Schedule of events for the Feast of Our Lady of the Forsaken

Want to learn about a traditional Valencian festival? On the second Sunday in May, Valencians have an appointment with the Virgen de los Desamparados (Lady of the Forsaken), the city's patron saint and popularly called La Geperudeta. She is called that because she tilts her head slightly to look at people, which makes it look like she has a small hump or “chepa”, hence this affectionate nickname. 

This festival is celebrated with special devotion by Valencians, even more so this year due to the observance of the centennial of the virgin's coronation. Take a look at the schedule of events and see what tickles your fancy.
 

Program of events Virgin of the Forsaken

Friday, May 10th
8:00 p.m. Dansà of the dance groups of the fallas commissions, with the participation of the falleras mayores and their Courts of Honor, accompanied by the Tabal i Dolçaina group of the Junta Central Fallera. The children's commissions will start.

11:00 p.m. The dansà will continue with the major fallas commissions.

You can see a general rehearsal of all the participants in the dansà on Wednesday, May 8th, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Tinglado 2 in Marina de València.

Saturday, May 11th
10:30 a.m. Mass sung by the Escolania for the intention of the Court of Honor.

12:00 p.m. Sabatina.

1:00 p.m. Commemorative Mass for the anniversary of the Pontifical Coronation, 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mass.

8:00 p.m. Solemn Salve sung by the Escolania and former choirboys.

11:59 p.m. Night pyrotechnic show by Pirotecnia Zarzoso at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Sunday, May 12th Virgin of the Forsaken popular festival
5:00 a.m. Discovery Mass.

8:00 a.m. Children's Mass at the altar of Plaza de la Virgen.

10:30 a.m. Transfer of the image of the Virgin.

In addition to this celebration, there will be Masses at the Basilica at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. There will be no chairs in the temple.

Around 12:00 p.m. Pontifical Mass at the Cathedral.

2:00 p.m. Mascletà by Pirotecnia Aitana at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

5:30 p.m. Start of the general procession with the fallas and

6:30 p.m. the rest of the entities from the Cathedral, passing through Cavallers, Tossal, Bolseria, Mercat, Mª Cristina, Sant Vicent, Plaza de la Reina, Mar, Avellanes, Palau, Almoina.