Great Valencia Fair, or Feria de Julio 2025

In July, Valencia comes alive with its traditional Great Valencia Fair. The city organizes a month of vibrant activities, filling the streets with color, outdoor concerts, amusement fair, and fireworks displays along the seafront. Cultural events abound, including a special night when museums stay open until dawn, and the spectacular Battle of Flowers serves as the grand finale. It's a must-attend event for anyone visiting Valencia during this time, offering an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant cultural activities and celebrations.

Music Entertainment

During Valencia's July Festival, the Viveros Gardens transform into a vast outdoor concert hall, hosting performances by top Spanish and international bands. Coinciding with the Great Valencia Fair, the city also holds a Jazz Festival at the Palau de la Música, featuring legendary jam sessions and a free concert in the Palau Gardens to kick off the event. The International Music Band Contest, established in 1886, occurs in the second half of July. This unique and prestigious event is hosted at the Palau de la Música. Another event not to be missed during the Fair is the Gran Nit. This night features musical performances at various spots around the city, paella tastings, and museums that remain open until dawn.

Traditional Activities

Meanwhile, the seaside districts celebrate the Moors and Christians festival with a large nighttime procession through the streets of Cabañal and Malvarrosa, culminating in a dramatic landing on the seafront promenade and the Moors and Christians Entrance Parade.

Flower Battle (July 28, 2024)

The Flower Battle, takes place on the last Sunday of July. During this event, young ladies on floats and crowds below engage in a playful flower fight. Thousands of marigolds are thrown through the air for nearly an hour, creating a beautiful multicolored carpet on the ground. This unique and enchanting event takes place on the Alameda promenade at approximately 8 pm.

Bullfighting

Bullfights occur in the second half of July during what was formerly known as the San Jaime Fair. Bullfighting, an integral aspect of traditional fairs, assumes a central role in the festivities at the end of July in Valencia. The July Fair typically features four bullfighting events, including four bullfights in total. These events showcase a mix of seasoned champions, local talent, and emerging young bullfighters, creating an electrifying atmosphere within the bullring. Prior to the main events, the Bullfighting Schools Contest takes place, offering a platform for aspiring bullfighters to demonstrate their skills.

Firework Competition

One of the most popular events is the International Fireworks Competition, which attracts teams from around the world competing to create the most spectacular fireworks display. Held every Saturday in July at the Marina Real, this competition is a breathtaking sight to behold.

History of the Festival

In 1870, the Valencia City Council proposed an annual fair and exhibition of various products in July to revitalize the capital and attract visitors. This fair was organized around the San Jaime bullfighting cycle, becoming one of the first modern fairs to feature up to six consecutive bullfights. The connection between bullfighting and the July Fair is integral to its identity. The inaugural July Fair on July 21, 1871, featured a vibrant parade, pavilions, plant exhibitions, and general product sales. In 1891, the Battle of the Flowers was introduced.