Each September, Oviedo embraces a shift in rhythm as the Fiestas de San Mateo burst into life, a nine-day celebration that invites visitors to experience Asturias’s rich culture, music, and spirited community gatherings. The historic heart of Oviedo transforms into a lively stage where traditions both old and new push forward in a vibrant dance. Streets hum with the buzz of bustling markets, the scent of grilled local cider-fueled tapas, and the steady pulse of folk music weaving through plazas.

The festival’s core is its practical appeal: a chance to immerse in a local fiesta that offers more than spectacle—it’s an adventure on foot through the city and its surroundings. Daytime activities include artisan fairs, theatre performances, and street food stalls presenting cider so traditional it practically dares you to raise your glass.

For those who wish to stretch their legs, a walk up to Monte Naranco offers a rewarding vantage point. The ascent from Oviedo’s center is roughly 7 kilometers round trip, with a steady elevation gain of just under 250 meters. The trail is a mix of paved roads and forested paths where chestnut trees stand as quiet companions. Along the way, small chapels and sculpture parks punctuate the climb, inviting moments of pause to observe the landscape.

Walking here is straightforward but demands preparedness: good hiking shoes will steady your footing on uneven terrain, and bringing water is essential, especially if you plan the climb during the warmer afternoons when the sun presides over the city’s limestone roofs. Early morning or late afternoon visits make the experience cooler and cast a soft golden light ideal for photography.

Evenings during San Mateo transform Oviedo into a meeting ground of live music venues, cider bars, and street dancing where locals and visitors alike come to challenge the night. The urban environment buzzes but does not overwhelm—it’s an experience that balances revelry with the practicalities of navigating crowded streets, so plan your accommodations close to the center to stay connected without the hassle.

The Fiestas de San Mateo extend an invitation to engage with Asturias’s culture through active, sensory-rich participation. It’s a festival that’s fiercely itself, honoring heritage while evolving with the city’s pulse. If your itinerary allows, try timing your visit to coincide with the traditional parade or the folklore dance competitions—moments packed with energy and colorful pageantry.

Whether you approach the festival as a cultural explorer or an outdoor enthusiast, the Fiestas de San Mateo are a grounded adventure with a lively edge, offering insight into Oviedo’s identity and the broader Asturian spirit.