From November 7 to 9, 2025, Logroño will once again become the center of attention thanks to a major historical event. For several days, the city will transform into a stage for the reenactment of one of the most dramatic episodes in Spanish history—the trial of the witches of Zugarramurdi. The streets will fill with the sounds of drums, the smell of smoke, and a sense of anxious anticipation, as if time has turned back.
During these days, the central Paseo del Espolón will host a Baroque market, where artisans will offer handmade crafts and chefs will serve dishes inspired by traditional recipes from the past. Visitors will not only find unique souvenirs, but also witness theatrical parades, street performances, and themed lectures dedicated to the era of superstition and fear.
Immersion into the era of the Inquisition
The festivities will open on Friday with a parade symbolizing the arrival of witches and sorcerers at the market. That same day, there will be a lecture revealing little-known facts about the events of 1610, and in the evening, visitors can enjoy a fire show and dance performances recreating the atmosphere of mystical rituals. A theatrical production will explore why ordinary people became victims of witchcraft accusations.
On Saturday, all eyes will be on the historical reenactments: costumed processions will parade through the streets, puppet theaters and fairy-tale performances will be organized for children. Free guided tours of sites linked to the Inquisition will be among the highlights. The day will culminate in a march to Parque del Ebro, where a dramatic witches’ sabbath and their capture will be staged, followed by a solemn procession with a green cross to the spot where the famous auto-da-fé took place in 1610.
Memory and Reflection
Sunday will be dedicated to commemorating the victims and reflecting on the lessons of the past. Locals and visitors alike can watch a parade of mythological characters, join medieval calligraphy workshops, and hear new stories about those distant times. The centerpiece will be a ceremony in the Bosque de la Memoria, where eleven elms symbolize the fate of those executed. This emotional finale will bring to a close an event-packed weekend, as Logroño remembers its complex and controversial history.
The event is organized by the historical and cultural group “Guardia de Santiago” and the Federation of Neighborhood Associations of La Rioja, with support from the local municipality. Organizers promise that this autumn festival will leave no one indifferent. For many, it’s an opportunity to look at the past without rose-colored glasses and reflect on how fear and prejudice can change the fate of entire generations.
