Christ of the Chains Pilgrimage in Oviedo

The Christ of the Chains Pilgrimage (Romería del Cristo de las Cadenas) is one of Oviedo’s most traditional popular and religious celebrations. It takes place on the Sunday following San Mateo and brings the city’s September festivities to a close.

In 2026 it will take place on Sunday 27 September, with religious services at the Cristo de las Cadenas church and a day of pilgrimage festivities, folklore, games and activities in the nearby Parque del Truébano.

Christ of the Chains Pilgrimage programme 2026

• 12:00 h
  Mass at the Cristo de las Cadenas church.
• 12:00–14:00 h
  Traditional games in Parque del Truébano.
• 12:30 h
  Pequeños ilusionistas, with magician Pelayo.
• 16:30 h
  Un Viaje por Jabón, a family show.
• 17:00–20:00 h
  Traditional games.
• 19:00 h
  Los Testigos — free concert closing San Mateo 2026.

The day will also feature the Real Banda de Gaitas Ciudad de Oviedo, the Bandina Tradicional Xácara and the Grupu de Baile Tradicional de Fitoria.

The programme may be subject to change. Check the latest times before attending.

History of the Christ of the Chains Pilgrimage

Devotion to the Christ of the Chains has deep roots in Oviedo. By the 19th century, the pilgrimage already attracted large numbers of worshippers and was one of the city’s best-known popular celebrations.

The former chapel went through major changes during its history. It was rebuilt in the late 19th century and destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The sanctuary was subsequently rebuilt and reopened for worship in 1947, with a new image of Christ.

The celebration was formerly associated with other dates in September, but over time it became established on the Sunday following San Mateo Day, 21 September. The pilgrimage thus also became the traditional closing event of the San Mateo festivities.

A religious and popular pilgrimage

The festival retains its dual religious and popular character. Mass and devotion to Christ are combined with bagpipe music, traditional dancing, games and the atmosphere of old Asturian romerías.

Although it is commonly called the “Romería del Cristo”, today’s celebration does not involve a procession of the image of Christ through the streets. The religious focus remains at the sanctuary, while many of the festive activities take place nearby and in Parque del Truébano.

For many people in Oviedo, this day is the final farewell to San Mateo: a quieter, family-oriented celebration that preserves the atmosphere of traditional Asturian fiestas de prao (open-air country festivities).

Where it takes place

The religious services take place at the Parish of Santísimo Cristo de las Cadenas, on Avenida del Cristo de las Cadenas. The church stands in an elevated area in south-west Oviedo, close to the El Cristo university area.

The 2026 festive activities are concentrated mainly in Parque del Truébano and around the church.

Map of the Christ of the Chains Pilgrimage

The map shows the two main locations of the celebration: Parque del Truébano, where the festive activities and concert take place, and the Cristo de las Cadenas Sanctuary, where the religious services are held.

You can zoom and move around the map and click the markers to identify each location.

Plan your visit

Practical tips

• The pilgrimage takes place on the Sunday following San Mateo; in 2026 this falls on 27 September.
• If you wish to attend the 12:00 Mass, arriving early is recommended.
• Parque del Truébano is the main meeting point for the family activities and the concert.
• Most of the announced festive programme is free to attend.