This weekend, the celebrations for San Vicente Ferrer really got underway… we stumbled by accident across quite a few of them.
Friday: Paella Street Party in Ruzafa
After a delicious tapas dinner at Tasca de Ruzafa, we came across a raucous paella party near the neighborhood market. There was a great little band playing upbeat music, to which a few intoxicated revelers were dancing. And about 10 separate groups had made paella. Too bad we were already full, because I think we could have scored some free samples!
Sunday: Procession & Mascletà at Pl. Tossal
At around 13:30 on Sunday, a small procession carried a statue of San Vicente Ferrer to the altar constructed at Plaza Tossal. After the good saint had been raised to his position on top of the altar’s clouds, a small but noisy mascletà was shot off. My parents, who are visiting the city for the first time, had never experienced one of these fireworks before, and will likely never forget their first. No amount of warning as to the noise level can prepare mascletà-virgins!
Monday: 7pm Procession
Monday is the official day of the saint, and is a holiday in Valencia. Throughout the day, onlookers can watch re-creations of the Saint’s miracles, performed by children, at the numerous altars erected throughout the city. And of course, there are many fireworks.
At 7pm, the main procession circles around Calle Paz, Plaza Tetuan and the Iglesia de San Esteban, beginning and ending at the city cathedral. This is the largest parade during the holiday and definitely worth seeing.
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