In case you didn’t know, on Monday 20th April, Valencians will celebrate the local holiday known as “San Vicente Ferrer”. They don’t have a fixed date for celebrating it, because every year it takes place on the second Monday of Easter. Next year it will fall even earlier, on April 12th!

Despite it being an annual festival, many Valencians don’t know much about the history or origin of this celebration, and even about the events taking place in the city. So, if you ask someone and they don’t know, don’t fret. We’re going to explain all right here.

Why is this day celebrated in Valencia?

Well, “San Vicente Ferrer” was a philosopher and a Dominican preacher, who was also known as “Sant Vicent el del ditet” because it’s said that he used to perform miracles with his index finger! He is now the patron saint of Valencia and so a holiday is taken in remembrance of him.

He was born on January 22^nd, 1350 in Valencia and dedicated his life to traveling on his donkey all over Spain and other European cities, spreading his thoughts on religion and performing ‘miraculous acts’  everywhere he went. On 1410 he founded the first registered orphanage in the world right here in Valencia, before he died in Britanny in 1419.

Perhaps this celebration is not as well-known as others, but the fact that it is in honor of the patron saint of the city makes it a special celebration for Valencians!

To find out more about local holidays and festivities, check out the section of our blog About Valencia, here!