Local Traditions & Festivals
From lively parades to firework-filled nights, Castellón’s local holidays bring the city to life—here’s a glimpse of what to expect year-round.
Festes de Sant Antoni (St. Anthony’s Day)
When: Mid-January
Description: This festival honors Saint Anthony, the protector of animals. People bring their pets and livestock to be blessed, and bonfires and traditional dancing are central to the festivities. Many towns around Castellón also hold their own versions of this celebration.
Fiestas de la Magdalena (Magdalena Festivities)
When: Held for nine days between February and March (dates vary each year).
Description: This is Castellón’s major festival, celebrating the founding of the city. It features parades, fireworks, music, traditional dances, and “mascletàs” (loud firecracker displays). Key events include the “Romería de las Cañas,” a pilgrimage to the site of Castellón’s original settlement, “Pregó,” the main parade, Meson de las Tapas & Cervezas, Meson del Vino, and plazas filled with live music.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
When: The week leading up to Easter
Description: In Castellón, Semana Santa features processions and religious ceremonies, with streets filled with people honoring different saints.
Each day focuses on a different figure from the Passion story, ending with Easter celebrations.
Corpus Cristi
When: Usually in June
Description: A religious celebration with deep roots in Spain. In Castellón, you’ll find traditional dances, floral displays, and the famous “Caballers de la Conquesta” parades, where participants dress in medieval costumes.
San Juan (Saint John’s Eve)
When: Evening of June 23
Description: Celebrated along Castellón’s beaches, this holiday marks the summer solstice with bonfires and symbolic rituals. People jump over fires or into the sea at midnight, believed to bring good luck.
Sant Pere (Saint Peter’s Festival)
When: End of June
Description: Celebrated in the maritime district of Grau, this holiday honors Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. Events include processions, concerts, running of the bulls and traditional fish and seafood dishes, along with firework displays over the sea.