Our Lady of San Lorenzo Festival in Valladolid
The Feria y Fiestas de la Virgen de San Lorenzo is Valladolid's principal patronal celebration. Over several days it combines honours to the city's patron saint with festival clubs, concerts, folklore, food, children's entertainment and cultural activities across the city.
Usual date
It takes place in the first half of September, with 8 September, the feast of Our Lady of San Lorenzo, as its central day. Opening and closing dates change each year, so the current programme should always be checked.
Where it is held
Plaza Mayor is the main stage for the opening address and major concerts. The procession links the Church of San Lorenzo with the Cathedral through central streets. Acera de Recoletos, Campo Grande, Las Moreras, Cúpula del Milenio, the fairground and neighbourhood venues complete a festival map that varies from year to year.
See also the local festivals in Valladolid.
Origins and development
The present celebration is dedicated to Our Lady of San Lorenzo, Valladolid's patron saint. For decades the city's principal festival calendar was associated with San Mateo; in 2001 it moved to early September and adopted the Virgen de San Lorenzo name. This explains the modern fair while preserving the devotional and religious events of 8 September.
Events and traditions
- Procession of Nuestra Señora de San Lorenzo from her church to the Cathedral and back through the city centre.
- Solemn Mass and the image's passage across Plaza Mayor, where an artistic carpet is prepared.
- Opening address and firework signal, the scarf ceremony at the statue of Count Ansúrez, and festival-club participation.
- Concerts, open-air dances, shows, fireworks and family programming across numerous venues.
- Feria de Día, the Folklore and Gastronomy Fair, crafts and fairground attractions.
Participation and character
The City Council, brotherhood, parish, festival clubs, regional associations, cultural bodies, performers, businesses and public services support a celebration open to residents and visitors. It joins the patronal day to a large urban fair; 8 September should not automatically be treated as a general public holiday, as the municipal working calendar is approved separately each year.
Sources
Today's international trade fair
You can also find information about international trade fairs and discover today's featured trade fair at FeriasHoy.com.