Soria has transformed into a realm of legend as the 41st edition of the Festival de las Ánimas begins today, running until 2 November. This year’s festival offers eleven days filled with cultural, literary, sporting, and scenic activities centred around themes of horror, fantasy, and the imagination of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.
Under the theme of cosmic horror, the festival invites attendees on a journey into the unknown through the works of H. P. Lovecraft, exploring the fascination with the universe and Soria’s connection to the sky and astronomy. The festival’s poster, created by illustrator Tomás Hijo, features a creature inspired by Cthulhu embracing the arches of San Juan de Duero, merging the city’s heritage with universal horror imagery.
Opening day events
The inaugural day commences with a programme that encourages attendees to discover Soria from various perspectives. The Public Library will host 'Espacios sonoros de leyendas', aimed at children, while guided tours titled 'Soria Medieval' and 'Cielo de Octubre' will provide insights into the city’s historical heritage and the night sky.
On 24 October, the Monte de las Ánimas will host the VII Nocturnal Themed Race Monte Pinos, starting at 20:00. This event features a 2-kilometre popular walk and an 8-kilometre race, combining sport, nature, interpretation, and mystery in a location closely linked to Bécquer's legends.
The following day, the Ruins of San Nicolás will present 'La decisión de Randolph Carter', a sound experience in darkness created in collaboration with Fundación ONCE. This activity invites participants to listen to a narrative by H. P. Lovecraft in total darkness, encouraging exploration of different forms of perception and reflecting on accessibility to culture.
Literary readings and community participation
From 26 to 30 October, the Ruins of San Nicolás will again serve as a prominent venue for readings of short horror and fantasy stories, scheduled for 20:00. This year’s sessions will explore various themes of fear linked to the festival’s overarching narrative, including eclipses, aliens, lunatics, Lovecraft, and the end of the world. The atmosphere of the ruins will invite the audience to traverse the boundary between the ordinary and the unknown.
The festival will also include guided tours to extend the cultural experience, allowing participants to delve into the city’s history and the night sky accompanying this edition.
Highlights of the festival
One of the most anticipated events, the Desfile de las Ánimas, will take place on 31 October at 20:00. The parade will begin at the Castle and proceed through the streets of Soria, featuring drums, lanterns, torches, giant puppets, and characters from Bécquer’s imagination. This event aims to revive the atmosphere of the legendary battle between nobles and templars, with community participation being a vital aspect of the festival.
On 1 November at 20:00, the San Pelegrín esplanade will host the Noche de las Ánimas, recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Regional. The renowned voice actress María Luisa Solá will narrate Bécquer’s famous legend 'El Monte de las Ánimas', accompanied by Mara Row, Rubén Romero, and Galo Gómez. This night will blend live music, storytelling, and the traditional passing of fire, continuing the festival’s essence that attracts thousands each year.
A celebration of cultural legacy
The festival will conclude on 2 November with a closing gala at the Centro Cultural Palacio de la Audiencia, where the Premio Máscara de Ánimas 2026 will be awarded to filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia for his contributions to the genres of fantasy and horror in Spain. The gala will also recognise winners of various short story competitions and unveil the winning entry from the Express contest.
Having attracted over 15,000 attendees in 2025 and received 719 submissions from 19 countries, the Festival de las Ánimas continues to draw diverse audiences and showcase Soria’s culture beyond its borders. Since its inception, the festival has evolved while maintaining its ties to Bécquer, the Monte de las Ánimas, and the city’s identity. This year’s programme blends tradition with new narratives, offering activities for all ages, accessible experiences, sports, heritage, and contemporary creation. With cosmic horror as an invitation to look beyond the known, Soria embarks on eleven days where literature and imagination will once again transform its streets, monuments, and nights into a legendary stage.
The Festival de las Ánimas invites both locals and visitors to partake in this new edition and rediscover that in Soria, legends remain ever alive.
