La Mata fiestas 2026: dates, programme and best days for visitors
La Mata celebrates its patron saint fiestas for almost four weeks in 2026. Not every event matters equally to visitors, so this guide highlights the confirmed dates that are easiest to enjoy during a stay.
When are the La Mata fiestas in 2026?
The Fiestas Patronales de La Mata in honour of the Virgen del Rosario run from Saturday 12 September to Wednesday 7 October 2026. The official programme combines religious traditions with music, food, children's activities and large public evenings.
Events take place at several locations around La Mata. Some are traditional religious celebrations, while others work well as a spontaneous local evening for visitors.
Key dates at a glance
If you do not want to follow the whole programme, these are the easiest dates for visitors to plan around:
- 12 September, from 12:00: opening Surriagaso with brass band, DJ, water party and entertainment.
- 13 September, from 09:30: romería from the parish church to Parque Eduardo Gil Rebollo; outdoor mass at 11:00.
- 19 September, 11:30: children's San Fermín run and foam party; summer cinema at 20:45 on Plaza de Encarnación Puchol.
- 20 September, 07:30: Rosario de la Aurora; from 12:00 the Parabares route through La Mata bars.
- 27 September, from 10:00: large paella contest with music, inflatables, foam party and DJs.
- 2 October, from 18:30: brass band; at 22:00 popular verbena with Diego Martín and “La Playlist de tu vida”.
- 3 October, 18:00: Desfile Multicolor; at 22:00 large verbena with Orquesta Atenas.
- 4 October, 19:30: Misa Mayor, followed by the Virgen del Rosario procession and fireworks.
Which days are most worthwhile?
For families, 19 September with children's activities and cinema and 27 September with the paella contest are the easiest choices. For a bigger party atmosphere, 2 and 3 October have the strongest entertainment programme with live music, the multicolour parade and verbenas.
For the traditional side of the fiestas, choose the romería on 13 September or especially the Misa Mayor, procession and fireworks on 4 October.
Practical notes
Several events take place around Plaza de Encarnación Puchol and central La Mata, while others begin at the parish church or move through local streets. Allow extra time on the main festival evenings and follow current signs and temporary street closures.
The programme comes from the official Torrevieja City Council announcement dated 4 September 2026. If you are travelling for one specific performance or time, check the municipal notice again the same day in case of last-minute changes.
Keep planning your Torrevieja trip
These pages take you directly from this update to the most useful practical planning tools and guides.
Sources & transparency
For current information, we prefer official primary sources and clearly separate plans from changes that are already in place.