Virgen de los Desamparados 2024 in Valencia

This celebration is dedicated to the patron of Valencia, Our Lady of the Forsaken. It dates back to the 15th century when a priest urged to build a hospital that would give roof for all the mentally ill and homeless in the streets. The idea worked and people started celebrating this holiday that eventually became one of the most animated events in Valencia. The symbol of this holiday is the statue of the Virgin Mary with her head a little bowed down, holding a lily in one and baby Jesus in other hand. Like most religious events, this one is also followed by masses, processions, parades and fireworks. On Saturday night, when folkloric music and dancings are everywhere, thousands of people join the procession masked in costumes waiting for the firework to shoot at midnight and preparing for next day's main event. Sunday’s morning parade is a vivid, colorful and most amusing event of the celebration.