Construction work on the side of the Cathedral facing Calle del Micalet will necessitate a change in the route of the Mare de Déu procession this Sunday, May 10.
The Valencia City Council has made this decision to ensure safety in light of the large crowds expected.
The new route will maintain the starting point at the basilica’s gate, circle the Plaza de la Mare de Déu, pass through the Aparicio Olmos passage, the Plaza de L’Almoina, and Calle de la Barcella. From there, the procession will turn onto the Plaza de la Reina until reaching the Porta dels Ferros, where the statue will enter the Cathedral.
The city council began preparations this Thursday with the installation of a carpet of fresh flowers in the Plaza de la Mare de Déu.
This structure measures 80 square meters and pays tribute to the basilica’s dome, designed by Antonio Palomino, on the 325th anniversary of its completion. Technical teams used more than 320 kilograms of fresh flowers to create it.
In addition, the streets will feature 74 floral decorations along the procession route.
On Sunday, May 10, the day will begin with the Missa de Descoberta at 5:00 a.m. in the basilica and the Missa d’Infants at 8:00 a.m.
The procession will take place at 10:00 a.m. following the revised route.
Later, at 2:00 p.m., Pirotecnia Aitana will set off a mascletá in the Town Hall Square.
In the afternoon, at 5:30 p.m., the general procession will begin along the usual route through the historic center.
The celebrations in honor of the patron saint will conclude on May 20. On that day, the basilica will host the customary public kissing of the hand, which will open its doors at 6:00 a.m. and conclude after the last person has passed through.