10 Festivals In Valencia (You Should Mark In Your Calendar)
Valencia is a city of endless festivals. From the fiery fun of Las Fallas to the tomato-throwing madness of La Tomatina, there’s always something exciting happening.
With festivals all year round, Valencia is the perfect place to celebrate life, culture, and tradition.
Ready for a fiesta? Valencia is waiting!
Here are 10 Festivals in Valencia you should know!
1. Parade of the Three Kings: Epiphany in Valencia
When: 5 to 6 January 2024
The Parade of the Three Kings in Valencia is a magical event that marks the beginning of the year with a burst of joy and celebration. This festival, deeply rooted in Spanish tradition, is particularly special for children.
What to Expect:
On the eve of January 5th, Valencia transforms into a festive wonderland for the Parade of the Three Kings. The Wise Men, all dressed up, arrive in the city by boat and then ride their floats, greeted by music and excited crowds.
The streets glow with festive lights, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Children eagerly await the moment the Kings toss candies into the crowd, a highlight of the parade. The parade wraps up with a warm message from the Kings, spreading cheer for the new year.
There is also a reception where kids can give their letters to talk to the kings.
Before the children sleep, they leave their shoes by the door with food for the Kings who will come visit.
The Next Day:
January 6th, El DĂa de Reyes, continues the celebration. Children find gifts left by the Kings, often near their shoes.
Families enjoy the RoscĂłn de Reyes, a round pastry symbolising a crown, filled with sweet delights.
2. Las Fallas Valencia: The Fire Festival of Valencia
When: 1 to 19 March 2024
Las Fallas is Valencia’s most iconic festival, a fiery spectacle of tradition and artistry that engulfs the city in celebration. Recognized by UNESCO, this festival is a vibrant expression of local culture and creativity.
What to Expect:
Parties and Parades: The city buzzes with non-stop parties. Colourful parades fill the streets, showcasing elaborate costumes and lively music, creating an atmosphere of endless festivity.
Fireworks and Firecrackers: Each day, especially at 2 p.m. during the MascletĂ , the city resonates with the thunderous sounds of firecrackers. At night, spectacular fireworks light up the Valencia sky, dazzling onlookers, especially from the 15th to the 19th day of March.
Giant Puppets (Ninots): Immense, intricately designed puppets, or ninots, populate the city. These artistic creations are often satirical, depicting scenes from current events and everyday life.
Food: The festival is also a feast for the senses, with local Valencia foods like paella, buñuelos, and horchata being served throughout the city.
Related: Popular Paella Restaurants in Valencia
The CremĂ : The festival reaches its fiery climax on March 19th with La CremĂ , where the ninots are set ablaze in a dramatic and symbolic act of renewal and transformation.
3. Maritime Holy Week: Easter in Valencia
When: 24 to 31 March 2024
Maritime Holy Week in Valencia offers a unique and solemn experience, blending religious reverence with local traditions. This celebration is particularly special in the coastal neighbourhoods of the cities of Grau, Cabanyal and Canyamelar.Â
What to Expect:
Religious Services and Processions: The week features numerous religious services and processions, each carrying deep spiritual significance. These processions are known for their solemnity and beauty, with participants dressed in traditional robes and carrying religious icons.
Seaside Processions: What makes Valencia’s Holy Week unique are the processions by the seaside. These create a striking contrast between the importance of the event and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.
The Holy Burial: The most significant procession is the Holy Burial on Good Friday. It’s a moving spectacle, with elaborate floats and dramatic enactments of the Passion of Christ.
Easter Sunday: The celebrations culminate on Easter Sunday. A joyful procession moves along the Calle del Mediterráneo, with flower petals showering down from balconies, symbolising resurrection and renewal.
4. Gay Pride Valencia
When: June 2024 (Official dates TBA)
Valencia’s Gay Pride is a vibrant and colourful celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, promoting diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance. This event is a highlight in Valencia’s social calendar, bringing together people from all walks of life in a joyous display of unity.
What to Expect:
Month-Long Celebrations: Throughout June, Valencia hosts a series of events dedicated to LGBTQ+. The city comes alive with festivals, performances, exhibitions, and concerts, creating an atmosphere of celebration and advocacy.
Pride Parade: The pinnacle of the celebrations is the Pride Parade, usually held on the last Saturday of the month. It’s a spectacular procession filled with rainbow flags, creative floats, and exuberant participants moving through the city’s streets.
Cultural Events: Various venues across the city host talks, workshops, and exhibitions related to LGBTQ+ culture.
Parties and Performances: Post-parade, the festivities continue into the night with DJ sets, live music, and dancing. Valencia’s bars and clubs, especially those in the LGBTQ+ friendly areas, host special events and parties, drawing both local and international crowds.
5. Night of Saint Juan: The Night of Magic and Rituals
When: Night of 23 to 24 June 2024
The Night of Saint Juan, or La Noche de San Juan, is an enchanting festival in Valencia, celebrated with rituals, magic, and a warm welcome to summer. It’s a night that blends tradition, folklore, and fun in a unique Valencian way.
What to Expect:
Beach Celebrations: As the sun sets, locals and visitors flock to Valencia’s beaches to partake in the festivities. The beaches transform into lively party spots, with music, dancing, and bonfires.
Bonfires and Rituals: The bonfires are a central part of the celebration. According to tradition, jumping over the bonfires three times can ward off bad energy. Another popular ritual is jumping over seven waves at midnight, believed to grant a wish.
Fireworks and Merrymaking: The sky is lit with spectacular fireworks, adding to the magical atmosphere. People gather around the fires, sharing food and drinks and enjoying the festive spirit.
Open-air markets: Along the beaches and in the city, open-air markets pop up, selling a variety of local crafts, food, and drinks.
6. The Great Valencia Fair: A Whole Month of Fun
When: 1 to 28 July 2024
The Great Valencia Fair, or Gran Feria de Valencia, is a month-long fiesta that brings a vibrant mix of activities, entertainment, and cultural events to the heart of the city. It’s a celebration that truly captures the spirit of Valencia in the summer.
What to Expect:
Concerts and Performances: The Viveros Gardens has become the epicentre of music, hosting live concerts ranging from local acts to international stars. The genres span across various musical styles, offering something for everyone.
Dance and Theatre Shows: Aside from music, there are dance performances, and theatre shows showcasing both traditional Spanish arts and contemporary pieces.
Outdoor Cinema: On warm summer evenings, outdoor cinema screenings are a popular feature of the fair, with a selection of films for all ages.
Activities for Kids: The fair is family-friendly, with numerous activities and zones dedicated to children, ensuring fun for the entire family.
Bullfights: For those interested in traditional Spanish culture, the fair includes bullfighting events, a controversial yet integral part of Valencia’s heritage.
Battle of the Flowers: The most visually stunning event is the Battle of the Flowers, held on the last Sunday of July. Enormous floats adorned with flowers parade through the streets. After the jury awards the best float, a playful battle ensues, with participants and spectators playfully throwing flowerheads at each other.
7. La Tomatina in Buñol
When: 28 August 2024
La Tomatina, one of the best festivals in Spain, is an exhilarating and unique festival held in Buñol, a small town just a short drive from Valencia. Known globally for its spirited tomato-throwing event, this festival is a highlight of the summer in the Valencia region.
What to Expect:
Tomato Fight: The main attraction is the massive tomato fight, where thousands of participants engage in a good-natured battle using over-ripe tomatoes. The streets of Buñol turn into rivers of red pulp, creating a scene unlike any other.
Festive Atmosphere: Before the tomato fight begins, there’s a sense of excitement and festivity in the air. Participants often wear protective gear and old clothes, gearing up for the messy fun ahead.
Safety Measures: Given the popularity and unique nature of the event, safety measures are in place. It’s important for participants to follow guidelines, such as squashing tomatoes before throwing them to avoid injuries.
Limited Participation: Due to the event’s popularity and the town’s capacity, the number of participants is limited. It’s essential to plan ahead and secure tickets well in advance. Buy at the official La Tomatina website.
Aftermath and Clean-up: After the fight, the streets are hosed down, and participants can clean up at designated areas. The town returns to its normal state surprisingly quickly, thanks to efficient clean-up efforts.
8. International Festival of Pyrotechnics in Valencia
When: 6 to 8 October 2024
The International Festival of Pyrotechnics in Valencia is a mesmerizing event that lights up the city’s skies with spectacular fireworks. This festival celebrates the art of pyrotechnics, bringing together some of the best fireworks companies from Europe and beyond.
What to Expect:
Firework Displays: Over several nights, the banks of the Turia River become the stage for breathtaking firework shows. Each display is a masterpiece of colour, light, and sound, carefully choreographed to create a visual spectacle.
Competitions and Shows: The festival includes competitions where pyrotechnic companies showcase their skills and creativity. These shows are not just about the fireworks; they’re about storytelling through pyrotechnics.
Family-Friendly Environment: The event is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Families gather along the river and in nearby parks to watch the skies light up.
Festival Atmosphere: The area around the fireworks buzzes with a festive atmosphere. Street vendors, food stalls, and entertainers add to the lively environment, making it a perfect evening outing.
Celebration of National Day: The festival coincides with the National Day of the region of Valencia (October 9th), adding to the significance and festivity of the event.
9. Region of Valencia Day
When: 9 October 2024
Region of Valencia Day, also known as DĂa de la Comunitat Valenciana, is a significant annual celebration marking the history and identity of the Valencia region. This day commemorates the arrival of King James I of Aragon in Valencia in 1238, signifying the liberation of the city from Moorish rule.
What to Expect:
Historical Reenactments: The day is often marked by historical reenactments, celebrating the region’s rich history. These events bring to life the significant moments from Valencia’s past, providing a glimpse into its storied heritage.
Parades and Cultural Events: Parades featuring traditional Valencian costumes, music, and dance fill the streets. These events showcase the region’s cultural richness and offer a feast for the senses.
Civic Ceremonies: Official ceremonies and speeches are held, often attended by local dignitaries. These events highlight the importance of the day in Valencia’s social and political calendar.
Festive Atmosphere: The city is draped in the Valencian flag, and the air is filled with a sense of pride and celebration. It’s a day when locals come together to honour their history and culture.
Fireworks: In true Valencian style, the day often concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and providing a fitting end to the celebrations.
10. Christmas Markets and New Year’s Celebrations in Valencia
When: December-January
The festive season in Valencia is a magical time, marked by charming Christmas markets and lively New Year’s celebrations. It’s a period when the city sparkles with lights and festive cheer, inviting locals and visitors alike to partake in the joyous atmosphere, making it one of the best time to visit Valencia.
What to Expect:
Christmas Markets: Throughout December, Valencia’s streets and squares transform into picturesque Christmas markets. These markets are perfect for finding unique gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats. The stalls, twinkling with lights, offer everything from traditional Christmas decorations to local artisanal products.
Festive Decorations: The city is adorned with beautiful festive lights and decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Key areas and streets are lit up, making evening walks through the city a delightful experience.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations: As the year draws to a close, Valencia gears up for New Year’s Eve. Plaça de l’Ajuntament, the city’s main square, is usually the focal point for celebrations, hosting a large public gathering complete with music, entertainment, and the traditional countdown to midnight.
Grapes Tradition: In line with Spanish tradition, at the stroke of midnight, people eat twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock, symbolizing good luck for each month of the coming year.
Fireworks: The New Year is welcomed with a spectacular fireworks display, a tradition that adds colour and excitement to the celebrations.
👉 More Guides To Valencia
