Benejúzar is getting ready for five days of fiestas, music, folklore and one of the town’s biggest annual traditions.
The Fiestas and Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgen del Pilar run from Thursday 8 to Monday 12 October, culminating in the traditional pilgrimage to the sanctuary.
The programme includes the descent of the Virgen del Pilar into town, children’s celebrations, a motorcycle offering, live music, the flower offering and an all-night party before the main event on 12 October.
The fiestas begin on Thursday
Celebrations get under way on Thursday 8 October from 19:30 with the
opening proclamation and the fourth folklore festival featuring Grupo Folklórico El Pilar de Benejúzar.
One of the most important moments follows on Friday 9 October.
At 10:00, residents will accompany the image of the Virgen del Pilar from her sanctuary down to the Nuestra Señora del Rosario parish church.
The day also coincides with Valencian Community Day. A civic procession in honour of the Real Senyera leaves the Town Hall at 20:30 for the José Aparicio Auditorium.
A lyrical concert dedicated to the Virgen del Pilar follows.
Children take over the streets
Saturday 10 October puts younger residents at the heart of the celebrations.
The traditional Farolata will bring children onto the streets dressed in traditional Aragonese-style clothing and carrying lanterns.
At 21:00, the José Aparicio Auditorium in Plaza de España hosts the Children’s Folklore Festival.
Motorbikes replace lanterns on Sunday morning.
Moto-club Centauros del Alba and Luma will take part in the traditional Motorcycle Offering from 10:30, travelling from the sanctuary to the Nuestra Señora del Rosario parish church.
Flowers, music and an all-night party
Sunday evening brings another of the busiest parts of the programme.
Benejúzar Town Hall welcomes fiesta delegations from neighbouring municipalities at 19:00, followed by the Flower Offering at 20:00.
Those with enough stamina can then head to La Víspera Fest at the covered sports court.
Music runs from 23:00 on Sunday until 06:00 on Monday, with Josean DJ, La Hornet, DJ Pablo Músico and Isidro DJ.
The traditional Serenata also takes place at midnight.
Pilgrimage day on 12 October
Monday 12 October brings the main event.
The Virgen del Pilar leaves the Nuestra Señora del Rosario parish church at 09:00 for the traditional Romería (Pilgrimage) back to the sanctuary.
Organisers expect the procession to arrive at around 11:00, when a Mass accompanied by traditional Aragonese music, will take place.
The five-day celebration ends from 20:00 with the traditional Farewell to the Virgen.
A group from Benejúzar, led by the Mañas, will then travel to Zaragoza on Tuesday 13 October to take part in the Ofrenda de Frutos and Rosario de Cristal during the city’s own fiestas.
Virgen del Rosario celebrations come first
Before the Pilar fiestas begin, Benejúzar has two events dedicated to its patron, the Virgen del Rosario.
Popular Open-Air Party takes place on Saturday 3 October at 21:00. Residents only need to bring their own food, as the council will provide tables, chairs and drinks.
Then, on Wednesday 7 October, a Mass begins at 19:00 for the feast day of the Virgen del Rosario.
A procession through Benejúzar and a fireworks display will follow.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- Benejúzar’s Virgen del Pilar fiestas run from Thursday 8 to Monday 12 October.
- The Virgen del Pilar comes down from the sanctuary at 10:00 on Friday 9 October.
- Friday evening includes a civic procession and concert for Valencian Community Day.
- Children take centre stage for the Farolata and folklore festival on Saturday.
- Sunday’s flower offering begins at 20:00.
- La Víspera Fest runs from 23:00 on Sunday until 06:00 on Monday.
- The traditional pilgrimage begins at 09:00 on Monday 12 October.
- Benejúzar also celebrates the Virgen del Rosario on 3 and 7 October.
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