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The Best Valencia Festivals You’ve Never Heard Of

Hanna Smith

Writer & Blogger

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Valencia is famous for its lively festivals, most notably Las Fallas, which attracts visitors from all over the world. However, the city is also home to a variety of lesser-known festivals that offer a more authentic and intimate experience of local culture. From traditional religious celebrations to quirky local events, here are some of the best Valencia festivals that you may not have heard of but are definitely worth experiencing.

Valencia
Valencia
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La Tomatina de Buñol

While not technically in Valencia city, La Tomatina de Buñol is a short drive away and is one of the most famous yet surprisingly under-visited festivals for international tourists compared to Las Fallas. Held on the last Wednesday of August in the small town of Buñol, this quirky festival is all about fun and food—specifically, tomatoes. Participants engage in a massive tomato fight, throwing overripe tomatoes at each other in the streets. The origins of La Tomatina are somewhat unclear, but it has become an iconic event, attracting visitors from around the world.

The festival starts with the «palo jabón,» a greasy pole with a ham on top. Once someone manages to climb the pole and retrieve the ham, the tomato fight begins. For one hour, the streets are turned into a red, squishy battleground, creating a spectacle that is as fun to watch as it is to participate in. After the fight, the streets are hosed down, and participants can wash off in the nearby Buñol River or at public showers.

La Entrada de Toros y Caballos de Segorbe

Taking place in early September in the town of Segorbe, located about an hour north of Valencia, La Entrada de Toros y Caballos is a festival with deep roots in the region’s history. This unique event, recognized as a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest, involves a thrilling spectacle where horsemen herd a group of bulls through the town’s narrow streets. The riders, dressed in traditional attire, guide the bulls from the countryside into the town square, where a series of bullfights and other festivities take place.

The highlight of the event is the «entrada,» a dramatic moment when the horsemen and bulls race through the packed streets of Segorbe. Thousands of spectators line the streets, cheering on the riders and capturing the excitement on camera. The festival also includes parades, fireworks, and live music, making it a vibrant celebration of local culture and traditions.

La Mare de Déu dels Desemparats

La Mare de Déu dels Desemparats (Our Lady of the Forsaken) is Valencia’s patron saint, and her feast day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May with a series of religious and cultural events. While it is one of the city’s most important religious festivals, it remains relatively unknown to many tourists. The festival includes a procession where a statue of the Virgin is carried through the streets of Valencia, accompanied by thousands of devotees.

The celebration begins with a traditional «misa de descoberta» (discovery mass) at dawn in the Basilica of the Virgin, followed by the offering of flowers to the Virgin’s statue. The streets around the basilica are filled with flower petals, creating a beautiful and fragrant carpet for the procession. The event also includes a grand fireworks display, known as the «Nit del Foc,» and traditional dances performed in Plaza de la Virgen.

La Fira de Juliol

Held throughout the month of July, La Fira de Juliol (July Fair) is a month-long celebration that dates back to 1871. Originally established to attract visitors to the city during the summer, the fair has evolved into a diverse festival featuring concerts, fireworks, cultural exhibitions, and sporting events. The most famous event of the fair is the Batalla de Flores (Battle of Flowers), a colorful parade where participants throw flowers at each other from elaborately decorated floats.

The fair takes place in various locations around the city, with many of the events held in the Turia Gardens and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, open-air cinema, and traditional Valencian dances. The festive atmosphere is complemented by food stalls offering local delicacies, making it a perfect opportunity to sample Valencian cuisine.

Tips for Enjoying Valencia’s Festivals

  • Plan Ahead: Some festivals, like La Tomatina, require tickets, which can sell out quickly, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance.
  • Respect Local Traditions: Valencia’s festivals are deeply rooted in tradition, so be mindful of local customs and etiquette during the celebrations.
  • Stay Hydrated: Valencia’s summer festivals can be hot, so make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
  • Capture the Moments: Festivals offer great photo opportunities, so bring your camera to capture the colorful and vibrant scenes.

Conclusion

Valencia’s lesser-known festivals offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and provide a more intimate experience than the larger, more famous events. Whether you’re throwing tomatoes in Buñol, watching the thrilling Entrada de Toros y Caballos, or participating in the flower-filled Batalla de Flores, these festivals promise unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to Valencian traditions.

 

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