Guadalajara is a city with an architectural heritage of great historical value. Its privileged location, its fine transport network of communications and dynamic cultural life, make it easy to enjoy the various leisure and cultural events, all among the year.
Since its opening, over ten years ago, the "Buero Vallejo" Theatre-Auditorium has been a major centre for cultural activities in the city. Each season brings shows of different genres and hosts the best theatre and dance companies.
El Tragaluz Magazine
"Buero Vallejo"
Tenorio Mendocino
Tenorio was declared a Regional Tourist Attraction, and it is one of the most popular and highly anticipated events in Guadalajara. On the Eve of All Saints, the theatre group "Gentes de Guadalajara" perform selected scenes from Don Juan Tenorio. The scenes are staged at emblematic medieval buildings from the times of the Mendoza family.
Carnival, Holy Week and Corpus Christi
Three of the most popular celebrations take place between the months of February and June: Carnival, with its spectacular parades rounded off magnificently by the Burial of the Sardine; Holy Week, with its solemn celebration of religious feeling, art and tradition, declared a Regional Tourist Attraction; and Corpus Christi, celebrated with the procession of the Confraternity of the Apostles, whose origins date back to the 15th century.
Storytelling Marathon
The Storytelling Marathon, designed for people of all ages, is one of the city´s best loved events, well-known both at home and abroad. During the weekend of the event, in June, storytellers from round the world, local storytellers and spur-of-the-moment participants, fill the Palace of El Infantado, official headquarters of the Marathon, to the delight of the audience.
A serious of fringe activities are organized during the event, including guided tours, street music, flea markets, concerts and stage performances at monuments around the city.
More information Storytelling Marathon of Guadalajara
Fairs and Festivals
On 8 September, Guadalajara celebrates one of the most important days in its festive calendar. The solemn procession of the Virgin of La Antigua, patron saint of the capital. This religious ceremony marks the start of the lively programme of events with which the town celebrates its traditional fairs and festivals.
Special mention must be made of the bull runs held along the route from the Food Market to the Bullring, which have been designated a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. An exciting bull run through the historic quarter that attracts numerous runners and other enthusiasts every year.
"As if by magic" Magic Festival
In the first half of February, Guadalajara turns into a capital of magic. This festival, celebrated in the "Buero Vallejo" Theatre-Auditorium, introduces the latest shows and skills of world-famed magicians of all nationalities.
Theme fairs
Throughout the months of May and June, Concordia Park hosts a variety of theme fairs that are hugely popular with the public: the community organisations’ fair, the environment fair, the sports fair and the intercultural fair are just some of the events taking place in this iconic city park.
Towards the middle of May, the centre of the city, is the setting for the Guadalajara Book Fair. Booksellers, publishers and Cultural Foundations offer a wide range of publications covering all the genres. It´s a not-to-be-missed occasion for authors, poets and other artists.
Folk Solstice
In June, coinciding with the arrival of the Summer, the Folk Solstice Festival is held in the San Roque Park. The festival attracts internationally acclaimed groups and singers to welcome summer time.
Cultural Summers
With the arrival of the good weather, culture takes to the streets, parks and emblematic spaces in Guadalajara. The cultural programme "Nights are for the summertime" includes all-style music and dance performances, comedy monologues, theatre shows, and puppets for the younger ones.
In July, the surrounds of the Church of El Carmen become the stage for Midnight Verses, a yearly poetry reading event supported by the poets of the region.
Early Music Series
Este es un proyecto cultural ya consolidado que busca acercar al público el valor histórico y artístico de la música interpretada con criterios históricos, en escenarios patrimoniales singulares de la ciudad, edificios monumentales, iglesias, capillas y otros lugares, que invitan al recogimiento y a una jornada de música de una época pasada.
Jazz Cycle
This is a well-established cultural project that aims to bring the public closer to the historical and artistic value of music performed in accordance with historical standards, in the city’s unique heritage venues, including monumental buildings, churches, chapels and other locations that invite contemplation and offer an afternoon of music from a bygone era.
