Festival of San Vicente Ferrer
San Vicente Ferrer, one of Valencia’s patron saints, is celebrated on the second Monday after Easter, which falls on Monday, April 13 this year. This local holiday means schools and many shops will be closed, and the city will host religious processions, children’s performances, and a traditional mascletà or fireworks display.
Who Was San Vicente Ferrer?
Born in Valencia in 1357, San Vicente Ferrer was a Dominican priest known for his powerful sermons and reported miracles. He lived during a time of deep division in the Catholic Church, when rival popes split loyalties across Europe. Though offered positions of power, he turned them down to focus on missionary work with a group of fellow friars.
San Vicente led a deeply ascetic life—fasting regularly, abstaining from meat, and sleeping on a straw mat. Over time, his preaching and hundreds of miracles earned him a reputation across the region as a saintly figure. He was canonized in 1455.
How Valencia Celebrates
During festival days, children across the city reenact San Vicente Ferrer’s miracles in plays performed at special altars known as altars de Sant Vicent. These stages are set up in various neighborhoods to honor his legacy.
This year, there will also be a fireworks display on Sunday night in front of the Torres de Serranos in addition to the traditional floral offering and procession on Monday starting from Plaza del Ayuntamiento, proceeding up Calle de la Paz to his traditional birthplace.
Full Schedule of Events:
City of Valencia – Sant Vicent Ferrer Activities (in Spanish)
3 Comments