Category: Events and Holidays

Lunar New Year

Valencia lights up for Lunar New Year, celebrated by the city’s thriving Chinese community. Did you know Valencia is the only city in Spain with an officially recognized Chinatown? Known as La Roqueta, it’s the neighborhood next to Estación del Norte stretching to Bailén. Every year, the community hosts a Lunar New Year parade with colorful floats, lion and dragon dances, and lively performances. The parade winds from Calle Pelayo to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, drawing crowds of Valencianos. At Plaza del Ayuntamiento, there is a full day of Chinese culture activities: calligraphy and art with traditional music and dance. And, of course, the food! Local restaurants will be bustling, serving specialty dishes perfect for the occasion. Be sure to book ahead or arrive early, as this is one of the busiest dining days in Chinatown.

Event Details:

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=13BwQ4xa9iaBza3IB-eNyJpsw9SPXiPk&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]

Festival of San Vicente Mártir

San Vicente Mártir, one of Valencia’s patron saints, is celebrated in the city for his unwavering faith. Schools and shops are closed to commemorate the day. According to tradition, he was tortured and executed in Valencia in 340 AD under the orders of Emperor Diocletian. His body, dragged along what is now Calle San Vicente Mártir, was miraculously protected by ravens when left to the elements.

Today, his legacy is commemorated through two processions and the preservation of relics:

  • The Relic of San Vicente, a mummified left arm, can be seen in the Cathedral.
  • The silver-plated wooden sculpture of San Vicente, displayed in the Cathedral, is carried during the procession.

Learn more about his story:

Tailors and Dressmakers’ Guild
As the patron saint of tailors and dressmakers, San Vicente Mártir is also honored with a special procession by the Guild of Tailors and Dressmakers. Their parade starts at Avenida de María Cristina and ends at the Cathedral for a dedicated mass. Learn more about the guild.

? When: January 22
? Schedule:

  • 10:30 AM: Morning Mass at the Cathedral
  • 11:30 AM: Cathedral Procession
  • 12:30 PM: Tailors and Dressmakers’ Guild Procession
  • 1:00 PM: Mini-mascletà in Plaza de la Reina

? Where: Valencia Cathedral, Plaza de la Reina, Calle de Avellanas
? Route Map: View here