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Fiesta de La Virgen de los Desamparados
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When:
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10 - 11 May 2008 (annual)
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Where:
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Valencia
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| Costs: |
Free
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| Opening Hours: |
All night & day
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The city of Valencia pays homage to its patron, the Virgen de los Desamparados (the abandoned ones), with a procession around the city. Locals affectionately call the virgin La Geperudeta, which makes reference to her slight stoop.
The night before the procession, there is a concert in the Plaza de la Virgen, followed by fireworks by the river and traditional dancing. At 5am there is an open-air mass, which is followed by a more solemn one at 8am. At 10.30am, the virgin is carried from the Basilica to the cathedral, followed by hundreds of people.
Throughout the day there are more prayers and another procession through the old part of the city, as flower petals are strewn on the ground. At the same time, in the Plaza de la Reina a typical ceramics and earthenware market takes place, known as l'escuraeta.
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