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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  |
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Ancient Pagan Tradition |
Valencia, Valencia Spain |
Las Carnestoltes refers to the carnival season in Valencia, which begins in the month of February. It has its roots in paganism, and was celebrated in the old days by putting up straw figures all over in the villages. These were intended to spurn the devil, and were burned on Ash Wednesday with all participants dressed up in varying disguises. Today, the celebrations in Valencia involve costumes, parties, music and dancing, and a general feeling of good cheer reigns over the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anna Boix |
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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 |
 Celebration of Valencia's Patron Saint |
Plaza de la Virgen, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain |
The celebration of the Virgen de los Desamparados' Feast Day is held on the second Sunday in May. She is the Patron Saint of Valencia and, to honour the occasion, the city is transformed. The façade of the Basilica named after her is covered in a huge taptestry, while the night before all sorts of events pay her tribute: the Dançà and Nit d'Albaes (typical music and dances) take place and special masses are held (Descuberta and Infantes). In the morning, the Peregrina (Pilgrim) as she is also known is moved from the Basilica to the cathedral. Thousands of faithful slow down her progress as they recite all manner of poems and songs in her honour. The climax of the entire day is the solemn procession which takes place at nightfall as a shower of flower petals rain down on the Virgin from the balconies above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Most important festival in Valencia |
A traves de la ciudad Valencia, Valencia Spain http://www.fallas.com/ |
Las Fallas, Valencia's world-renowned festival, is the city's most important social event. More than 350 monuments made out of cardboard, wood and other materials take to the streets. Designed by artisans to satirize situations or well-known figures (ninots), they are set up on 15 March (the plantà) and are the centre of attention until the 19th when they are set fire (the cremà), turning a year's work into ash and rubble. All of this is accompanied by mascletàs, with thousands of kilos of firecrackers and fireworks being set off, open air concerts and the traditional offering of flowers to Madrededéu dels Desamparats, Valencia's (female) patron saint. These are just some of the events which make this entire week of festivities commemorating Saint Joseph so famous. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Anna around the world |
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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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Dedicated to ceramics from Manises |
Manises Valencia 46940 Spain |
You'll find the town of Manises only 7km from the city centre of Valencia. This town is renowned the world over for the beautiful and quality ceramics it has been producing for hundreds of years if not more. The fame of their ceramics is so great, in fact, that in many towns all over the province, hand-painted tiles are simply referred to as manisetes. The festival dates from 1746, when the Ceramic Makers' Guild chose Saint Justa and Saint Rufina as their patron saints and decided to hold a festival every year in their honour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ali-smile |
 Photo: crisgonvick |
 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 |
 Traditional outdoor festival |
Antiguo cauce del rio Túria Valencia 46010 Spain |
This festival is celebrated the Monday after Easter Sunday, which is the most important day of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and a holiday throughout the Valencian Community. People head to the countryside (or the Old Túria Riverbed) to celebrate Easter with a picnic traditionally including longaniza sausage and the Easter mona (a bun with a hard-boiled egg inside). The tradition, which dates from the Muslim era, states that the egg should be broken on a companion's forehead. Dancing the tarara, jumping rope, and flying a cachirulo (kite) are also must-do activities on this day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marta S. Gufstasson |
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Feast Day of Valencia's Patron Saint |
Plaza de Zaragoza, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain |
San Vicente Mártir's Feast Day is held on January 22. He is the (male) Patron Saint of Valencia. The Saint was killed by order of Roman Emperor Diocleciano in 304 A.D. The cathedral still preserves one of the Saint's intact arms. The main event on this Feast Day is the General Procession to all the religious spots where popular legend has it the future Saint would be martirized. These acts are then followed by a Papal Mass held by the Archbishop in the cathedral. The last event is a mass held according to the Hispano-Mozarabic rites in the sepulchre of the basilica, also known as La Roqueta. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Javier Lopez Vasquez |
 Photo: Cristina Aguilar |
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A gesture of love |
Various venues Valencia, Valencia Spain |
October 9th is an important day in the Valencian calendar. This is when romantic young men wrap up specially decorated and shaped marzipan sweets - Piuletes and Tronadors in silk handkerchiefs - Mocaors and give them to their girlfriends as a demonstration of their affection. The Church has designated the 9th as Saint Dionysius' Feast Day, and he has become the local version of Saint Valentine. It's also Valencia region's official holiday to celebrate the triumphant entrance of Jaime I into the city after defeating the Moors in battle hundreds of years ago. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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The world's oldest common justice system |
Plaza de la Virgen Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
You can watch this ancient system of justice take place at the cathedral's Puerta de los Apóstoles (Door of the Apostles) every Thursday. The Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Tribunal) was set up by Jaime I to regulate the distribution of the River Turia's water for irrigation. The irrigation system itself was designed and built by the Moors. The judges are eight ordinary workers who each represent a different irrigation network. It's their job to sort out the inevitable problems and conflicts between users. They are elected for two year terms of office, wear traditional smocks and hand down their sentences orally in the Valencian language. There is no right of appeal. The speed of this particular justice system and its longevity have made it world-famous. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kiwigirl |
 Photo: MaryJo80 |
 Photo: Charlton-Perez |
 Photo: lwelti |
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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 |