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The ancient town of Peņiscola has maintained an extensive heritage of folk customs that are now reflected both in working methods (fishing and agricultural activities) and in the religious practices and festivals.

Apart from the religious festivities that are common to many areas, there are others associated with particular traditions. Notable amongst these are the festival of “San Antonio Abad” (17 January), the carnivals (which last for three days at the end of February) and the pilgrimage to the hermitage of Sant Antoni (6 kilometers outside the town) that takes place on the Sunday following Easter Sunday. In addition, there is the festival of San Isidro, the patron saint of the farm labourers, in May, and the festival of San Pedro, the patron saint of the fishermen, at the end of June. During these festivities there are open-air dances and amateur bullfights using young bulls.

The most important fiesta begins on the evening of the 7th of September. This is celebrated in honour of the patron of the town, la Virgen de la Ermitana. The main focus of these festivities is on ‘Les Danses’, which include music, dances, games, ceremonies, and general meeting of friends and neighbours.

Les Danses are made up of various different groups: dansants, llauradores, cavallets, moros i cristians... The most outstanding group of these ones are “Els dansants”.

The spectacular and colourful parades of “Moros i Cristians” take place during the last weekend of the fiesta in honour of the patron. They represent the climax of these unforgettable festivities, both for the inhabitants of Peņiscola and for the tourists that visit us each year.

Peņiscola, perhaps doing justice to its past as a meeting point of different cultures, has in modern times become the setting of internationally important cultural events.

The year begins with the award of the “Ciudad de Peņiscola” prize for short stories, whose panel is formed by prestigious members of the Spanish Royal Academy, and in which short stories are presented from more than twenty different countries.
At the beginning of the summer, Peņiscola, which has been the setting for a number of famous films, such as “El Cid” (by Anton Mann) and “Calabuch” (by García Berlanga), becomes the capital of Spanish Cinema for a week whilst it hosts the International Festival of Film Comedy.

During August, when the greatest influx of visitors occurs, the town hosts the International Festival of Ancient and Baroque Music, which includes various first-rate performers.

Finally, once things become quieter in September, a series of classical music concerts is held in the impressive setting of the castle’s gothic hall.

 

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