Buen finde! Weekend Highlights | 9–11 May
This weekend, Valencia honors its patron saint, Mare de Déu dels Desemparats—Our Lady of the Forsaken. Expect fireworks, a mascletà, and a major procession through the Old City on Sunday. Note: there will also be traffic disruptions in Campanar for a running event.
Festival: Mare de Déu dels Desemparats
Our Lady of the Forsaken is one of Valencia’s three patron saints and possibly the most beloved. This year is a Jubilee celebration, with special events across the weekend:
- Friday, 9 May – Traditional dance by Fallas groups at Plaza de la Virgen
- Saturday, 10 May – Midnight fireworks at Plaza del Ayuntamiento
- Sunday, 11 May – Afternoon mascletà and evening procession with flower offerings
Full schedule: Visit Valencia
Food & Culture
- Andaluz Festival
Flamenco, tapas, and Andalusian vibes in Turia Park (Alameda fairground). 9–18 May
Event info - FestIN
Art meets gastronomy at this curated event series. Book early!
festinvalencia.com
Literary Events
- Saturday, 11 May – Free Comic Day
Visit any comic store in Spain and get a free comic.
More info - Manuel Gago Exhibit – Patraix
A special display of original works by the renowned comic artist.
Instagram post - VLC Negra – Valencia’s noir festival continues
Film, literature, and mystery. 9 May–4 June
Full program - Guided Tour – Blasco Ibañez House
FREE literary route in Spanish. Sunday, 11 May, Cabanyal
More info - Book Signing – Cate Baum
Club Hemingway hosts the author of Land of Hope at Radio City. 15 May
Instagram post
Markets & Shopping
- BeniMarket – Artisan market in Plaza Benimaclet
Sunday, 11 May
Facebook event - Ruzafa Secret Market – Final days for this seasonal pop-up outlet
Ruzafa Fashion Week
Sports & Games
- Basketball – Valencia Basket v. Gran Canaria
10 May – Fuente de San Luis
Tickets - Running – Carrera José Antonio Redolat (5K, family friendly)
11 May – Campanar
Event details - Football – La Liga
10 May – Valencia CF v. Getafe
18 May – Valencia CF v. Athletic Club
Tickets - Moto Racing – Ricardo Tormo Circuit (Cheste)
10–11 May – InterOpen Speed Federation Round 1 (FREE)
More info
Theatre & Dance
- Taiat Dansa at Botanical Garden
Contemporary duets as part of the 10 Sentidos Festival. Saturday, 10 May
Event page
Live Music
Flamenco
Catch performances at the Andaluz Festival and these venues:
Café del Duende | Radio City | Palosanto
Jazz
- 9 May – Órbita at Mar D’Amura
? Instagram - 15 May – Victor Jones Group at Jimmy Glass Jazz
? jimmyglassjazz.net
Also check: La Vitti | Matisse
Rock & Pop
- 9–10 May – Eddy Smith & The 507 + The Georgia Thunderbolts at Loco Club
- 9 May – Lago de Conciertos (FREE Berklee student performances) Berklee Valencia
More venues: Radio City | 16 Toneladas
Coming up next weekend: Deleste Festival at Jardines de Viveros
Salsa & World
- Plena 79 Salsa Orchestra – Big band salsa at Matisse Event link
Also check: La Casa de la Mar
House & Electronic
- Dias del Campo Festival – Montanejos, 10–11 May The Basement
Also visit: La Fábrica de Hielo
Classical
- Early music concert at L’Etno Museum (FREE) 10 May Event info
- International Organ Festival at San Nicolás (Bach focus)
8 May–6 June Full program
More venues: Palau de la Música | Les Arts
Ongoing Art Exhibitions
- Poliniza Dos – Urban arts festival at UPV 12–18 May
Event info - Lita Cabellut at Fundación Bancaja
Exhibition info - Valencian Artists in Carme Thyssen Collection – Centre del Carme (until 29 June)
Exhibit info - Masaveu Collection at Bellas Artes (until 15 June)
- Gabinete de Dibujos – Ernest Casero & Santiago Talavera
Instagram - Estudio 64 – Jorge González, incl. New Yorker illustrations
Estudio 64
