San Vicente Ferrer IN VALENCIA

The highlights of San Vicente Ferrer include a procession from the cathedral, the creation of a dozen alters with images of the local saint across the city centre and performances.

San Vicente Ferrer was born in Valencia in 1350 who became famous for his hundreds of miracles, commencing from an early age. He would apparently raise his index finger whilst performing such acts, even then perhaps the symbol triggering his early rise to such famous status so long ago.

The activities during the preceding days are centred around the twelve locations of Altar de Ribarroja, Festa Chiquets Carrer de Sant Vicent, Asociación Pila Bautismal, Cofradía de La Cañada, Altar del Tossal, Altar de Ruzafa, Altar del Pilar, Altar del Carmen, Altar del Mercado, Altar del Mocadoret, Altar de Chirivella and Altar del Mar.

Public Holiday

San Vicente Ferrer falls on the first Monday following Easter and is a local day off work in Valencia capital and other areas of the community with most stores remaining closed. Many residents and tourists utilise the opportunity to observe the festivities.

The holiday begins with a service in the city’s cathedral followed by the laying of flowers from city hall to the saint’s reconstructed birthplace. And, naturally, it would not be Valencia without an obligatory fireworks display, or mascletas, during midday.

More performance of miracles at the various altars take place throughout the afternoon, which are then followed by the culmination of festivities. A solemn procession departs from the Cathedral following the traditional route, again to the Saint’s home along with evening festivities in local neighbourhoods.

By Vincent Green, Mar 9 2026