Anguiano: Dance Festivals, Churches and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Anguiano
Anguiano combines the Danza de los Zancos with historic buildings, signposted hiking trails and distinctive natural features. The local Alubia also shapes the event calendar. If you are looking for a hotel in Anguiano, the main focus of your trip can help you plan: festivals take place over several months, while the hiking trails vary in type and length.
Stilt Dancing and Festivals Throughout the Year
Los Danzadores de Anguiano are recognized as an intangible cultural asset of cultural interest. The tradition is considered the oldest expression of folk culture in La Rioja; the Danza de los Zancos is considered unique in Spain. Three recurring festivals are associated with the dance: the Fiesta de la Bajada de la Santa in May, La Magdalena in July, and the AcciĂłn de Gracias festival in September.
La Magdalena is celebrated every year on July 22. The festival includes the Danza de los Zancos, the Troqueaos stick dance, and a procession with Santa MarĂa Magdalena. The festival dates can help you plan your trip, but exact schedules may change. So check the latest event information before your trip.
Churches, Monastery and Bridge
Anguiano’s buildings reflect different chapters in the town’s history. The Puente Madre de Dios dates from the 18th century, spans the Najerilla River, and connects the Mediavilla and Cuevas districts. Mediavilla is home to the Iglesia Parroquial de San Andrés, which was declared a National Artistic Monument in 1982. The Iglesia de San Pedro de Cuevas was begun in the 15th century and completed in the 16th. The church preserves frescoes depicting the Annunciation and Calvary.
The Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de Valvanera lies outside the town center but within the municipality of Anguiano. It has been recognized as an asset of cultural interest since 2003; the monastery church was built in the 15th century. The Ermita de Santa MarĂa Magdalena is 1.5 kilometers from the town center. It is an 18th-century Baroque masonry building.
Hiking Trails and Route Types
Rutas entre Hayedos includes 95 kilometers of signposted hiking trails in Anguiano, spread across seven routes. Five are circular; the Valvanera route is the only entirely linear route and leads to the Sanctuary of Valvanera. Interpretive signs with QR codes and a route app provide additional information about the area. Signage and digital resources may be updated.
The Valvanera–Anguiano connecting trail is 15 kilometers long, linear, and of moderate difficulty; it leads to Anguiano and is not suitable for bicycles. Its length and linear layout help you estimate the time and physical effort required. As trail conditions and signage may change, it is advisable to check the current situation before setting out.
Forests, Notable Trees and Wild Vines
The natural features along the connecting trail include forests of pedunculate and Pyrenean oaks, beech forests, mixed deciduous forests, mountain streams, and forest wildlife. Anguiano also has three trees listed in La Rioja’s inventory of notable trees: El Tejo, El Haya Torcida, and El Castaño de la Nisia. El Tejo is believed to be a yew more than 1,000 years old, growing in a rocky location that is difficult to access. Check the latest access conditions before visiting.
The municipality is home to the first and largest population by number of wild-growing vines in La Rioja. The wild vines are easy to visit on foot or by car. The visit takes about 1.5 hours from Anguiano. Here, too, it may be helpful to check the current conditions in advance.
Alubia de Anguiano and the November Festival
Alubia de Anguiano is a locally produced bean product made using traditional, artisanal methods. The Festival de la Alubia takes place on the third Sunday in November. The program includes a market selling local products, traditional music, and a demonstration of how the beans are harvested, sieved, and selected. At a public tasting, beans with chorizo and bacon are served, prepared by hand in the square. This places the festival later in the calendar than the three dance festivals in spring and summer.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Villoslada de Cameros, Badarán, Tricio, Zaldierna, San Vicente De La Sonsierra, Briones, Ventosa, Sorzano
For the main travel overview: La Rioja.
