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Castellon de la Plana
Magdalena festivities 
23 February to 2 March

The memory of the city's foundation has survived in the minds of generations of castellonenses thanks to their very special festivities. More than 700 years ago, the inhabitans of the nearby Cerro de la Magdalena came down from their mountains and settled in the fertiles lands they have inhabited ever since.

The people of Castelló de la Plana celebrate the birth of the city every third sunday of Lent with a big mascletà (or firecracker celebration). Starting February 23rd until March 2nd, the people of Castellon tell their own history to the world.


The celebrations in honour of the Magdalene were declared of National Touristic Interest in 1965. They begin with the Cavalcada del Pregó and the Romeria de les Canyes, a massive event starting at dawn finishing at the Magdalene hermitage at Castell Vell.

The spectacular Encesa de les Gaiates is one of the most significant moments during the celebrations, but there is more! Equally spectacular is the Galanía, which pays homage to the Queen of the festivities and her maids of honor.

The festivities also have a touch of modernity with the performance of pop bands, entertainment troupes or the more traditional bullfighting feria.

Visit Castellon de la Plana and let yourself be carried away by the magic of light, fun and tradition at the Magadalena festivities. Take part in the tradition and follow the Magdalene, when the people of Castellon bid farewell to their "Queen", shouting ¡Magdalena Vítol!


Party in the streets
The Magdalena is celebrated on the streets. In La Magdalena all the traditional and most representative elements of mediterranean celebrations such as fireworks, music, dance, games and celebrations take place commemorating the beginning of the Spring season. The queens, who receive homage in the Galanía before the Magdalena festivities begin, such as the protagonists of these celebrations, the gaiateres and gaiaters, are the protagonists and spirit of these celebrations.

Music and dance festivals, concerts, performances, circus performances in the streets, theatre, correfocs and pasacalles are acts that make the visit to Castellón for these celebrations very attractive. On the last Sunday of the festive week, in the Plaza mayor, the Queen of the Festivities concludes the celebrations screaming "Magdalena Vítol" after lighting a series of firecrackers around the centre of the town.

 

WELCOME TO THE 2008 MAGDALENA CELEBRATIONS
Magdalena Festivities in Castellón de la Plana
Between February 23 through the March 02, Castellón de la Plana lives its Magdalena celebrations, held traditionally around the third Sunday during Lent. The lights and design of the Gaiates, the mascletás gunpowder, the fervour of the Romería de les Canyes, the music and many traditional acts that cheer up streets and plazas of Castellón de la Plana during these major celebrations.

El Pregó, the celebrations begin
The main festivity in Castellón de la Plana is traditionally held every year after the third Saturday during Lent celebrating the transferral of the old city of Castellón, to the plain in the 13th century. The Magdalena celebrations have been declared of national tourist interest. The celebrations last nine days and offer a varied program that includes fun traditional, religious and sportive


 

THE MAGDALENA FESTIVITIES 2008

PROGRAMMING

SATURDAY, 23rd of FEBRUARY

12:00 h. OFFICIAL OPENING OF FETIVITIES with  MASCLETAES (sound fireworks) in  C/ Mª Rosa Molás.
12:00 h. VIII MESÓN DE LA TAPA Y LA CERVEZA in España square from 12:00 to 16:30 h. and from 19:00 to 24:00 h.
12:30 h. OPENING OF XL MESÓN DEL VINO in Blasco Ibáñez. Avenue.
13:00 h. OPENING OF  THE ASTURIAN CENTER in Tetuán square. It will remain opened during the whole week. Typical Asturian meals will be offered.
13:30 h. HOMAGE TO KING JAUME I ,the conqueror, in his monument.
16:00 h. PREGÓ PARADE. Popular and traditional parade which will pass through the following streets: San Roque, Sanahuja, Mayor, Gasset, Puerta del Sol, Ruiz Zorrilla y avenida del Rey d. Jaime I. At the end lighting of El Fadrí ,  the bell tower.
20:00 h. TRADITIONAL MARIA´S BELL TURN OVER.
23:00 h. In the concerts area of Castellón, DANCE FESTIVAL.
23:00 h. In Santa Clara square, variety show with: Rocío Guillén (copla), Cañas (humour), y Leyla (modern song).
23:00 h. First day of the XIV PYROTECHNICS FESTIVAL CIUTAT DE CASTELLO, in the Pau Gumbau- Caminàs.
23:00 h. Night festival in Luis Vives street.
23:02 h. Night festival in Las Aulas square.
 

SUNDAY 24th of FEBRUARY

6:30 h. TRADITIONAL VICENTE’S BELL TURN OVER, announcing the day.
7:00 h. GIVING OUT OF CANES AND RIBBONS to the pilgrims.
8:00 h. PILGRIMS MASS in Santa Maria’s Cathedral. Then, CANES PILGRIMAGE to the Magdalena’s hermitage. At the arrival to the hermitage, MASCLETÀ. At the hermitage a mass as well as songs will be held.
13:00 h.   POPULAR PAELLA.
15:45 h. RETURN JOURNEY FROM THE HERMITAGE to Santa Maria´s Cathedral.
17:00 h. MAGDALENA’S BULLFIGHT.
18:00 h. Spanish opereta  in La Pérgola.
18:00 h. RETURN JOURNEY FROM THE HERMITAGE to the Basílica de Lledó.
19:00 h. The RETURN JOURNEY FROM THE HERMITAGE coming in the city through Forn del Plà, where the traditional act LES TRES CAIGUDES will be held. Then, penitents procession and  GAIATAS PARADE with the following route: San Roque, Sanahuja, Mayor, Gasset, Ruiz Zorrilla and avda. del Rey D. Jaime I.
23:00 h. Variety Show in Mayor square.
23:00 h. IV LOCAL MUSIC in  Concerts Area .
 

MONDAY 25th of FEBRUARY

10:30 h. Cart exhibition and Garnished Vehicles Contest. Hereafter, CHILDREN PARADE, with children participation remembering old customs, traditions from Castellón with the following itinerary: San Roque, Sanahuja, Mayor, Gasset, Puerta del Sol, Ruiz Zorrilla y Rey D. Jaime Avenue.
13:00 h. Brass bands parade along the main streets of the city.
14:00 h.  First day of the 14th MASCLETAES CONTEST CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ, in Sta. Mª Molás street.
16:00 h. 19th Visit to El Fadrí.
17:00 h. Local theatre.
17:00 h. In Mayor, square. FREE BALLOON.
17:00 h. MAGDALENA´S BULLFIGHT.
17:00 h. First day of MAGDALENA CIRCUS. In huerto Sogueros square.
17:30 h. 12th DANSÀ INFANTIL DE MAGDALENA (Folk Dances)
17:30 h. Opening of RTVV A MAGDALENA, children games area installed in La Muralla Liberal square. It will be open till 20:00 h.
18:30 h. Brass bands parade along the main streets of the city.
19:00 h. Drawing Contest prize presentation in the City Council´assembly hall.
19:00 h. In Mayor square, performance of ELS LLAURADORS, typical Castellon songs.
19:00 h. Theatre, in La Marina del Grao Cultural Center where will it be played EL SOPAR DELS IDIOTES.
20:00 h. FOLKLORE SHOWING. In Mayor Sq. with MILLARS.group.
20:00 h. In Sta. Clara sqaure., 9th REGIONAL FOLKLORE & MUSIC with Aturuxos na chaira group.
20:00 h. GAIATAS ENLIGHTING in Ribalta Park.
21:30 h. COLLAS DINNER IN La Pérgola.
23:00 h. Variety Show in Mayor square.
23:30 h. CONCHITA live in concert in the Concerts Area.
 

TUESDAY 26th of FEBRUARY

11:00 h. Children games in Rey D. Jaime I avenue.
11:00 h. Puppet show in Santa Clara square.
11:00 h. Performance of Flash Back Magic Show and Disco A.Q. M in la Pérgola.
11:00 h. RadioTelevision in Magdalena. Children area in Muralla Liberal square. It will remain opened til 13:30 h.
12:00 h. Clowns in Santa Clara square.
12:00 h. XIX PAELLAS CONTEST in Ribalta Park.
12:00 h. In the old area of markets, first day of PAINT BALL MAGDALENA 08.  From 12:00 to 14:00 h. and from 17:00 to 21:00 h.
13:00 h. Brass bands Parade  in the city center.
14:00 h. Second day of the XIV MASCLETAES CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ CONTEST ( sound fireworks) in Mª Rosa Molás street.
16:00 h. RadioTelevision in the children area in Muralla Liberal Sq.
16:30 h. Second day of MAGDALENA CIRCUS, XI INTERNATIONAL NEW CIRCUS SHOWING in Huerto Sogueros square with TORTELL POLTRONA, ZANZINNI BROTHERS, PETITE NEIGE, EMBERLITRIFICOTAGE, TIP TAP ANTOINE HULON and DEMODÉS.
17:00 h.  Magdalena  Bullfight.
17:00 h. THEATRE
18:00 h.  Brass bands Parade in the city center.
19:00 h. FOLKLORE SHOWING in Mayor square.
19:00 h. Gathering next to the Rey D. Jaime I monument of the Cavallers de la Conquesta brothehood from the monument to Guitarrista Tárrega.
20:00 h. Homage to Na Violant d´Hongria in her monument.
21:00 h. PRIZE PRESENTATION  in  Mayor square. Of Gaiatas and Llibrets.
23:00 h. Special NIT MÀGICA starting from Cardona Vives square., going through Gobernador, Mª Agustiba square. , Sanahuja, San Félix, Clavé and Rey D. Jaime I av.
23:00 h. Variety Show in Mayor Sq..
23:59 h.  PIGNOISE  Live in concert  in the concert area.
 

WEDNESDAY 27th of FEBRUARY

11:00 h. Magic Show in the city center.
11:00 h. Radio Television  in Muralla Liberal square. It will remain opened til 13:30 h.
11:00 h. Children games in Rey D. Jaime I avenue.
11:00 h. Children performance by POPI ZARATRAKO CLOWN in Santa Clara square.
12:00 h. In the old market area, second day of PAINT BALL MAGDALENA 08. From 12:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00 h.
12:30 h. INTERSOLFA XX. INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL, from Bulevar Blasco Ibáñez.
13:00 h. Brass bands Parade from the city center.
14:00 h. Third day of the MASCLETAES CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ CONTEST in Mª Rosa Molás street.
16:30 h. RadioTelevision in Muralla Liberal square. It will remain opened til 20:00 h.
16:30 h. Third day and closing day of MAGDALENA CIRCUS, XI International New Circus show in Huerto Sogueros square with TORTELL POLTRONA, PETITE NEIGE, EMBERLITRIFICOTAGE, ANTOINE HULON and SORS DE CAPE!.
17:00 h. Theatre.
17:00 h. MAGDALENA’S BULLFIGHT.
18:00 h. Children performance with POPI ZARATRAKO clown in Santa Clara square.
18:00 h. Magic show in the city center.
18:30 h.  Brass bands Parade in  the city center.
19:00 h. Theatre at the Cultural center in La Marina del Grao from the theatre company ESPIRAL DE TEATRO performing TOCALA OTRA VEZ, SAM (PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM).
19:00 h. Gathering of music groups in Mª Agustina square fom the participants of VIII HOMAGE FROM CASTELLÓN TO THE DOLÇAINA AND TABAL, following this route: San Luis, En medio, Puerta del Sol, Gasset, Mayor, Arcipreste Balaguer and Mayor square.
20:00 h. TOMBACARRERS parade going from Rey D. Jaime I av, Colón, En medio, Puerta del Sol, Gasset, Mayor and Colón to Rey D. Jaime I avenue.
20:00 h. VIII HOMAGE FROM CASTELLÓN TO THE DOLÇAINA AND TABAL in Mayor square.
21:00 h. FIRE BULLS  in Rey D. Jaime I avenue.
22:30 h. Second day of XIV PYROTECHNICS FESTIVAL CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ. NIT DE FOC (fireworks) passing through: Fernando el Católico street (next to Cometa Halley square)  where the fist firework will be shot. The second forework will be shot in Pau-Gumbau-Caminàs. The third firework will be shot in Rafalafena Park (Pintor Carbó-Avd.Lledó). The fourth firework will be shot in Sta. Mª Rosa Molás (mascletaes area).
23:00 h. VII TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL in Mayor square.
23:00 h. In Santa Clara square variety show.
23:30 h. SORAYA live in concert  in the concerts area.
 

THURSDAY 28th of FEBRUARY

11:00 h. RadioTelevision in Muralla Liberal square til 13:30 h.
11:00 h. Magic show in Huerto Sogueros square.
11:30 h. Kids games in Rey D. Jaime I avenue.
12:00 h. Puppet show in Santa Clara square.
12:00 h. Brass band parade brass bands in the city center.
12:00 h. In the old market area, third day of PAINT BALL MAGDALENA 08 from 12:00 to 14:00 h. And from 17:00 to 21:00 h.
12:30 h. INTERSOLFA. XX International Music Festival. Going from Rey D. Jaime I avenue.
13:00 h. XXII FIRA ALTERNATIVA ( vegetarian and handicraft fair)in the Auditorio area.
14:00 h. Fourth day of XIV MASCLETAES CIUTAT DE CASTELLO CONTEST in Sta. Mª Rosa Molás street.
16:30 h. RadioTelevision in Muralla Liberal square til 20:00 h.
17:00 h. Theatre.
17:00 h. COSO MULTICOLOR (confetti battle) Carriage parade along Rey D. Jaime I avenue.
17:00 h. MAGDALENA BULLFIGHT.
18:30 h. Magic show 08 in Huerto Sogueros square.
18:30 h. Brass bands parade in the city center.
19:00 h. IX MUSIC FESTIVAL AND REGIONAL FOLK.
20:00 h. XX INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL. First day of the festival. In Mayor square performance of several groups.
20:30 h. First day of rural show  from the Aizkolaris Saralegi Anaiak.
21:00 h. FIRE BULLS  in Rey D. Jaime I avenue.
23:00 h. Third day del XIV PYROTECHNICS FESTIVAL CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ, in the Pau Gumbau-Caminàs.
23:00 h. Variety show in Mayor square.
23:30 h. DAVID DE MARÍA Live in concert in the concerts area.
 

FRIDAY 29th of FEBRUARY

11:00 h. Kids games in Sta. Clara square and  Muralla Liberal square.
11:30 h. Rural show: Aizkolaris group Saralegi Anaik.
12:00 h. Paint Ball Magdalena 08 in market place, from 12:00 to 14:00 p.m. and from 17:00  to 21:00 p.m.
12:00 h. XXII Alternative fair.
12:00 h. Brass bands Parade along the main streets of the city.
12:00 h. THE CHINESSE TORERO, comical performance in the bullring.
12:30 h. INTERSOLFA. XX International Music Festival in Primer Molí square.
14:00 h. Fifth day of the XIV CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ MASCLETAES CONTEST in Sta. Mª Molás street.
16:30 h. RTVV A MAGDALENA in La Muralla Liberal square.
17:00 h. MAGDALENA BULLFIGHT.
17:00 h. Theatre
18:00 h. VIII INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PARADE. With clowns, street theatre groups, urban performers and international music bands where shows and fantasy involve the audience giving them the chance to participate. Itinerary: Las Aulas square, Mª Agustina square, Gobernador, Guitarrista Tárrega, Asensi, La Paz square, Gasset, Ruiz Zorrilla, and Rey D. Jaime I square.
18:30 h. Brass bands parade along the main streets of the city.
19:00 h. Folk showing in Mayor square.
19:00 h. In Sta. Clara square, IX REGIONAL MUSIC & FOLK SHOWING.
19:00 h. Theatre in La Marina del Grao Cultural Centre.
20:00 h. FOLK SHOWING in Mayor square.
21:00 h. POPULAR BARBACUE in Huerto Sogueros square.
21:00 h. FIRE BULLS in Rey D. Jaime I square.
21:00 h. FOLK SHOWING in Sta. Clara square.
22:00 h. MAGDALENA FOC where people will be able to enjoy dancing under the fire and running to scape from the evils (performance with fireworks, firecrackers...)
23:00 h. In Mayor square, MAGICI SHOW.
23:00 h. Forth day of XIV CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ FIREWORKS FESTIVAL. IN Pau Gumbau-Caminàs.
23:00 h. Night festival in Las Aulas square.
23:30 h. Mago de Oz live in Concert.
 

SATURDAY 1st of MARCH

11:00 h. IX YOUNG FOLK DANCE in Santa Clara square.
11:45 h. XX INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL  at the council.
12:00 h. Parade by brass bands in the city center.
12:00 h. In the old market area, fifth day of PAINT BALL MAGADALENA 08 from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00 h.
12:30 h. Children parade passing through: Colón, En medio, Puerta del Sol, Gasset and Mayor. At the end a MASCLETA in Capuchinos avenue.
13:00 h. INTERSOLFA. XX International Music Festival in Primer Molí square.
14:00 h. Sixth day of XIV MASCLETAES CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ CONTEST in Sta. Mª Rosa Molás (mascletaes area)
16:00 h. FLOWERS OFFERING TO THE MARE DE DÉU DEL LLEDÓ, at her Basílica. Starting from Mayor square, following by Arcipreste balaguer, Mayor, Mª Agustina square and Av. Del Lledó to the Basílica.
17:00 h. MAGDALENA BULLFIGHT.
18:30 h. Parade by brass bands in the city center.
19:00 h. IX FOLK AND REGIONAL MUSIC in Santa Clara aquare.
19:45 h. ZARZUELA (operetta) in the main theatre.
20:00 h. Theatre at the secondary school Penyagolosa.
20:00 h. XX INTERNATIONAL MUSIC
20:00 h. LATINO PERFORMANCE in Mayor square.
23:00 h. ZARZUELA (spanish operetta) in the Principal Theatre.
23:00 h. Fifth day of XIV PYROTHECNICAL CONTEST CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ.
23:00 h. Night dancing in Luis Vives street.
23:00 h. Night dancing in Las Aulas square.
23:00 h. Variety Show in Mayor square.
23:59 h. VILLAGE PEOPLE live in concert

SUNDAY 2nd of MARCH

11:00 h. III Remote Control Exhibition – Magdalena Fiestas 2008 in Ribalta Park central platform.
11:00 h. XX INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL. Closing day.
12:00 h. Brass bands parade along the main streets of the city.
14:00 h. 7th day of the XIV MASCLETAES CONTEST CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ in Sta. Mª Molás St.
14:30 h. In Intur Hotel XIV MASCLETAES CONTEST CIUTAT DE CASTELLÓ Prize presentation.
17:00 h. MAGDALENA’S BULLFIGHT.
18:30 h. Brass bands parade along the main streets of the city.
22:30 h. CLOSING PARADE starting in Rey Dn. Jaime I covering the main streets of the city: Ruiz Zorrilla, Puerta del Sol, Gasset, la Paz square, Mayor and Arcipreste Balaguer, and finishing in Mayor square. Bands from the XX INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL will also take part in it.
22:45 h. After the parade, GREAT CLOSING FIRECRACKERS along usual streets.
23:00 h. Hereafter, the traditional MAGDALENA VÍTOL in Mayor square.
Further information: Junta de Fiestas Tel. 964 23 26 58

www.juntafestes.com

TOURIST INFO CASTELLÓN
Plaza María Agustina,5, bajos 12003  CASTELLÓN
Teléfono:964358688 / Fax:964358689
castellon@touristinfo.net