🌸 Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025 in Valencia: Tradition and Culture
The Our Lady of the Forsakenpatron saint of the city of Valenciais one of the most important and beloved symbols for Valencians. Every year, during the month of May, a series of festive and religious events are held in his honour, bringing together thousands of people from all over Spain and the world. In 2025, the Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025 They promise to be even more special, with a packed programme of activities ranging from processions and masses to dances and concerts.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Virgen de los Desamparados, her importance as patron saint of Valencia, and we will detail all the events scheduled for the Madonna Week 2025which will take place from Friday 9 May to Monday 12 May.
📜 History of the Virgin of the Desamparados
Origin and Devotion
Devotion to the Our Lady of the Forsaken dates back to the 16th century, when the image of the Virgin Mary was carved by the sculptor José de Riberaone of the greatest artists of the time. The story of the Virgen de los Desamparados begins in the context of medieval Valencia, when the city was going through difficult times due to the plague and war.
The Our Lady of the Forsaken is considered the patron saint of those most in need of help: the homelessThe homelessThe patients and the poor. From her first apparitions, Our Lady was seen as a symbol of hope for the most needy, to whom she offered comfort, protection and refuge. For this reason, her figure is associated with the maternal care and the divine compassion.
The Our Lady of the Forsaken is especially venerated in Valencia, but her cult has spread throughout the Valencian Community and other parts of the world. In 1923, the Pope Pius XI officially proclaimed it as Patron Saint of the City of ValenciaSince then his feast day has been celebrated with great fervour.
Second Sunday in May: Feast in honour of the Virgin Mary
The second Sunday in May is the main day of the festivity, the day on which Valencians celebrate the Our Lady of the Forsaken with various activities covering both religious and cultural aspects. During these days, the city is filled with flowers, music, dances and, above all, a large number of people. liturgical events where citizens gather to pay homage to their patron saint.
The Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025 are not only a tribute to the patron saint, but also an opportunity for all the inhabitants of Valencia to join in a celebration full of faith and joy.
📅 Programme of Events for the Festivity of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025
This year, the Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025 will include surprises and novelties that will enrich the experience of all those attending the festival.
We invite you to participate in the Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025 and to live a unique experience that highlights the importance of the Virgen de los Desamparados in the life of the Valencian community.
The activities of the Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025 are varied and designed to involve people of all ages, promoting an atmosphere of joy and fellowship.
In 2025, the festivity of the Virgen de los Desamparados will take place between 9 and 12 May. The programmed events include a series of processions, masses, concerts y dancesall of which are open to the general public, regardless of their religious beliefs. The full programme of events is detailed below.
Friday 9 May 2025
With each act of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025The Valencian people's commitment to their culture and traditions is renewed, making the festival an unforgettable event.
20:00 h - Dansà del Mundo Fallero Infantil (Children's Fallas World Dance)
The festivities begin with the traditional Dansà of the Children's Fallas Worldwhich will take place at the Plaza de la Virgen. This dance is one of the most endearing traditions of the festival, in which Valencian children, dressed in their traditional costumes, perform a dance in honour of the Virgen de los Desamparados. Participation in this activity is open to any child who wishes to take part.
23:00 h - Dansà del Mundo Fallero Adult
At 23:00 h, there will be the Dansà del Mundo Fallero AdultThe adults take part in a traditional dance that symbolises the union of the Fallas community with the Virgin. This event is one of the most eagerly awaited in the programme, as it reflects the affection and devotion of the Valencians towards their patron saint.
As the Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025As a result, preparations in the city will begin to intensify, showing the devotion of the citizens to their patron saint.
Saturday 10 May 2025
10:30 h - Mass sung by the Escolania (choir)
One of the most important religious events is the sung mass in the Basilica of the Virgin of the Desamparadoswhich will be celebrated at 10:30 am. The mass will be officiated by the Escolania CorpsThe liturgy will be accompanied by a group of children and young singers who will sing hymns dedicated to Our Lady.
12:00 h - Sabatina
At 12:00 h, in the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados, will be celebrated the traditional Sabatinaa special mass that takes place every Saturday in honour of the Virgin. During this ceremony, the faithful gather to pray and ask the intercession of the Virgen de los Desamparados for their needs and those of the city.
13:00 h - Commemorative Mass of the Anniversary of the Pontifical Coronation
At 13:00 a special mass will be celebrated in commemoration of the anniversary of the Pontifical Coronation of the Virgen de los Desamparados. This mass will be a homage to the Virgin, who was crowned Pontifical in 1923, an act that marked a milestone in the history of the city and consolidated its position as a Patron Saint of Valencia.
18:30 h - Dance of the ball groups of the villages
At 6:30 p.m., the Plaza de la Virgen will be the stage for the Dance of the ball groups of the villagesThe event will feature folk dance groups from different towns and villages in the Valencian Community. This dance is a sample of the popular traditions of the towns and cities of the region.
20:00 h - Solemn Salve Solemnisima
The Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025 will culminate in a great display of light and colour, symbolising the union of the community around the figure of the Virgin.
At 20:00 h, the Escolania will sing the Solemn Salve Solemnissimaa special prayer dedicated to the Virgin. This act is one of the most emotional moments of the festivity, in which Valencians express their devotion and gratitude to the Virgen de los Desamparados.
23:00 h - Concert by the Municipal Symphonic Band of Valencia
At 23:00 h, the Valencia Municipal Symphonic Band will offer a concert in the Plaza de la Virgen. The symphonic music will be performed by some of the best musicians in the city, and the repertoire will include pieces dedicated to the Virgen de los Desamparados.
23:59 h - Fireworks display
The day will culminate with an impressive fireworks displaywhich will light up the sky over Valencia. This fireworks display is one of the most eagerly awaited traditions of the festival, and has become a symbol of the city.
Sunday 11 May 2025
05:00 h - Mass of Descoberta
The day 11 May will start early with the traditional Mass of Descobertawhich celebrates the discovery of the image of the Virgen de los Desamparados. This mass is an act of thanksgiving for the protection that the Virgin has offered the city of Valencia for centuries.
08:00 h - Infants' Mass
At 08:00 h, there will be the Children's Massa mass specially designed for children. The ceremony will include songs and prayers dedicated to the youngest children, who are considered the future guardians of the tradition.
10:30 h - Transfer of the image of the Virgin to the Cathedral
One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the festival is the transfer of the image of the Virgin of the Desamparados from the Basilica to the Valencia Cathedral. During this act, the image of the Virgin is carried in procession through the streets of the city, followed by thousands of faithful who participate in the procession. religious procession.
11:30 h - Pontifical Mass in the Cathedral
At 11:30 a.m., a pontifical mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral of Valencia, presided over by the Archbishop of Valencia. This ceremony is of great importance for Valencians, as it symbolises the union of the city with its patron saint.
14:00 h - Mascletà
The traditional mascletà will be held at 14:00 h in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, as part of the celebrations. This fireworks display is one of the most popular traditions in Valencia, and is always a vibrant experience for those who enjoy it.
17:30 h - Start of the general procession with the "fallas".
At 17:30 h, the great general procession in which all the fallas of the city will take part. The procession will go through the main streets of Valencia, culminating in the Plaza de la Virgen.
For all Valencians, the Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025 are an occasion to remember the history and faith that binds the community together.
18:15 h - Participation of the other entities
From 18:15 h, other religious entities and associations of the city will also join the procession, participating with their respective images and banners.
Monday 12 May 2025
20:30 h - Ronda a la Mare de Déu
The final important event of the festival is the Ronda a la Mare de Déuwhich will take place at 20:30 in the Plaza de la Virgen. In this act, a musical tribute will be paid to the Virgen de los Desamparados, with the participation of the Valencia Municipal Symphonic Bandthe Orfeó Valencià and a group of soloists.
Official Programme of Events of the Virgen de los Desamparados 2025
Download or consult the Virgen de los Desamparados Events 2025 HERE
The festivity of the Virgen de los Desamparados is one of the most important moments in Valencia's calendar. If you have the chance to be in the city during these dates, don't miss the opportunity to experience the devotion, culture and history of the city at its best.
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