Summer festivities return to El Verger in August this year
The picturesque town of El Verger in Spain played host to its annual Fiestas Patronales from August 8 to 23, offering a vibrant mix of traditional events and modern activities. This year's festivities, centered around music, community, and cultural heritage, were filled with lively performances, communal activities, and religious processions.
The celebrations kicked off on August 8 with an opening concert in Plaza Concepción Miquel Giner, featuring the Associació Musical del Verger and Colla l'Esclat. The following day, Colla el Trapig offered a festive concert, setting the tone for the music-filled week ahead.
On Monday, August 11, the town came alive with a giant water battle on Calle Mayor and games at the municipal pool. The evening saw La Pato keeping the party going into the night with their energetic performance. The motorbike ribbon race added an exciting twist to the day's events.
Sunday, August 10, was marked by the Entrada de la Murta, a leafy parade through the old town, and a paella contest on Calle Mayor, accompanied by live music from La Tribu in Plaza Mayor.
The heart of the festivities, however, was the evening parade on Tuesday, August 12. Prizes were awarded for the most creative entries, with marching bands participating in the lively procession. The grand float and costume parade was a spectacle to behold, culminating in a grand finale.
Religious processions were also a significant part of the celebrations. On Wednesday, August 13, a mass in honor of Saints Joaquim and Ana was held, followed by a theatrical reconquest of the town's castle. A tribute concert to Camilo Sesto and a late-night DJ party closed the day.
The second Moros i Cristians procession took place on the same day, adding a historical and cultural dimension to the festivities.
El Verger's Fiestas Patronales 2022 successfully combined history, music, and social activities, offering a comprehensive cultural experience for locals and visitors alike. The blend of contemporary sounds from DJs like DJ Taron and Oscar Wooten, along with traditional elements such as religious processions, traditional dances, and communal meals, made this year's event a resounding success.
On August 9, a home-and-garden theme took over the festivities with a gardening workshop led by local expert José Mora, teaching attendees how to create beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces. Following this, a lifestyle market on Plaza Mayor showcased local artisans selling handmade crafts, organic produce, and unique home décor, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the festival.
