La Rosa Festivities

One of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell’s most deeply rooted traditional celebrations, held in honour of the Mare de Déu de la Rosa.

With the arrival of spring, El Poble Nou de Benitatxell celebrates the Festes de la Rosa, one of the most traditional and popular events in the local festive calendar. The celebrations take place over approximately 11 days around the first Sunday in May, which is the main day of the festivities.

Tradition and origins

Religious in origin and traditionally linked to the Mare de Déu del Roser, or Our Lady of the Rosary, today the celebrations are popularly known as the Festes de la Rosa and combine religious events, music, gastronomy, community gatherings and activities for all ages.

The pans beneïts

One of their most distinctive traditions is the pans beneïts. The loaves are decorated with roses and carried in baskets from the Oratory to the church to be blessed.

Afterwards, festival participants and local children make their way through the streets accompanied by music, distributing the bread among the village homes, where residents await their arrival.

Sant Pancraci and the fancy-dress day

The festivities are also closely linked to Sant Pancraci. After the mass held in his honour, the traditional alcaldes de Sant Pancraci are appointed. From the balcony of the Town Hall, they announce the rules that participants must follow during the eagerly awaited fancy-dress day, one of the most popular and entertaining events of the celebrations.

Other festive events

The flower offering, procession, traditional carreres de galls, street parades, paellas, evening dances and other activities complete a programme that fills the streets of the town centre with tradition and a festive atmosphere each year.

Specific dates and activities may vary from year to year. Check the municipal events calendar for the latest programme.