Since the first flamboyant parades of the Feria de Julio graced Valencia’s streets on 21 July 1871, every year the city continues to pay hommage to this traditional festival with a wide variety of entertainment. The programme varies every year according to tastes of participants and new advances in design and scenery techniques. This year the local council of Valencia has organised a range of activities to be enjoyed by both Valencianos and tourists, from all over Spain and around the world.
The Feria de Julio has numerous events in store which are sure to start the Valencian summer off with a bang. From cultural activities to captivating performances, there is a fantastic range of activities on offer to make the most of the beginning of the summer sesason. There are 170 events in total, from musical performances to firework displays, as well as activities showcasing the area’s gastronomy and other social and religious activities. The festivities take place from 1 to 28 July in different areas dotted around the city of Valencia; on La Alameda avenue, in the Jardines de Viveros, in the beautiful ‘Silk Exchange’ building La Lonja, the historical market Mercado Central, the Marina Real, Las Arenas beach, the Parque del Oeste and the Roques Museum.
The events include:
La Gran Nit de Juliol (The great night of July): An evening packed with 30 activities, with museums open late until 2am with free entry. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable Saturday night (20 – 21 July).
Els Concerts en Vivers (Concerts in Viveros): The Jardines de Viveros are transformed into a magnficient outdoor concert venue, this year staging performances by Spanish bands Fito y Fitipaldis and Fangoria, Rosario, Melendi, Lory Meyers and Sara Baras. Concerts take place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9pm.
Els Mercats Medievals (Medieval Markets): These Medieval-inspired market stalls are set up every weekend of July along the seaside promenade, the Carmen district, in the Jardines de Ayora and the Jardin del Palau de la Música.
El Festival de Pirotécnia (The Firework Festival): Every Saturday this July, the midnight sky between Marina Real and the Arenas beach will transform into a canvas filled with light and colour from the festival’s impressive firework displays.
The 17th Jazz Festival in the Jardines del Palau de la Música: this series of concerts includes activities for children and afternoons for the elderly amongst many other events, including the spectacular fairground which is set up every year in the old Turia riverbed, now the Parque del Turia, between the famous bridge covered with flowers, the Puente de las Flores, and the statuesque Puente de la Exposición.
El Sopar de la Punxà i la Batalla de Flors: As the final act, these traditional events showcasing regional food and flowers on 27 and 28 July signal the end of the Feria de Julio until next year.
These events and many more are due to take place this month across the city’s neighbourhoods and well-known spots, to the backdrop of a sultry summer heat which brings out the best in the wonderful music, colours and tunes which fill the gardens and squares of Valencia, the ‘ciudad de la luz’ (the city of light).
Here is a map of the city which will help you find your way around.
For more information, visit the oficial website of the Feria de Julio.
