VALENCIA’S GREAT FAIR
From Sunday, 01 July 2018
To Tuesday, 31 July 2018
This event was first held in 1871. At the time, it was the beginning of the summer holiday, when many Valencians left for their vacation to then return in September. The retail sector struggled as a consequence, and so the Council decided to put together a festive programme in July with numerous activities intended to attract visitors.
At the beginning, the fair consisted of parades, exhibitions, and ball room dances in the pavilions on the Albereda. Years later, in 1886, new events were included such as the International Music Band Competition and the Battle of the Flowers, which started in 1891 and was the point of reference that currently closes the festival.
Historically, the fair has been a meeting point for all social classes, with different fair pavilions. It has also been a location for all kinds of sporting demonstrations, Valencian identity events, firework displays, music, and the fun fair.
Today, the Great Fair is a summer festival that brings together thousands of people looking to find leisure alternatives in the summer nights, particularly on the Gran Nit de Juliol, when the city centre is bursting with activities for all audiences. During the fair, orchestras play in different areas in the city, typical dishes can be tasted, children's activities are organised, dances for senior citizens, concerts, comedies and shows, fireworks by the sea, bullfighting, the preselection of the falleres of València, and Moors and Christians parades in the districts nearby the sea.
Back
