More than 500 events in ten days of programming, from October 4 to 13, and almost a thousand groups registered for the Flower Offering are just some of the data that suggest that 2024 will be a
record-breaking Fiestas del Pilar. With just over a month to go until their arrival, this morning some news has been announced that will arrive after the starting shot that will arrive with the proclamation by the Aragonese triumphs Naiara and Juanjo Bona.
If Pilar Day is one of the most anticipated days, this year it will be even more so. And even though celebrating
October 12th on a weekend is not always a pleasure for Zaragozans, the truth is that the Flower Offering will break attendance records as far as groups are concerned. For now, there are already 980 registered, 110 more than last year, when there are still three days left.
In this regard, Zaragoza City Council decided a few weeks ago to extend the individual offering by five hours, which will now be from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. “This will speed up the flow a lot, because we also don’t know how many there are. As for the groups, when the draw is made, the details will be finalized,” explained the Minister of Culture, Sara Fernández.
In addition, October 11 will feature a new event, which until now has been a daily occurrence, but will be given the value it deserves. “The Virgin of Pilar is the reason for our festivities and that is why we wanted to consolidate a new solemn act such as the placement of her figure in the square,” announced the mayor of Zaragoza,
Natalia Chueca. In this way, all Zaragozans will be invited to live together this very special moment.
ALCOHOL-FREE PARTY IN THE MULTIPURPOSE ROOM
The most fun and festive part will undoubtedly be the highlight of these festivities, especially for the youngest . And not only because of a speech by the contestants of Operación Triunfo, Naiara and Juanjo Bona, and because of the 25th anniversary of the Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos, but also because of a new proposal that will reach the Sala Multiusos.
There, on October 4th, “Viral Light” will take place , an alcohol-free night aimed at young people between 14 and 17 years old that will feature local and national DJs such as Enigma, Fernando Moreno ( remixer of Potra Salvaje ) or Selezz, among others.
FREE CONCERTS AND MUSIC AS THE STAR
Although much of the programming, which will be provided by different private entities at the Zity Space , the Zaragoza Auditorium and the Príncipe Felipe Pavilion, is still unknown, it is now known that more than 150 music groups and theatre, dance and comedy companies, 73% of which are from Aragon, will be present throughout the week.
As for the free concerts, these will be spread across the two stages in the Plaza del Pilar, the Winter Garden, the Estación del Norte and the Geodesic Dome. Edurne (5 October), La Ronda de Boltaña with Jotalent (6 October), Sidecars (9 October), Independance (10 October) and Los40 Pilar Pop (11 October) will perform at the Fuente de Goya.
At the Winter Garden there will be La Perra Blanco, The New Tones, Carlangas and Los Cubatas, Bigott, Guadalupe Plata, Carlos Ares, La Estrella Azul Live and Cuti Carabajal, Biznaga, Bala, Barbuda, Maika Makovski, Erin Memento and a night dedicated to black music, with Slap! in which Kumbia Boruka, Cosmic Wacho and Dj. Finando will participate.
The Estación del Norte will host 15 groups, including Niña Polaca, Mediapunta, Michelle David & The True Tones, Eva McBel, Elem, Kami & Rumba, Rapsusklei , Chata Flores, Playback Maracas, Johnny Garso, Maestro Espada, Jose María Jiménez Group, Modelo and Nancys Rubias . Nine bands will perform at the Geodesic Dome in different daily recitals.
Finally, the Fuente de la Hispanidad will be the site of traditional music through which jota groups and groups will pass, as well as regional folklore and groups from Guatemala, the guest country for 2024.
OTHER SPACES
The Xior Residence amphitheater, in the Pontoneros area, will open as a new stage for humor, street theater and contemporary dance, while Río y Juego, in the Expo area, will add four new zones. Likewise, the Marionetas Park, the Cachiporra Puppets and the Tragachicos that will tour the neighborhoods of Zaragoza will remain.
The Multipurpose Hall will also host the performance of two orchestras, La Fania and La Principal, while a few metres away, in the Zaragoza Auditorium itself, the different Jota Competitions and other concerts will take place. The circus proposals, if any, will return to Parque Delicias and the fairground will remain in Valdespartera.
In addition, we will once again have the already renowned Pilar Joven, ZGamer or El Pilar Con Nuestros Mayores in the Multipurpose Room, the light, water and sound show in different fountains of the Aragonese capital, or the Crafts exhibition in the Plaza de los Sitios.