Festivals in Novelda
Discover the main festivals and traditions of Novelda, in Alicante province.
Local festivals in Novelda
The patronal festivities of Santa María Magdalena are usually celebrated from 19 to 25 July. On the 20th, the Bajada carries the image from the Sanctuary of La Mola into the town in a large pilgrimage, followed by religious celebrations, processions, music and fireworks.
Moors and Christians
The Moorish and Christian comparsas share the principal festive week with the patronal celebrations. The entrances of both sides, embassies, retreta, street parades and the music of the dolçaina and tabalet fill the streets and connect devotion to the patron saint with the town’s festival culture.
Other celebrations: a tradition linked to La Mola
In 1866, the Town Council agreed to honour Santa María Magdalena every year after a cholera epidemic. The Federation of Comparsas, musical societies and the Patronato participate in the pilgrimage between the sanctuary and the town centre and maintain the celebration’s shared character.