TOP Festivals in Valencia
Festivals in Valencia and all over Spain are full of fireworks, fun and the magic and the passion Spain is so famous for.
As in most Mediterranean countries festivals are an integral part of the culture and always have a religious, pagan or agricultural significance to them.
It’s also worth knowing when the National holidays in Spain are as many shops closed.
FESTIVALS IN VALENCIA
January
Everyone lets their hair down and eats the obligatory 12 grapes at the count of 12 midnight ~ Read More – New Year in Valencia >>
The Christmas festivities are brought to a close with Kings Day – (Epiphany).
Spanish children receive their Christmas presents from the Three Kings and the streets are full of processions and fun.
22 January
San Vicente Martir
The celebration of San Vicente Martir (one of the Patron Saints of Valencia) is on 22 January.
March 15 – 19
Las Fallas
Las Fallas is held every year and the main dates of the event are between 15 – 19 March.
It is an amazing pyrotechnic orgy of fireworks, burning satirical figures and having fun.
This is one of the top festivals in Valencia and not to be missed.
March / April
Easter in Valencia (Semana Santa)
Semana Santa is held in the Poblados Marítimos (Maritime Villages) of La Malvarrosa and Cabanyal. Solemn ‘romerias’ (processions) take place during Holy Week.
May
Festival of ‘The Crosses of May’
On 3 May is the festival of ‘The Crosses of May’ when all the streets are decorated with crosses made of flowers.
Fiesta de la Mare de Deu de Valencia
On the second Sunday in May is the festival of Virgin de los Desamparados (Virgin of the Helpless), Patron Saint of the City.
Once a year the virgin is carried in a procession of flower petals from the Basilica in Plaza de la Virgin to the Cathedral and at the end of the festival the entire square is a blanket of flowers.
Festival of Corpus Christi
The festival of Corpus Christi (Body of Christ) is celebrated throughout Spain. The date is not fixed and falls on the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday (60 days after Easter).
23 June
Festival of Sant Joan
The festival of Sant Joan (San Juan in Castillian), is a pagan festival which is celebrated all over Spain. The festival coincides with the summer solstice and to celebrate the longest night of the year huge bonfires are lit on the beach.
It’s customary to have lots of food and drinks and there’s much singing and dancing and jumping over bonfires.
International Film Festival in Valencia
The Cinema Jove takes place every year and has launched the careers of many talented young people.
Top Festivals in Valencia
July – September
July Fair
The Feria de Julio (July Fair) is a month long festival full of concerts, theatrical events, sports and firework displays on the beach when ends with the famous battle of flowers.
Festival of Films
Filmoteca de Verano, Turia Gardens – July – September.
The Festival of Films is held during the summer vacations and is a celebration of films at reasonable prices. Tickets are around €3.00 for one session and 10 sessions cost €20.
Benicassim Music Festival
The Benicassim festival is held every year in July and attracts some of the top names in rock. Four days of concerts along with the weeks extra-musical activities make for a great experience.
The journey from Valencia Nord station takes approx 45-50 mins and train tickets are from £16 return.
August
La Tomatina
On the last Wednesday in the month of August is one of the most bizarre and enjoyable of festivals in Valencia. It’s held every year in the town of Buñol.
La Tomatina is internationally famous. Every year people flock from all over the world to take part in the yearly ‘Battle of Tomatoes’.
9 October
National Day & San Donis Day
The 9 October is the National Day of the Region of Valencia. It is also San Dionís (similar to St Valentine’s) day and one of the most romantic festivals in Valencia.
1 November
Todos Los Santos – All Saints’ Day
Todos Los Santos – All Saints’ Day is celebrated throughout Spain.
Families make their way to cemeteries, light candles and remember their loved ones who have died.
DECEMBER
Christmas (Navidad)
Last but by no means least is the most exciting festival of all. This is when people over Spain really excel in celebrating the oldest and most joyous festival of all.
Christmas lights are switched on from the 1st December until 7th January and the whole city comes alive with the magic of Christmas.
|
|
|
|
