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 Celebrating art |
C/Correos, nº 3 3º Puerta Valencia 6 Valencia, Valencia 46002 Spain +34 96 353 0899 http://www.bienaldevalencia.com |
This biennial festival is Valencia's tribute to the arts - it takes place between the months of September and November, and showcases the work of artists of national and international repute. Past works of art include the likes of On Kawara, Sylvie Fleury, Jesus Raphael de Soto and Duane Hanson. Dance, music, cinematography, folklore and concert events happen simultaneously. Visit the website for events, timings and venues. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pedronchi  |
 The Procession of the Three Wise Men |
Various venues Valencia, Valencia Spain |
This festival takes place in January each year. An evening parade sets out onto the streets of the city, and three individuals posing as the Biblical Three Wise Men distribute sweets to children from atop the floats. The children receive their Christmas presents the following morning. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: janosch |
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Summer international band festival |
Palau de la Música Paseo de la Alameda, 30 Valencia 46023 Spain +34 96 337 5020 |
Scheduled as part of the festivities in the Feria de Julio, specifically the first two weeks in July, this international town band competition has become increasingly popular. It dates back to 1886 and is held in either the Bullring or the Palau de La Música. Bands are more than just tradition in the autonomous community of Valencia; they are an integral part of life. Every single festival or "fiesta" will include marching bands or concerts of one sort or another, and every town, big or small, will have at least one municipal band. In some towns, such as Llíria just a few kilometers from Valencia, the prestige of their bands is internationally known. This international contest is a treat for music lovers and a challenge for the musicians of Valencia. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Josep Antoni Mollà F |
 Photo: jorgeadriaster |
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Crash! Boom! Bang! |
Valencia, Valencia Spain |
On the 8th of October each year, the skies of Valencia come alive with lights and sound, as the whole city celebrates the international fireworks festival, known as the Festival Internacional de Pirotecnia. It is a truly unforgettable experience, and speaks volumes about the spirit of the city, for it is vibrant, energetic and gay - much like Valencia itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Celebrating the Midsummer Solstice |
Various venues Valencia, Valencia Spain |
Fiesta de San Juan is celebrated all over Spain - it celebrates the arrival of the Midsummer Solstice, and takes place between the June 21 and 24 each year. In Valencia, fireworks, street parties, music, and dancing mark the occasion, much as they do in other cities of Spain. This is a festival that is celebrated in true Spanish style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Jessup |
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Festival held after Easter |
Various venues Valencia, Valencia Spain |
Every Monday after Easter Sunday, local Saint, Vicente Ferrer, is honoured. He was a key figure in medieval Valencian history, and is known for his brilliant rhetorical sermons, his prophecies and countless miracles. According to tradition, it was Saint Vicente Ferrer who accurately predicted that a pregnant member of the Borja family would give birth to a future Pope. Sure enough, this child would years later be called Pope Calixto III. On the day that he is honoured, the old quarters in particular are filled up with a series of stages where his 'miracles' are reinacted, and many of the winding streets and squares are colourfully decorated. The texts from these miracles are based on an anonymous baroque Valencian text dating from 1822, while the actors are almost always exclusively children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Celebrating the conquest of Valencia |
Various venues Valencia, Valencia Spain |
Each year on October 9 , Valencia celebrates the conquest of the region by Jaume I in 1238. It is also celebrated as a day commemorating Saint Dionis, the patron saint of lovers. On this day, young men present their ladies with 'mocadoras', which are marzipan figures wrapped up in a kerchief, and sometimes sealed with a ring. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An outdoor film festival |
Plaça de l'Ajuntament 17 Valencia, Valencia Spain +34 96 353 9300 (Organizer) http://www.ivac-lafilmoteca.es... |
Each year, from the end of July to the first week of September, the Film Council of Valencia hosts an open-air film festival. Both classic and cult movies are screened at the Jardins del Palau de la Música - so you can sit amongst the trees and enjoy a great flick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A tribute to the Performing Arts |
Calle De Játiva Valencia, Valencia Spain |
The Nits al Castell de Xàtiva is the Festival of the Performing Arts hosted by the city of Valencia each year. Live shows, ranging from oreas to dance recitals, are held in the majestic Xátiva Castle. This vibrant festival lasts for a month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Religious procession during Holy Week |
Ciutat Vella Valencia 46001 Spain |
The Corpus Christi Procession dates back to 1355 in Valencia. The exclusively religious procession would eventually make room for a more festive parade, with the Capellà de les Roques (literally, the Chaplain of Parade Floats) inviting the entire town to take part in the festivities. The parade is always led by Gigantes ("Giants", figurines normally representing famous kings, queens, typical professions, etc.), and Cabezudos ("Big Heads", large masks that almost cover up the entire body) and an array of characters and personages from both the Old and New Testaments. The stars are the Casa de las Rocas, however. These floats, some of which were built in the 16th century, are the mobile stages for the performance of Misteris, professions of faith as they're known in Valencia. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin McGarry |
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A traditional holiday |
Various venues Valencia, Valencia Spain |
During Semana Santa, the Holy Week that leads up to Easter, religious processions pour out onto the streets of Valencia. In contrast to the other fun-filled festivals of Spain, this one is relatively subdued and solemn, but is still colorful. Images of Christ, the Virgin Mary and others are paraded in all the neighborhoods - the image of El Cristo del Salvador is especially revered, and is carried by those practicing penance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gustavo Marin |
 Photo: Gustavo Marin |
 Photo: KIVI OSMA |
 Photo: Carlos Díaz |
 Photo: Daniel Garcia |
 Photo: Ahmed BOUZID |
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Religious processions with biblical characters |
Paseo Marítimo Valencia 46011 Spain |
Every year in March or April and specifically in the Cabanyal-Canyameral and Grau districts in the seafaring area of Valencia you can witness traditional Easter Week celebrations, some of which date back to the 15th century. The members of the different religious cofradías (brotherhoods), such as the Pretorians, Sayones (bailiffs), Granaderos (grenadiers), Lonjinos and Penitents (or Vestas), don elaborate costumes or the traditional conical hoods in the case of the Penitents, while others interpret biblical characters such as Mary Magdalene, Salome, Christ and Pontius Pilate. The most important events take place on Holy Thursday and Friday, as well as on Saturday with the trencà de perols and the procession on Easter Sunday. These are all good days to try local cuisine as well, especially paella made with cod and cabbage, marinades of all sorts, and titaina, a stew made from garbanzos, white beans and spinach. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sergiranzo |
 Sights and Sounds of the City |
Área de Comunicación Av. Cortes Valencianas, 41 Valencia, Valencia 46015 Spain +34 96 339 0390 http://www.turisvalencia.es |
TurisValencia is your one stop spot for everything to do in the city of Valencia. Visit their website for details on shopping, transportation, dining, beaches, and a year round calendar of events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Most important Mediterranean film festival |
Fundación Municipal de Cine Plaza del Arzobispo, 2 Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 392 1506 http://www.mostravalencia.com/... |
This is a unique opportunity to see new works made by film-makers living and working in countries that surround the Mediterranean basin. It's also a chance to see some classic movies. Participants compete for the prestigious gold, silver and bronze awards. Most screenings take place at Cines ABC Martí, Avenida del Antiguo Reino 29, while the closing and awards ceremony is held in the Palau de la Música (conference centre). Review © 2007, Wcities |