La Magdalena Festival in Castellón de la Plana: tradition, events and gastronomy

Have you still not experienced La Magdalena Festival in Castellón de la Plana yet? Get ready for an explosion of joy, creativity and gunpowder that marks the origins of the city. This practical guide will help you make the most of this celebration that never fails to surprise.

When is La Magdalena Festival celebrated in 2026?

La Magdalena Festival in Castellón de la Plana begins on the third Saturday of Lent, and in 2026 it will take place from 7 to 15 March. The celebrations officially get under way with the Pregó, the traditional proclamation sung by the pregoner.

When does the Romeria de les Canyes take place?

The Romeria de les Canyes is the founding event of the festival, commemorating the relocation of the city from the mountains down to the plain. In 2026, it will take place on Sunday 8 March. It is customary to set off early in the morning to collect the cane and ribbon in the Plaza Mayor before beginning the pilgrimage to the hermitage.

Where to find the official La Magdalena programme

To plan your visit and make sure you don’t miss the mascletás or the parades, you can consult the official La Magdalena programme on the Junta de Festes website or on the Castellón de la Plana City Council website.

What to do in Castellón de la Plana during La Magdalena

The city offers something special every day of the festival:

• Encesa de Gaiates (Monday 9 March): a spellbinding light display, with no fire or smoke, in which the monuments representing the old lanterns that guided the city’s founders are illuminated.

• Nit Màgica (Tuesday 10 March): a spectacular correfoc by Xarxa Teatre, filling the streets with sparks, fire and music.

• Coso Multicolor (Thursday 12 March): a huge confetti battle, perfect for families and one of the most joyful moments of the festival.

• Floral offering to the Mare de Déu del Lledó (14 March): a colourful procession of traditional dress, flowers and devotion.

• Magdalena Vítol (Sunday 15 March): the emotional final shout, shared by everyone gathered in the Plaza Mayor, bidding farewell to the festival until the following year.

What to eat during La Magdalena

Food plays an integral role in the celebrations. During the Romeria de les Canyes, tradition says you should bring a sandwich filled with broad bean omelette. You should also try ximos, small battered rolls filled with tomato sauce, hard-boiled egg, tuna and pine nuts, as well as figues albardaes, a fritter made with dried figs. Throughout the festival, popular paellas are cooked across the city and shared in the streets.

Have you set aside the dates to experience La Magdalena yet? It’s a celebration you simply won’t forget!