Festivals
Peniscola International Comedy Film Festival
Held between the months of May and June at the Palau de Congressos in Peniscola
(Conference Hall). Entry is free. It is a comedy film festival attended by many
famous actors. During the festival there are processions, films, workshops, conferences
and other free activities for the general public.
Peniscola Castle Classic Theatre Festival
A wonderful occasion to enjoy the classics of great playwrights such as Calderón
de la Barca and Miguel de Cervantes in an ideal setting: inside the patio de armas
(ancient inner ward) of the Papa Luna Castle. The festival is held during July and
August
International Jazz Festival
During July, renowned jazz bands and musicians bring us closer to the world of jazz.
All week long there are performances in the Peniscola Conference Hall and other
places in and around the old quarter. During the festival there are also parallel
activities such as exhibitions and seminars with jazz as the main subject.
International Ancient and Baroque Music Festival
First rate musicians and orchestras come together in this musical exhibition that
is already consolidated in the world of European Ancient and Baroque music. The
festival opens with a pyro-musical show held in the setting of the Peniscola Castle
and takes place in August at Peniscola Castle.
Peniscola Classical Music Concerts
On this occasion, both established national and international musicians as well
as young performers take part in classical music concerts. These concerts start
every year with the traditional "Fisherman's Mass" around the middle
of September.
Hondarribia-Peniscola International Guitar Festival
During Easter there are concerts in both Peniscola and Hondarribia where performers
from all over the world participate.
Music Bands Festival
At the end of July, in Artillería Park the traditional music band annual concert
takes placeplace. The event is organised by the Verge de l'Ermitana musical association
in collaboration with Peniscola City Council.
Traditional Fiestas
Patron Saint's Festival in honour of the Mare de Deu de L'Ermitana
This fiesta, which is declared to be of National Tourist Interest, starts on 7th
September. The most characteristic events are the "danses de llauradores"
(traditional farmer's dances), "danzantes" (dancers), "gitanetes"
(gypsies), "perengrines i cavallets" (pilgrims and ponies), the dance-battle
of the Moors and Christians which takes place on the 8th and 9th September at the
"Pla�a d'Armes", the heifers on the beach and during the early morning
the Moors and Christians parades and the firework displays.
Sant Roc Festivity
A floral offering and traditional street parade in honour of the patron saint of
Peniscola takes place on 16th August in the Plaza San Roc.
Sant Antoni Abad
On 17th January a bonfire is lit and typical products are roasted and there is a
popular open-air dance. There is a mass and a small procession with carts where
the animals are blessed. Blessed sweet rolls are handed out to the people.
Carnival
Carnival is held in the middle of February and for one weekend there are fancy dress
parades and balls. On the last day hot chocolate is served to the children and the
last act takes place, "The Burial of the Sardine".
Holy Week
There are different events during Easter, the most important being religious such
as the processions held on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. There are however various
activities for children held at different locations in the city and also exhibitions
in the Papa Luna Castle.
Fallas
At the end of April this popular fiesta takes place with the plantà (placing)
of papier mâché monument, parades, masses, fireworks and the cremà
(burning) at the end of the festivities.
Romer�a de Sant Antoni
This event takes place on the Sunday following Easter. A pilgrimage is made to the
Ermita del Santo located 6 km outside the city. Afterwards a mass takes place at
the hermitage in honour of the saint, followed by food and dancing.
Sant Isidro Celebrations
This festivity is held on 15th May with popular events such as open-air street dances,
heifer bullfights, shooting and horse drawn carts... It all takes place in the Plaza
Sant Isidro.
Sant Joan Celebrations
On the 23rd June, the night of San Juan is celebrated during which there are Habanera
concerts, bonfires and fireworks to celebrate the shortest night of the year.
Sant Pere Celebrations
Celebrated on 28th June with a procession of fishing boats and heifer bullfights.
Sant Cristófol Festivity
At the end of June the day devoted to drivers takes place and there is the blessing
of vehicles.
Other Events
“Ciudad de Peniscola” and “Francisco A. Pastor” Short Stories
Literary Prize
Authors from all over the world gather at this short story competition. It takes
place in the Gothic Hall of Papa Luna castle in the middle of April.
Medieval Street Market and Festival
During the Christmas and New Year holidays, in Plaza Santa Maria an old market set
in the Middle Ages is recreated with medieval arts and craft trade workshops and
stalls where craftwork and traditional food are sold.
Living Crib
During the Christmas and New Year's holiday festivities in the Artillería
Park scenes from the bible are re-enacted with the participation of all age groups
from young children to the elderly.