Fiestas in Gandía

We start the year with the procession of the Three Kings on 5th January. During the first month of the year the fiesta of San Antonio Abad is held in Gandia and the neighbouring town of Benirredrà with the burning of a bonfire in the hermitage named after the saint and with the “porrat”, or open air market. In other areas such as Beniopa and el Grau the blessing of animals takes place.

The Fallas, which have been declared to be of Tourist Interest, are extremely popular. From March 16th to 19th (the night of San José) the people of Gandia celebrate their festivities and on the last night the monumental Falla sculptures are converted into spectacular bonfires. Gandia's Holy Week celebrations have also been declared to be of National Tourist Interest and are held directly after the Fallas fiestas.

During the summer months some of Gandia's suburbs host their town fiestas (Benipeixcar, Beniopa and Santa Ana). In June, traditional dances lead the Corpus Christi Procession preceded by a collection of dances rescued from medieval tradition in Benipeixcar, Beniopa and Santa Ana.

The procession in honour of the Virgen del Carmen and the traditional releasing of ducks. These are very important events in the town of El Grau.

La Feria (celebrated since 1310) and the Gandia Fiestas in honour of San Francisco de Borja take place between the end of September and the beginning of October. The festivities begin with the parade of the Tío de la Porra, which satirises the Town Hall.

On Christmas Eve (24th December) the Cant de la Sibil.la (Sibyl's chant) is held at the Santa Ana Hermitage. It is of Greek origin but was integrated into Christian tradition.