Weekend Highlights: Battle of the Flowers, Fire Parade, and the Gran Feria Finale
Buen finde!
Here are the weekend highlights for 24–27 July in and around Valencia. The Gran Feria is ending with a bang — enjoy the festivities!
Fairs and Events
Batalla de Las Flores
It’s the grand finale of the Gran Feria de Juliol: the Battle of the Flowers. Carnations become ammunition in this light-hearted tradition celebrating the peak of summer. On Sunday, 27 July, the falleras mayores parade on giant floats armed with tennis racquet-like nets as spectators pelt them with carnations. Everybody wins as the falleras try to swat the blossoms away.
Fireworks Shows
There will be two midnight fireworks spectacles this weekend: a correfoc (fire parade) on Saturday at Puerta de la Mar, and a fireworks display on Sunday at the Marina promenade.
Music & Performance
Valencia Jazz Festival at Palau de la Música
The Carlos Medina Quintet plays on Saturday, 26 July, and the Plena ‘79 Salsa Orchestra takes the stage on Sunday, 27 July.
CaixaForum Summer Nights
Workshops and performances every Wednesday night in July. This week: musical artist Momi Maiga performs with a focus on dance and rhythm. In Spanish.
FAR València at the Marina
Running from 9–31 July, this concert series features an eclectic lineup headlined by Carlos Santana.
Concerts at Jardines de Viveros
The Viveros Gardens wrap up their July concert series with final performances this weekend.
La Rambleta – Valencia International Dance Gala
A showcase of Valencia’s international dance talent. Professional dancers trained in Valencia and now working abroad return for a special gala performance on Sunday, 27 July.
Lago de Conciertos
Valencia’s Berklee School of Music hosts free outdoor summer concerts at the City of Arts and Sciences. A showcase of student and staff work. On Wednesday, 30 July.
Beaches & Outdoors
Closed Beaches
Sueca Beach was temporarily closed for the second time this summer. Increased water testing since the October floods has led to more closures. Be sure to check ahead before heading out.
Star-Gazing the Perseids
The Perseids meteor shower is back, with peak viewing from late July through mid-August. The Valencia region has several top-rated star-gazing sites.
CaminArt Night Walks
Guided evening walks through the city’s historic streets. This weekend features a tour exploring Valencia’s darker history and anti-air raid shelters. In Spanish.
Arts and Exhibitions
Summer Nights at CAHH
The Hortensia Herrero Arts Center offers guided sunset tours of its contemporary art collection every Friday in July and August.
Bellas Artes Museum
A new exhibition on 16th-century painter Pedro Orrente is now open. On view until 12 October.
Principios at CCCC
Exhibition on how Valencia’s most iconic urban artists began their careers on the streets of the city. On view until 26 October.
Summer Outdoor Film
Solax Cinema at Novotel Sky Bar
Open-air rooftop screenings in original version with Spanish subtitles (VOSE). Upcoming titles include La La Land and Lady Bird.
Frontières
A French-language feature film about West African women navigating their journey from Dakar to Senegal. Free with limited seating. In French with Spanish subtitles.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Valencia’s College of Architects hosts an open-air screening of Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, paired with a talk on the role of architecture and design in cinema. Talk in Spanish; film in English with Spanish subtitles.
Books and Stories
Hemingway Walk
A new guided walk retracing the steps of American writer Ernest Hemingway and Valencia’s role in his books. On Saturday, 26 July. In Spanish. Free, but reservation required.
Shopping
Summer Market
Mercado Tapineria in the old city is hosting its seasonal artisan market with food stalls through 3 August.
Food & Dining
Veles e Vents Tardeo
The Marina will host a tardeo wine tasting featuring local wines on Thursday, 24 July. Free entry for the tasting with tickets; dinner available for purchase.
Gastro League
This street food festival at Levante Stadium ends on Thursday, 24 July, with DJs and live music.
Sports & Games
Free Malvarrosa Beach Sports
Malvarrosa Beach offers free summer activities including volleyball, yoga, and Pilates. Sailing and kayaking are available on select dates.
Kids & Family
Summer Nights at the Hemisfèric
Live planetarium shows in the IMAX dome for kids aged 10 and up. Sessions in Spanish.
Paleontology Museum Opens
Valencia’s Natural Science Museum reopens on Tuesday, 29 July as the new Paleontology Museum, featuring interactive exhibits designed for kids.
