Traditional Christmas Funfair

Do you want to experience one of Valencia's oldest traditions first hand? 

Then take note because every Thursday at noon, under the majestic Door of the Apostles of the Cathedral of Valencia, you can watch the Tribunal of Waters, which has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. 

This event brings together eight farm workers, dressed in their traditional black blouses, to settle irrigation disputes live and in person. 

They carry it out in Valencian, in keeping with a thousand-year-old rite that dates back to Arab times, no less. 

And it is still effective! 

This tribunal, considered a model of justice to be followed for its efficiency and speed, is the only legislative structure that has survived since the time of Jaume I. 

The verdicts it issues in disputes in the Valencian huerta, which are not subject to appeal, are handed down by the members from 17th century wooden and leather armchairs. 

If you want to see this ritual and make the most of it, try to arrive in good time. 

This way you can see how the trustees prepare themselves in the "Casa Vestuario", in front of the Cathedral door, and make sure you don't miss any detail of that day's session, because it usually lasts very little time when there is no litigation.  

Come rain or shine, the tribunal is always held, except if Thursday is a public holiday and the session is brought forward to Wednesday of the same week.  

It is a must-see event whether you are visiting Valencia for the first time or if you want to know a little more about Valencian cultural and legal heritage. 

Don't miss out! 

From October 12, 2024, to April 13, 2025, in the squares and streets of Valencia.

Want to learn about a traditional Valencian festival? On the second Sunday in May, Valencians have an appointment with the Virgen de los Desamparados (Lady of the Forsaken), the city's patron saint and popularly called La Geperudeta. She is called that because she tilts her head slightly to look at people, which makes it look like she has a small hump or “chepa”, hence this affectionate nickname. 

This festival is celebrated with special devotion by Valencians, even more so this year due to the observance of the centennial of the virgin's coronation. Take a look at the schedule of events and see what tickles your fancy.
 

Program of events Virgin of the Forsaken

Friday, May 10th
8:00 p.m. Dansà of the dance groups of the fallas commissions, with the participation of the falleras mayores and their Courts of Honor, accompanied by the Tabal i Dolçaina group of the Junta Central Fallera. The children's commissions will start.

11:00 p.m. The dansà will continue with the major fallas commissions.

You can see a general rehearsal of all the participants in the dansà on Wednesday, May 8th, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Tinglado 2 in Marina de València.

Saturday, May 11th
10:30 a.m. Mass sung by the Escolania for the intention of the Court of Honor.

12:00 p.m. Sabatina.

1:00 p.m. Commemorative Mass for the anniversary of the Pontifical Coronation, 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mass.

8:00 p.m. Solemn Salve sung by the Escolania and former choirboys.

11:59 p.m. Night pyrotechnic show by Pirotecnia Zarzoso at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Sunday, May 12th Virgin of the Forsaken popular festival
5:00 a.m. Discovery Mass.

8:00 a.m. Children's Mass at the altar of Plaza de la Virgen.

10:30 a.m. Transfer of the image of the Virgin.

In addition to this celebration, there will be Masses at the Basilica at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. There will be no chairs in the temple.

Around 12:00 p.m. Pontifical Mass at the Cathedral.

2:00 p.m. Mascletà by Pirotecnia Aitana at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

5:30 p.m. Start of the general procession with the fallas and

6:30 p.m. the rest of the entities from the Cathedral, passing through Cavallers, Tossal, Bolseria, Mercat, Mª Cristina, Sant Vicent, Plaza de la Reina, Mar, Avellanes, Palau, Almoina.