Hotels in Zaragoza affiliated with Horeca forecast average occupancy of 74.11% during the 2026 Fiestas del Pilar, from October 10 to 17. The estimate improves on forecasts for the past two years, with the strongest demand expected during the first and final weekends of the celebrations.
Hotel occupancy for Pilar 2026 rises more than five points from 2025
The forecast for Pilar 2026 is 5.26 percentage points above the estimate for 2025 and 7.15 points higher than that for 2024. The projected average stay is 2.14 days, unchanged from last year.
The opening days of the festivities will place the greatest pressure on accommodations. Hotels project occupancy of 89.39% on Saturday, October 10, and 89.97% on Sunday, October 11, the highest figure for the entire period analyzed.
After bookings moderate midweek, demand is expected to increase again toward the end of the period. The forecast reaches 73.26% on Friday, October 16, before rising to 84.05% on Saturday, October 17. The Fiestas del Pilar will run from October 10 to 18.
Events program and favorable weather forecast boost bookings in Zaragoza
The sector attributes booking trends to a broad festival program featuring music, theater, dance, folklore, children’s activities, and popular culture across more venues and aimed at diverse audiences. The Aragonese capital’s most iconic celebrations also support its tourism appeal during these dates.
Zaragoza’s cultural and culinary offerings round out the experience beyond the main Pilar events. The combination of heritage, Aragonese cuisine, and festival activities strengthens interest in extending stays in the city.
Weather conditions may also influence last-minute travel decisions. According to available information from AEMET, Saturday the 10th is expected to be free of significant weather events, with mild temperatures—conditions favorable for outdoor activities.
Domestic tourism will gain share during the Fiestas del Pilar
Domestic visitors will account for 84.27% of the projected total, 1.22 points more than in 2025. Madrid, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Basque Country, Navarre, Andalusia, Castile and León, and Aragon rank among the main source markets.
International tourism will account for 15.73%, compared with 16.95% in 2025 and 18.64% in 2024. France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and the United Kingdom will be the leading source countries for foreign visitors. This trend reflects stronger growth in the domestic market during the festivities.
The president of Horeca Hoteles Zaragoza y provincia, Antonio Presencio, views the forecast as evidence of Pilar’s importance as a tourism draw and highlights the strength of the opening days and the final weekend. The challenge, he says, is to encourage those who travel to Zaragoza for the festivities to return, drawn by its gastronomy, retail sector, heritage, and cultural offerings.
