Held every second Sunday of May, every Valencian has a date with Our Lady of the Forsaken, but who is she? Commonly known as La Geperudeta, she is the patroness of the city of Valencia.

On the eve of the festival, the city centre area known as the Barrio del Carmen is the scene for the events in honor of the Patronnes, a show of music, lights and sounds with fireworks, folk bands and dancing.

Events in honor of our Lady of the Forsaken

Second Saturday of May

• 8pm Ceremony for the Virgin at the Royal Chapel.
• 11pm Concert by the Municipal Orchestra at Plaza de la Virgen.
• Midnight Firework displays at the Turia Gardens (Serranos Towers). Followed by the Gran Dansà (the Great Dance) and Cantà d’Albaes (traditional songs) in honor of la Mare de Déu (with the collaboration of the Associació de Cant Valencià) at the Plaza de la Virgen.

Second Sunday of May

• 5am Open-air mass in honor of the Sacred Image at the Royal Chapel.
• 8am Mass at the Plaza de la Virgen.
• 10:30 am The Traslado (the ceremonial transfer of the Image of Our Lady of the Abandoned from the Royal Chapel to the Cathedral). The route starts at the Basilica, it goes around Plaza de la Virgen, continues towards Miguelete, Plaza de la Reina and finishes at the Cathedral entering through the Iron door. She is adored with rose petals being thrown from the balconies.
• 2pm Mascletà (Fireworks display) at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
• 6:30 pm The Traditional Procession. A solemn procession of ladies dressed in black. The route includes: Plaza de la Virgen, Caballeros, Tossal, Bolsería, Mercado, Mª Cristina, San Vicente, Pza. de la Reina, Mar , Avellanas, Palau, Almoina.

Don’t miss it!!!

http://www.visitvalencia.com/en/whats-on-offer-valencia/festivities/our-lady-of-the-forsaken

Photo: ABC