The Fiestas de la Magdalena in Castelló de la Plana
Few families who visit Castelló (Castellón) know the reason for the name "plana" (flat). It is due to the transfer of the settlers from the Magdalena mountain to the coastal plain in 1251. And it is precisely during the Festivities of the Magdalena that the people of Castellón commemorate this descent from the mountain to the plain.
This year 2025, the Fiestas de la Magdalena begin on the 22nd of March at 16:00h with the Cabalgata del Pregó, a parade of mythological and popular character.
The parade takes its name from the set of verses that are repeated along the route and which, in the voice of the figure of the "Pregoner", invite residents and visitors to participate in the festivities through the Mayor of the city. The "Pregó" is a tradition that allows the spectator to take a journey through the past and present of the province and city of Castelló.
La Romería de les Canyes
On Sunday 23rd March, one of the most emotional and oldest events takes place: the pilgrimage to the hermitage of La Magdalena. The people of Castellón get up early to collect their cane and ribbon from the Central Market and set off for the hermitage of La Magdalena. This pilgrimage is attended by a large number of locals and families, carrying the cane as a cane topped with a green silk ribbon.
The lighting of the Gaiatas
The Gaiatas are one of the most eagerly awaited spectacles of the Fiestas de la Magdalena. They are illuminated monuments (the so-called Gaiatas) that go around the city.
On 24th March, the Gaiates parade is held in which, on floats like temples, the illuminated monuments walk through the streets, recalling the lanterns used by the primitive inhabitants of Castellón when they came down from the mountains to settle in La Plana.
The festivities continues in Castellón
Another of the highlights of the fiestas is the Mascletàs (fireworks) competition. Gunpowder is a must in any celebration in the Region of Valencia. Between the 24th and 30th March, seven fireworks displays will battle it out to be the best of the Magdalena 2025 festivities.
On the morning of 24th March, the protagonists will be the youngest residents of Castelló with the Children's Proclamation that will take place in the main streets of the city. Starting in San Roque street (Forn del Pla), it goes along Sanahuja, María Agustina, Mayor, Gasset, Puerta del Sol and Ruiz Zorrilla streets to finish in Rey Don Jaime avenue.
On the Avenida Rey Don Jaime, on the same 24th March but at 20:15 the Encesa (lighting) of all the Gaiatas takes place, one by one, in the presence of the Queen, integrating themselves in a spectacle of light that floods this space. The Encesa de las Gaiatas began to be celebrated in 1991 as an act of popular homage to the Gaiata, the symbol of identity of the Magdalena. It is a moment full of light and colour, in which the Gaiata monument is exalted.
After the encession, each monument is moved to its corresponding location, where it will remain until the end of the fiestas, in its respective commission.
The second Saturday of the Magdalena festivities, the Offering of Flowers to the Mare de Déu del Lledó, patron saint of the city, is also an event that stands out for its emotion, antiquity and colourfulness. It will take place on 29th March at 16:00h.
The festivities of the Magdalena 2025 in Castelló end on Sunday 30th March with the Final Parade of the Fiestas, a big fireworks display and a firework display in the Plaza Mayor.
Throughout the festivities there will also be cultural, sporting and musical events, an artisan market, a fair of rictions... And much more! For the full programme you can consult the website of the Fiestivities of the Magdalena.
Escape to Castelló de la Plana with the family
Book a getaway in one of the Tour & Kids family accommodations and enjoy the traditional and spectacular Magdalena Festival and all that Castellón has to offer for families. Discover it!
