Ferias y Fiestas en honor a la Virgen del Rosario en Valenzuela de Calatrava

Introduction and local significance

The Ferias y Fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Rosario in Valenzuela de Calatrava take place this year from 2 to 11 October 2026. This patronal event, deeply rooted in the festive calendar of this town in the province of Ciudad Real, in Castilla-La Mancha, is traditionally celebrated in October. The official programme brings together locals and visitors for a varied agenda of events including religious ceremonies, cultural proposals, sports fixtures and popular evening dances held in various locations around the municipality. Institutional information about these festive days can be consulted via the town hall's official website.

Historical origins and tradition

The celebrations retain very characteristic traditional rites that set the pace of the festivities. Among the most prominent moments is the parade to collect the Jineta (a traditional staff) and the town crier, which officially gives way to the main days. Liturgical and devotional events include the Floral Offering to the Virgen del Rosario, accompanied by a performance from the «Alabarderos» Choir and Dance Group from Bolaños de Calatrava, as well as the traditional Rosarios de la Aurora (early morning rosaries) and the solemn Flag Mass. Once the auction of the Virgin's insignia and flags is over, attendees gather to take part in the traditional «Pingorreo» (a festive gathering with music and local treats), which takes place in the multipurpose social centre hall.

Programme and main events

The official programme kicks off on 2 October at 20:00 with the parade, followed at 21:00 by the opening ceremony given by Valentín Naranjo Ávila and, at midnight, the first dance with the «El Tributazo» orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitución. On 3 October the day begins with breakfast with the elderly at the Hogar del Jubilado at 10:00, a children's playground at 12:00, the Second Regional football match between A.D. Valenzuela and A.F. Moraleño at 17:00, the floral offering at 20:30, the fireworks display at 21:30 and the dance with the «Calle 40» orchestra at midnight.

On 4 October features the Rosario de la Aurora at 07:00, Holy Mass followed by the «Puñao» (a traditional treat of roasted nuts and sweets) in the Municipal Auditorium at 12:00, and the procession of the Most Holy Virgen del Rosario through the village streets at 21:00. On 5 October highlights include the Flag Mass at 12:00, the auction and the «Pingorreo» at 13:00, and the comedy monologue by Darío Mares at 22:00. The programme continues on 6 October with the mass for the deceased, the cooking competition meal at the Fairground at 14:00 and copla music by Carmen Abad at 21:30. The following days include the mass for the sick, film screenings such as «Minions & Monsters» and «Toy Story 5» in the library, the play «Dinero Negro» by Calderón Teatro on 9 October, a petanque tournament and a football match against C.D. Manchego Ciudad Real B on 10 October, as well as the dance by the «Mambo Show» orchestra and the end-of-fiesta fireworks on 11 October.

Traditional festival food

During the festivity, the «Puñao» stands out, a traditional treat offered by the Virgin's brotherhood at the end of Holy Mass in the Municipal Auditorium. In addition, the programme encourages popular participation with specific culinary events, such as the cooking competition meal held at the Fairground on 6 October. For other meals and lunches, local establishments allow visitors to sample traditional recipes from Manchegan cuisine.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To attend the Ferias y Fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Rosario in Valenzuela de Calatrava, it is important to bear in mind that the opening aperitif requires prior booking. It is recommended to check the official programme before travelling, as times and events may be subject to change. On days with the highest public turnout, it is preferable to use public transport or park vehicles outside the town centre to speed up journeys. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for these dates, with staying in the municipality itself or in nearby towns being a good option to easily follow the evening events and dances.