One of Valencia’s oldest and most symbolic festivals, Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ) is celebrated on the Sunday 60 days after Easter. Records of the event date back to the 13th century, making it one of the city’s most enduring traditions outside of Fallas.
Las Rocas
Festivities begin Friday evening with the procession of Las Rocas — giant wooden floats shaped like ships and adorned with fantastical biblical imagery. Traditionally pulled by horses, these monumental structures are rolled from the Alamedita de Serranos (Casa de las Rocas) to the Basilica in Plaza de la Virgen, where they remain on display until Sunday.
There are eleven Rocas in total, four of them from the 16th century. The origin of their name (“The Rocks”) is uncertain, though some say they were once even larger before being trimmed down in 1912 to pass under tram lines. Originally used for staging biblical mystery plays (Els Misteris), they remain an awe-inspiring sight.
La Poalà & Els Misteris
Saturday is all about setting the stage. At noon, locals hang buckets along Carrer dels Cabillers and Calle Avellanas, in preparation for Sunday’s epic water fight with King Herod’s soldiers — a tradition known as La Poalà.
That evening, children perform in Els Misteris, biblical plays featuring King Herod, Saint Christopher, and Adam and Eve, on a stage in Plaza de la Virgen, often accompanied by live music.
Sunday: The Convite Parade
Sunday is the heart of Corpus Christi. At noon, the Convite Parade begins at Plaza Manises and winds through the Old City toward the Cathedral. Watch for:
- The Capellá de les Roques, a figure on horseback, cloaked in black velvet. He represents the Church and invites citizens to join the celebration.
- The Moma and the Momos: A highlight of the parade, the Moma (virtue) dressed in white, dances among seven Momos (the deadly sins), who try — but fail — to defeat her.
- Nanos and Gegants: Traditional dances with towering giant puppets.
- La Magrana: A ribbon-weaving dance reminiscent of a maypole.
- Traditional children’s troupes like Els Arcots, Els Pastorets, and Els Turcs, dressed as knights and soldiers in mock battles, or shepherds bearing floral arches.
And of course, just as the parade turns onto Carrer dels Cabillers, those buckets from Saturday come into play! Water rains down from balconies as residents “attack” King Herod’s soldiers in one of the festival’s most playful (and wet) traditions—perfect for cooling off in the summer heat.
Final Highlights
At 2 pm, Plaza del Ayuntamiento stages a booming Mascletà. The day winds down with a solemn sunset procession returning to the Cathedral, where flower petals fall like confetti.
This year’s Corpus Christi is extra festive: It falls just one day before the bonfires of San Juan!
More information and sources:
- Full 2025 schedule: Valencia City Agenda
- History and traditions: Amics del Corpus
- Overview from Visit Valencia: VisitValencia.com
- Event details and route: Valencia Extra
- History of Las Rocas: Lista Roja – Hispania Nostra
