Next Thursday, January 22, will be a holiday in Valencia. The city will celebrate the feast of Saint Vincent Martyr, patron saint of the city. “De cruces para dentro” (Inside the crosses), January 22 is always a holiday, and 2026 will be no exception.
Throughout the day, Valencia will pay tribute to the saint, who arrived in Valencia from Zaragoza in 304, fleeing persecution by the Roman Empire. His unwavering faith made him a symbol of veneration, and even Jaume I himself attributed the success of the city’s conquest to the saint’s intercession.
History of Saint Vincent Martyr
Photograph by David Sangüesa for Visit Valencia ©VisitValencia #VisitValencia
During the persecution of the Roman Empire, the young Vincent was subjected to burns, lacerations, and other tortures before being transferred to prison. This created great fervor among the population because he never renounced his faith. He died in prison on January 22, 304.
After being thrown into a rubbish dump of the time, where he was defended by a raven from other scavenger birds, it was ordered that he be thrown into the sea. However, his body survived the waves and appeared in what is now Cullera until he was officially buried in 313.
It is said that his body was later transferred to Cape St. Vincent in Portugal after the Muslim invasion of Valencia, where all trace of it was lost. After the reconquest, James I identified him as the patron saint in the recovery of Valencia for the Christians, and from then on he became a legend of the city.
There are places in Valencia today that are visited by devotees. This is the case of the Church of Santa Monica, where the column where the saint was tied before entering Valencia is located, and San Vicente de la Roqueta.
The Cathedral of Valencia also houses one of the relics commemorating the saint: his incorrupt left arm. The relic is located in the Chapel of the Resurrection, behind the High Altar.
Today, Saint Vincent Martyr is also the patron saint of the Tailors’ and Dressmakers’ Guild, and in the days leading up to the 22nd, events are held in Valencia to commemorate the saint, such as the procession of Saint Vincent Martyr (which starts at the Cathedral), the procession of the Tailors’ Guild, and the procession of the baptism of Saint Vincent.
Events planned for Saint Vincent Martyr in Valencia
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, several masses and processions will be held in the streets of Valencia in honor of the patron saint.
The most important will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Valencia Cathedral. Afterwards, the procession will depart from Plaza de la Reina, heading towards Calle de la Mar and ending at Plaza de la Almoina. This central event will conclude with a small mascletá (firework display) in Plaza de la Reina at 1 p.m.
You will soon be able to consult the full program of events.