A dinner, a bath, a marriage proposal or a whole village… everything is more beautiful in candlelight. This is something that the inhabitants of Utiel, 80 km. from Valencia capital, are convinced of. For the last eight years they have been recovering an ancient tradition that consists, as you can imagine, in filling the streets and squares of the town with thousands and thousands of candles.
With the end of spring and the arrival of summer, the Valencian town of Utiel transforms its corners for one night and turns them into a fairytale setting, a magical place that is well worth a visit, during its annual “Utiel, 250 years by candlelight”.
Utiel, 250 years by candlelight
Next Saturday, June 8 will take place the eighth edition of Utiel, 250 years by candlelight, a dream show in which, at nightfall the darkness becomes light thanks to thousands and thousands of candles.
But that’s not all. The candle lighting is part of an extensive program that will fill this week-end with activities and events in Utiel. From June 7 to 9, in this town less than an hour from Valencia, there will be an artisan market, parades, wineries open to the public, sale of traditional products, tastings, children’s activities, an urban gallery, exhibitions and musical performances.
The tradition of illuminating Utiel with thousands of candles dates back almost 260 years, and in 2024 will be the 8th edition in which the ephemeris of when the population illuminated the church with candles, “as many as bees were counted in a swarm”, to ask for the heavy rains to stop and the crops to be saved.
This event, which is also a showcase for local artisans, wineries and producers, will feature a special market of crafts and products from Friday 7 at 19:00 to Sunday June 9, in addition to many other activities that you can see specified in Utiel City Council website.
The candle lighting will begin at 22:00 on Saturday, June 8, right after the Agrupación Escénica Enrique Rambal will stage the legend that gives rise to this festivity, and will be enlivened by several musical performances.
Candlelight, the alternative to this event in Valencia city
Although in the Valencian capital there is no similar custom to that of “Utiel, 250 years by candlelight”, in some of its locations you will be able to enjoy the tinkling candlelight through its magical Candlelight concerts.
The Candlelight tribute series brings to Valencia concerts of different musical genres and styles, from classical compositions to Coldplay, Queen, ABBA or The Beatles, including a tribute to the most famous movie soundtracks. You can now buy tickets for Candlelight in Valencia through the Fever app. There are many concerts to choose from.