Comedy, silent films accompanied by live music, and shoots in historic settings turn several towns in the province of Zaragoza into destinations for enjoying cinema and heritage during the summer.
Summer in the province of Zaragoza can also be enjoyed in front of a movie screen. Far from major commercial theaters, towns such as Tarazona, Uncastillo, and Belchite have found in the seventh art a way to enrich their cultural offerings and attract visitors. Their proposals differ, but they share one feature: they allow visitors to discover films and filmmakers while exploring towns with historic heritage that alone is worth a getaway.
The 2026 calendar once again demonstrated the diversity of these initiatives, ranging from contemporary comedy films to the revival of century-old movies with musical accompaniment. For those planning next summer’s trips, these three destinations offer compelling reasons to combine culture, gastronomy, and rural tourism, although dates for the 2027 editions have yet to be confirmed.
Tarazona: humor takes center stage
At the foot of Moncayo, Tarazona boasts one of Aragón’s most distinctive historic ensembles. Its cathedral, the houses hanging over the Queiles River, the old bullring, and the streets of the former Jewish quarter create a setting well worth exploring at a leisurely pace.
Each August, these attractions are joined by the Tarazona and Moncayo Comedy Film Festival. In 2026, it held its 23rd edition from August 15 to 22, with a program featuring short films, feature films, meetings with industry professionals, and side events.
New additions included the first official section dedicated to Ibero-American comedy feature films, expanding the festival’s international reach. The festival also organized children’s activities, workshops, and meetings with actors and filmmakers, as well as tributes to industry professionals.
Visitors can devote one day to the historic center and another to the surrounding area. The Veruela Monastery and the landscapes of Moncayo round out a getaway combining architecture, nature, and film. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance once the program is announced, especially for those hoping to attend several screenings.
Uncastillo: silent cinema rediscovers its music
In the Cinco Villas region, Uncastillo offers a very different cinematic experience. Its cobblestone streets, Romanesque churches, and medieval buildings provide the setting for an event celebrating the early years of film history.
The Uncastillo Silent Film Festival held its 24th edition from June 26 to 28, 2026, under the theme «Space Odysseys.» The program revisited films by Georges Méliès, Segundo de Chomón, Fritz Lang, and other filmmakers, with a particularly appealing feature: many screenings were accompanied by live musicians.
The event included exhibitions, family screenings, and activities linking cinema and astronomy. In addition, its traveling program, known as Jornadas Vagabundas, brought film programming to other towns, including Orés and Ejea de los Caballeros.
For visitors, Uncastillo offers the chance to combine screenings with a walk through its Market Square, the Church of Santa María, and the town’s collection of Romanesque churches. Those with more time can visit Sos del Rey Católico or Sádaba and turn the trip into a route through the Cinco Villas region.
Belchite: when heritage becomes a film set
Belchite has a distinctive relationship with the audiovisual world. The ruins of its Old Town, preserved as testimony to the destruction suffered during the Spanish Civil War, have drawn interest from film productions and cinema-related cultural initiatives.
Belchite de Película offers a different perspective from that of traditional festivals. Its appeal lies in connecting audiovisual creation with a place shaped by history and the memory of its residents. The experience calls for a respectful understanding of the monument complex’s significance, beyond its appeal as a filming location.
A trip to Belchite also offers the opportunity to visit Fuendetodos, the birthplace of Francisco de Goya, and to gain a better understanding of the landscapes and villages of the Campo de Belchite region. Visits to the Old Town must be arranged through authorized tours, with schedules and access conditions checked in advance.
Three ways to travel through film
Tarazona, Uncastillo, and Belchite show how film culture can become a reason to travel through the province of Zaragoza. Each town offers a different experience and provides an opportunity to discover landscapes, monuments, and traditions that enrich the visit.
The best way to plan a getaway is to consult the official programs as summer approaches. This makes it possible to combine selected screenings with heritage visits and enough time to enjoy each destination.
