Valencia Trader

Fiesta de la Magdalena 2010

The fiesta de la Magdalena 2010 is held in Castellon from 6-14  March 2010.

The origin of the celebrations is the transfer of the city from the hill of the Magdalena to the coastal plain in 1251.  With the Cavalcade of the Pregó, a parade of historical and popular character, the third Sunday of Cuaresma is celebrated.

The Magdalena is lived in the streets.  There are celebrations with the most representative and playful elements of the Mediterranean culture:  fireworks, music, dances, games and celebrations that mark the beginning of spring.

In the afternoon, after the Tornà (the return) from the Romería, the Gaiates parade will take place with carriages with illuminated bandstands that represent old lanterns used by the people from Castellón when descending the hill to the Plain. One of the most spectacular moments takes place when the Gaiates from the festive commissions and the one from the Town Hall create a lighted snake illuminating Castellón de la Plana. On Monday all the Gaiates will be lit one by one in the presence of the Queen of the celebrations in the Encesa (light) creating a light show that blends with Castellon´s night sky.

A very spectacular and ancient act celebrated on the second Saturday during Magdalena Festivities is the flower offering to the Mare de Déu del Lledó, the city's patron. 

During the celebrations, there are many events worth coming to the city of Castellon to see :- The Festival of International Music, the Festival of Dances, the concerts, the street circus performances of the Magdalena Circus and the Valencian theater.  The last Sunday of the week of celebrations, the queens of the fiesta give the traditional shout of MAGDALENA!  to which the people respond with the VITOL shout, and the celebrations finish with spectacular displays of fire.   For more information on the fiesta go to Magdalena