Peniscola's Patron Saints Fiesta...

The Plaza de Armas is the place where the dances, which take place each year in honour of the town’s patron saint, are highly anticipated. These age old traditional dances and parades are a tribute to the farming and militaristic past of Pope Luna’s city. The origin of the dances is remote, having been absorbed by the dansants groups, llauradores, llauradoretes, cavallets, pelegrins, Moors and Christians; however, the dansants, dressed up with starched underskirt, are the most well-known. The castell (castle), the last part of their performance, is a human tower from which emotive verses are recited.

To this traditional festivity, some enchanting Moors and Christians parades have been added. The parade marchers can be seen on the last two days of the celebration, rhythmically moving to the beat of beautiful music and dazzling colour as they bring the festivity to a close.

2009 Programme...

31st August

1pm Bell Ringing to announce the start of the Fiesta

1st to 6th September

10pm Novena Holy Mass and Prayers followed by a Serenata to the Patron Saint

Sunday 6th September

Horse Drag Competition on the South Beach

Monday 7th September

Crowning of the Fiesta Queen and her Court of Honour

Tuesday 8th September - Natividad de virgen

5pm Traditional procession of dancers from the old Ayuntamiento to the Plaza de Armes below the Castle

Wednesday 9th September – Patron Saints Day

5pm Traditional procession of dancers from the old Ayuntamiento to the Plaza de Armes

Thursday 10th September – Day of the Housewie

2pm Dinner for the Housewives in the Restaurant at Camping Eden.
5pm Running of the Bulls in the Plaza de Bous at the end of the North Beach

Friday 11 th September – Day of the Fishermen

11am Sardines and drinks behind the Fish Market

Saturday 12 th September – Day of the Infant

10am Childrens Activities
5pm Running of the Bulls in the Plaza de Bous
11.30 Bull Fighting in the Plaza de Bous

Sunday 13th September

8am Mountain Bike ride in the Sierra de Irta
10am Fushing Competition
5pm Running of the Bulls in the Plaza de Bous
10pm Concert in the Plaza de Santa Maria

Monday 14th September – Day of the Old Folk

11am Celebration in the Plaza de Santa Maria
2.30pm Dinner in the Restaurant at Camping Eden

Tuesday 15th September – International Day

12 midday – Flamenco dancing in the Plaza de Santa Maria
8.30pm International Food Festival in the Plaza de Santa Maria
10pm Music and Dance festival

Wednesday 16th September – Sports Day

10pm Flamenco dancing in the Plaza de Santa Maria

Thursday 17th September – Bicycle Day

Friday 18th September – Day of the Tourist

12.30 Sample local Pastries and Moscatel in front the Tourist Information Office
5pm Running of the Bulls in the Plaza de Bous
9.30pm Dance festival in the Plaza de Santa Maria

Saturday 19th September – Entry of the Moors and Christians

7pm Grand Fiesta Parade
Half an hour after midnight Firework Display

Sunday 20th September - Exit of the Moors and Christians

7.30pm – Farewell Parade followed by a Firework display

Fiestas