Corpus Christi de València

Known as the Festa Grossa, it is one of the city's oldest traditions, with 700 years of history. It mixes the religious and the popular with the Rocas (monumental floats), els Gegants i Cabuts, the traditional dances and the Cabalgata del Convite. The street events are free to access.

València has celebrated Corpus Christi since 1355, which makes it the city's oldest religious festival, going back some 700 years. It falls in May or June depending on the liturgical calendar (always the Sunday after the feast day). The street events are free and fill the old town with carriages, giants and dances.

What it is

Locals call it la Festa Grossa (the big festival) because for centuries it was the city's main celebration. It blends the religious and the popular: the Blessed Sacrament procession shares the streets with eleven Rocas (monumental carriages, the oldest of them from the 16th century), els Gegants i Cabuts (giants and big-heads), the guild dances, and figures like the Moma and the Momos, who act out virtue against the seven deadly sins.

A bit of history

By the mid-14th century the festival was already taking over the streets. The Rocas were built to carry biblical scenes in procession, and the Casa de les Roques still keeps and restores them today. One root of Valencian festival tradition lies here, in this medieval Corpus that mixed theatre, guilds and religion.

What to see and do

The morning brings the highlight: the Cabalgata del Convite, which re-enacts the old invitation the city council made to join the procession. It works its way around Plaza de la Reina, the Cathedral and the streets of El Micalet and Cavallers. Midway comes the poalà: buckets of water tossed to cool the crowd. In the afternoon the solemn procession sets out with the monstrance.

Arrive early; the pavements on Reina and Cavallers fill up fast.
Bring water and a hat; the June sun is strong.
Pair it with other free things to do in the old town.

Frequently asked questions

When is València's Corpus?

In May or June, set by the liturgical calendar (the Sunday after the feast of Corpus Christi). Check the exact dates and times for the current year in the live agenda.

Is it free?

Yes. The street events (Cabalgata del Convite, the transfer of the Rocas, the dances and the procession) are all open to everyone.

Where is the best spot?

Around Plaza de la Reina, the Cathedral and Calle dels Cavallers, where the Rocas, the giants and the parade pass through.