Festivity of Corpus Christi in Valencia

Corpus Christi Valencia: The city's "Festa Grossa"

Discover Valencia's oldest and most symbolic celebration. A unique display of triumphal carriages, traditional dances, and processions that narrate the living history of the city.

From June 4 to 7, 2026: experience Valencia's most historic festival

Corpus Christi is, historically, the city's "Festa Grossa" (Great Festival). Beyond its religious significance, it is a demonstration of the coexistence between the festive, metaphorical, and social spirit of Valencian society. During these four days in June, the streets of the historic center are transformed to host unique events where the scent of myrtle and the sound of traditional music create a magical atmosphere.

Schedule of events 2026

Origins of Corpus: centuries of tradition in the streets

The origin of the festivity dates back to 1263, but it was in 1355 when the Bishop of Valencia, Hugo de Fenollet, established the solemn procession. Over the centuries, the celebration has evolved by integrating popular and biblical elements that make it unique in the world. Today, the festival maintains the vitality of its beginnings, preserving treasures such as the Rocas and traditional dances.

Friday: transfer of the Rocas and nit d'albaes

At 20:00, the transfer of the Rocas begins from the Alameditas de Serranos to the Plaza de la Virgen. The day culminates at 23:30 with the "nit d'albaes", a night of traditional songs and "tabal i dolçaina" music that winds through the streets of the historic center, announcing the start of the great festivity.

The Rocas are triumphal carriages that originally served to represent "Els Misteris" throughout the procession. These are eleven wooden structures shaped like ancient ships that carry sculptural groups depicting biblical stories or saints. Their origin dates back to between 1373 and 1392.

Saturday: the poalà (12:00 h)

The morning kicks off with the fun of the poalà in Cabillers and Avellanas streets. Following the traditional "penja de poals" (hanging of the buckets), members of Amics del Corpus are showered with buckets of water from the balconies to symbolically "attack" Herod's troops. A moment full of laughter where both the public and participants end up soaked.

Saturday: representació dels Misteris (18:00 h)

In the afternoon, the Plaza de la Virgen transforms into a 15th-century stage. Local children perform the Misteris de Herodes, Sant Cristòfol, and Adam i Eva. These are short theatrical pieces that enact biblical passages with an innocence and historical rigor that has survived for over five hundred years in Valencia.

Sunday: the Convite parade (12:00 h)

At noon, the official invitation from the Valencia jurors takes place, calling upon the authorities and the people to attend the procession. It is an act full of symbolism, traditional dances, and music that winds through the old town. A festive and crowded prelude where the city bursts into color and tradition before the solemn events of the evening.

Sunday: the passing of the Rocas (16:30 h)

The Rocas begin their return from the Plaza de la Virgen to the Casa de las Rocas. In this parade, the horses take center stage as they pull the heavy wooden structures. It is a spectacle of strength and tradition where the skill of the handlers creates a unique atmosphere of excitement on the cobblestones of the center.

Sunday: solemn procession (19:00 h)

The Senyera opens the city's most important parade. Biblical characters and historic guilds precede the Monstrance, the primary element of Corpus. Escorted by mancebos dressed in 16th-century silk, its passage under an intense rain of petals thrown from the balconies is the most emotional and majestic climax of the entire celebration.

The Capellà de les Roques and the invitation to the people

The Capellà travels the streets on horseback, inviting everyone to the grand afternoon procession. He wears black velvet horse trappings featuring the city's coat of arms and greets those present from his mount, reenacting the historical call of the Valencia jurors. He is the character who marks the beginning of a morning filled with symbolism, traditional music, and allegorical dances through the streets of the city center.

La Moma and the dance of the sins

This is the most iconic dance of the Corpus. La Moma, dressed in pure white, symbolizes Virtue in her struggle against Els Momos, who represent the seven deadly sins. Wearing their yellow and black costumes and masks, they perform a striking stick dance that always ends with the surrender of evil before the purity of virtue. An essential visual spectacle.

Nanos i Gegants: The union of the continents

Since 1588, four pairs of Gegants (giants) and three pairs of Nanos (dwarves) have danced together. The Gegants symbolize the adherence of all known continents to the Eucharist, while the union with the Nanos represents that both the high and the low worship the Lord equally. A rite steeped in history and popular joy.

La Magrana: the weaving of faith

In this dance of Calabrian origin, the dancers intertwine colored ribbons around a central pole. The most anticipated moment comes at the end: the pole is crowned by a pomegranate (magrana) that opens to reveal a Monstrance. At that instant, all the dancers kneel in an act of deep adoration before the symbol of the Corpus.

Els Cavallets: the testimony of the infidels

Eight children dressed in Arab-style costumes carry cardboard horse reproductions. Arranged in two rows, they perform a choreography symbolizing that even the "infidels" bear witness to their adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It is one of the most dynamic dances and a favorite among the younger audience.

Els Arquets: the joy of the countryside

Formerly called the dance of the Polish women, this dance symbolizes the participation of rural people in the Festa Grossa. A group of girls dressed as shepherdesses perform choreographic figures using floral arches, filling the streets of Valencia with color and celebrating the joy of the festivity.

Els Pastorets and Els Turcs: tradition and struggle

The Pastorets perform a rhythmic stick dance linked to the mystery of King Herod. Meanwhile, Els Turcs perform a warrior-like dance where, in pairs and equipped with wooden swords, they simulate a rhythmic fight representing the surrender of all peoples before the Corpus festival.

The House of the Rocas: the "Festa Grossa" Museum

Visit the home of the most valuable pieces of the Corpus. A 15th-century building that houses the monumental Rocas, giants, and eagles that bring Valencia's history to life.

A historical refuge since 1434

Visit this unique 1434 museum in Valencia. It houses the 11 Rocas, boat-shaped triumphal carriages dating back to 1511. From the Roca Diablera to the Holy Chalice, these mobile stages carry biblical scenes among giants and eagles. Discover the history of the Festa Grossa and these architectural gems that parade under a rain of petals. A must-see!

Visit the museum of the rocks

Manual bell ringing: World Heritage

On the occasion of the festivity, the Cathedral's Bell Ringers Association will perform several manual ringings from the Miguelete tower. This tradition was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2022.

If you want to experience this unique event live, you can request your spot. Please keep in mind that the bell tower space is limited and there are only 25 spots available for each ringing.

Reserve your spot

The Corpus in sign language

We explain this very special festivity to you in sign language. Discover the history and secrets of Valencia's "Festa Grossa" in this accessible video.

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Festivity of Corpus Christi in Valencia

Corpus Christi Valencia: The city's "Festa Grossa"

From June 4 to 7, 2026: experience Valencia's most historic festival

Origins of Corpus: centuries of tradition in the streets

Main events of Corpus Christi in Valencia