Semana Negra: Gijón's crime-fiction festival

Semana Negra (“Black Week”, after novela negra, the Spanish term for crime fiction) is a glorious oddity: a literary festival that, rather than hiding away in lecture halls, pitches its marquees in the middle of a funfair with a big wheel, food stalls, bookstalls and live music. Every July, for around ten days, writers from all over the world share the space with families, the curious and keen readers. Whether you love books or simply enjoy a summer fair, it is one of Gijón’s essential events.

What it is

A free-entry cultural festival that blends two worlds:

• Literary: book launches, panel discussions, author talks and prize-givings in marquees open to everyone. Crime fiction is the backbone, but science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and comics also feature.
• Festive: a large fair with rides, food and drink stalls, book and craft stands, and concerts in the evening.

That mix is what makes it unique: you can listen to an internationally renowned author and, ten minutes later, be on the big wheel with a sandwich in hand.

A little history

The first edition was held in 1988, driven by a group of writers and cultural figures and closely associated for decades with the Mexican-Spanish novelist Paco Ignacio Taibo II, who directed it for many years. What started as a gathering of crime writers grew to embrace other genres and a very broad programme. The Hammett Prize, awarded by the International Association of Crime Writers, is presented during the festival.

Semana Negra has been something of a nomad, setting up at El Musel port, the El Molinón stadium car park, near Isabel la Católica park and on Poniente and El Arbeyal beaches. From 2012 it was based at the former El Natahoyo shipyards, and in 2026 it moved to the El Arbeyal area. Today it is run by the Asociación Cultural Semana Negra and has received honours such as Spain’s Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts.

When it takes place

Always in July, usually over about ten days spanning two weekends. The 2026 festival was the 39th and ran from 3 to 12 July at the L’Arbeyal beach grounds. The official website already promotes the 40th edition, but without dates: the 2027 dates have not been published. Check the official website or our What’s On listings.

What to expect

• A seaside fair atmosphere, busiest in the evenings and at weekends.
• A free daily literary programme, usually from the afternoon onwards. Check the day’s schedule so you don’t miss favourite authors.
• Bookstalls with new releases and bargains – a good chance to get signed copies.
• Concerts and entertainment at night.
• Family-friendly afternoons, with a younger crowd as the night goes on.

Tips for visiting

• Accommodation: July is high season in Gijón. If you are coming specifically for the festival, book as early as possible – see where to stay in Gijón.
• Getting there: walk or take a city bus. The grounds tend to have limited parking, which fills up at weekends; see getting around Gijón.
• Best time to go: early weekday afternoons for talks in peace; Friday and Saturday nights for atmosphere.
• Combine it: if you visit in late June or early July, you may catch Metrópoli too. Here is the rest of the festival calendar.

Tip: bring a tote bag for books and a warm layer. Even in July, nights by the sea can be chilly.