Luminaria and other popular festivals (Bolbaite)

In Paseo de Bolbaite stands a striking monument to La Luminaria, in the place where this emblematic festival is celebrated every year. Before that, in the annual festive cycle, the celebration of Epiphany takes place, that is, the feast of the Three Kings, who distribute gifts to children and adults, door to door. Days later, specifically on January 15, 16, and 17, the festivity of San Antón Abad takes place, with a special bonfire made up of a huge and perfect cone of pine logs and branches. It is known here by the ancestral name of ‘luminaria.’ Animals and bread are also blessed in the Church Square, and the embers of the saint’s bonfire are used to prepare a good barbecue of meat accompanied by wine and peanuts.

The Fallas take place the weekend before the official start of the Fallas in Valencia, organized by a single commission called Falla No ni poc. Then, after Holy Week, between April and May, Bolbaite dedicates its festivities to its venerated patron San Francisco de Paula and the Christ of Amparo. The people of Bolbaite and visitors from neighboring towns also enjoy the Moors and Christians parade, as well as the relevant religious events, parades, and festivities, etc.

The first week of August is dedicated to the Cultural Week, with sports, musical, and theatrical activities, presentation of queens and festival participants, etc. Shortly after, on August 16, is the festival of San Roque, on Calvario Street. The festive calendar closes with the celebration of Santa Bárbara, patroness of Bolbaite, on December 4. The most relevant event is the early morning Despertá, with a route of music and popular songs, accompanied by a large display of fireworks. The image of the saint is taken down from the hermitage and then taken up in the form of a pilgrimage, being the most peculiar event of the festival.