The opening ceremony marks the start of Semana Grande and, in 2026, it is scheduled to take place on 17 July. It will be held in Plaza del Ayuntamiento at around 9.30 pm, with the city’s local clubs joining in. Once the festivities have officially begun, the first concert will get under way. You’ll need to head over to Plaza Porticada, where Los 40 will once again host the event. This year, however, there is an added attraction: DJ Nano will take to the stage with one of his electrifying electronic music sets.

Much of the atmosphere during Santander’s Semana Grande revolves around its daytime food fair, which brings together around thirty food stalls across locations such as Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza de Pombo, Jardines de Pereda and Parque de Mesones. Each one showcases its culinary expertise, allowing visitors to spend the day moving from one small plate or pintxo to the next. Local produce and traditional Cantabrian cuisine take centre stage.

You’ll want to try fried squid, Santoña anchovies, tuna and white anchovies, cheeses from La Tierruca and traditional quesadas pasiegas… And try them you will, because this daytime food fair is the perfect place to settle in from aperitif time until well into the night.

On the evening of 24 July, the night before St James’s Day, it is traditional for Santander’s skies to burst into colour during an exciting firework display. The fireworks are launched from the Second Beach at El Sardinero at around 11 pm, are usually accompanied by music and light up the city’s entire coastline. Be prepared for the crowds, as it is one of the most popular events of Santander’s summer festivities. For a front-row view, spread your towel out on the sand at El Sardinero beach. Just make sure you arrive early enough to find a good spot. Those looking to escape the busiest areas often head to Cabo Mayor Lighthouse and its viewpoint, where the higher vantage point offers a broader perspective.

Without concerts, there’s no proper celebration. It’s as simple as that. And Santander takes its live music so seriously that Semana Grande even includes several festivals. One location to remember is the Campa de la Magdalena on Avenida de la Magdalena. Most of the concerts will take place there. Fans of urban music can head to the Honky Music festival on 18 July, featuring artists such as Fernando Costa, Lucho RK and Hard GZ. From 20 to 25 July, Magdalena en Vivo will take over, with a line-up packed with well-known names including David Otero, Ana Torroja, Cali & Dandee and Pet Shop Boys. Rock fans are in for a treat on 23 July, when Remember Rock welcomes La Fuga and Mägo de Oz. Then, on 26 July, the much-anticipated Dani Martín concert will bring the programme to a close.

And that’s just at Campa de la Magdalena, because the stage at Plaza Porticada will also host plenty of live music. Performers will include Paula Koops on 18 July, El Drogas on the 19th, La Sonrisa de Julia on the 20th, La Casa Azul on the 21st, Sidecars on the 22nd, Pastora Soler on the 23rd, Malmö 040 on the 25th and David Bustamante on 26 July, among others.

Our hotel, El Balcón de la Bahía Suites by Sercotel, gives you the chance to stay away from the busiest parts of Semana Grande without being so far away that you miss out on anything. From what is about to become your home in the city, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the bay —hence our name— as well as over Santander itself. Think of it as your own private viewpoint from which to plan your next adventure. Before you head out again, we’ll make sure you’ve had a proper rest and that nothing disturbs you when you feel like staying in bed for just five more minutes. Except, of course, the temptation to take a dip in our swimming pool. There’s not much we can do about that.