Often overshadowed by its big brothers Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia is the third-biggest city in Spain. However, don’t mistake it for a sleepy coastal city. Valencia is home to celebrations, festivals and events all year round. From the world-famous Las Fallas to the largest tomato fight, La Tomatina, the city has all sorts of unique celebrations worth discovering. Here we share the best Valencia festivals throughout the year, including the traditions behind them, how they’re celebrated and the top local tips to enjoy them properly.
1. Las Fallas
Las Fallas is Valencia’s most famous festival, celebrated every March and gathering tourists from all over the world. Combining art, fire, parades, fireworks and a city-wide, week-long party, Fallas brings everyone together to celebrate.
Visiting the city at this time of year, you’ll find the streets taken over by huge, elaborate sculptures made of wood and papier-mâché. These ‘ninots’ can be political, satirical or simply beautiful but they always bring tons of color to the city.
Make sure to also see the falleras in their beautiful silk outfits as they parade through the streets of Valencia.
Traditions: The origins of Las Fallas date back to carpenters burning excess wood on the feast day of Saint Joseph during the Middle Ages. Over time, this developed into a tradition of building elaborate wooden structures before burning them in a huge fire on Saint Joseph’s day.
Celebrations: There is so much to see during Fallas – from watching the parades throughout the streets, attending the daily Mascletàs, viewing one of the many stunning firework displays, or witnessing the emotional ‘Crema’ (the burning of the sculptures on the last day).
Make sure to also see the Ofrenda, where people from the city’s many Fallas communities dress in traditional costumes and make a floral offering to the Virgin Mary. In the Plaza de la Virgen, they erect a huge and beautiful Virgin Mary made of flowers.
Top Local Tips: The city gets very full during Fallas. We’d always recommend booking accommodation well in advance, keeping your belongings safe as you walk the streets, wearing comfortable shoes for lots of walking and standing and being very prepared for lots of noise!
Dates: March 15-19.
Want to discover Las Fallas like a local? Discover The Fallas experience
2. La Tomatina
Ever fancied attending the world’s largest food fight? La Tomatina is a truly unique festival taking place in the town of Buñol, a small town just outside of Valencia. Every year, the town gathers their overripe tomatoes to throw at each other in the street. Perhaps one of the silliest Valencia festivals, it’s also definitely one of the most fun!
Traditions: The origins of La Tomatina are not exactly clear but the festival is thought to have begun sometime in the mid-20th Century. Over time, it’s gathered tourists from all of the world for fun, community spirit and silliness!
Celebrations: The event kicks off with the “palo jabón” – a competition where people scramble to the top of a greased pole to reach the ham at the top. One someone has reached the ham, the festivities can commence. The tomato fight lasts for about an hour when all the tomatoes have been used up. At the end, there is tomato everywhere – covering the streets and all the attendees in tomato pulp.
Top Local Tips: This is a messy event – wear your oldest clothes and put goggles on to protect your eyes. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and consider bringing a change of clothes for the trip back to Valencia – sitting in tomato pulp may not be the most pleasant journey!
Dates: The last Wednesday of August.
3. Nou de Octubre
The nou de Octubre (9 de Octubre) festivity is a regional holiday in the Valencian Community. It celebrates King James I of Aragon reconquering the city from Moorish rule in 1238. It is also the Day of Saint Dionysius, considered the patron saint of lovers in Valencia – making it a type of Valentine’s day for Valencians.
Traditions: It is custom on this day to give loved ones marzipan figurines wrapped in silk scarves. Many Valencians also gather in the main city square (plaza de ayuntamiento) to watch the mascletà.
Celebrations: There is plenty going on during nou de octubre including the 2pm mascletà, concerts, nighttime fireworks and reenactments of historical events. The most famous parade is the parade of the Moors and Christians (the Entrada de Moros y Cristianos).
Top Local Tips: Bask in the festivities and the bustling atmosphere of the city center and make sure to try some local marzipan sweets. End the day with a bang at the evening fireworks display at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Date: October 9.
4. San Juan
Every June, the festival of San Juan rings in the summer solstice at beaches up and down the Valencian region with plenty of fun, fire and magic!
Traditions: It is traditional to set up a bonfire on the beach with friends or family and, for the brave ones, jump through seven waves at midnight to make a wish!
Celebrations: People gather at the beach and light fires to signify the start of something new. As well as great ambience and plenty of fires, there are usually fireworks in the city.
Top Local Tips: Get down to the beach early to get a space. There are trucks giving out free firewood! Remember to clean up after yourselves and keep your things safe during the festivities as there are lots of people.
Date: June 23.
5. Semana Santa Marinera
While Semana Santa is more associated with cities like Sevilla, Valencia has its own version. Semana Santa Marinera is Valencia’s version of the Easter Holy Week and is celebrated in the traditional maritime neighborhoods of the city such as El Cabanyal.
Traditions: This religious festival involves solemn processions through the streets and reenactments of the Passion of Christ.
Celebrations: During Semana Santa, the maritime area of Valencia comes to life – from processions with elaborate floats and traditional music to participants dressed in historical and religious costumes.
Top Local Tips: Visit the maritime district of Valencia during Semana Santa to watch the authentic processions. For anyone witnessing the events for the first time, just be warned that the hooded outfits can be a bit of a shock!
Dates: The week leading up to Easter Sunday.
Whether you’re looking for Valencia events, festivals in Valencia, or unique celebrations in Valencia, Valencia is a city that loves to celebrate all year round. Each festival offers its own traditions and insight into local culture. When planning your trip to Valencia, make sure to align your trip with one of the best Valencia events to have a truly unforgettable local experience.