
Theatre on the Wall
SUMMER MONTHSDuring the summer months, professional actors act out moments from the history of the city during these theatrical visits to the wall. Visitors can enjoy the show and also the impressive views of the city.
“Arteávila” National Crafts Fair
AUGUSTThe National Crafts Fair shows visitors the wide range of crafts produced, and promotes local products, in addition to helping to train the craftspeople who exhibit their work.
Peoples of the World Crafts Fair
AUGUSTThis fair brings together crafts from many different peoples, exhibiting a wide range of articles made using a huge variety of materials and techniques.
Clave de Luna in Avila
AUGUSTClassical, Brazilian, country and jazz music comes together in this cultural event which is held in various squares around the city.
Avila by Candlelight
AUGUSTVarious monumental locations throughout the city are illuminated by candlelight to play host to these concerts specialising in jazz.
Mediaeval Days
FIRST WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBERSeptember begins with Avila remembering its past for a few days and returning to the mediaeval period. Nobles and villains, troubadours and musicians, artisans and merchants meet in the square which centuries ago gave birth to the first market in the city. In addition to the market stalls, there are original puppet shows, parades and concerts from the period.
Open door days
LAST WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBERDuring this day the city reveals, to locals and visitors alike, and for free, all the riches of its artistic, monumental and historic riches. Many convents, churches and museums take part in this initiative.
Ancient Music Week
OCTOBERThe festival offers concerts with performances of a range of varied ancient music based on historical criteria.
Avila Theatre Show
NOVEMBERThis mixture of modern and classic theatre is one of the major attractions of this international show, which attracts prestigious theatrical performances.