Festivals in Valladolid

The celebration of Holy Week is the most important religious and cultural event in Valladolid. It is characterized by the imposing and magnificent polychrome carvings made in the 16th and 17th centuries by prominent artists such as Francisco del Rincón and Gregorio Fernández.
 
These carvings are on display at the National Sculpture Museum and attract a large number of visitors.
 

The carvings are carried in procession by 20 brotherhoods throughout the streets of Valladolid, where one can also admire the spectacular exhibitions of “pasos”.

This tradition, dating from the 15th century, stands out for its sobriety, solemnity and deep respect. The silence of those present is part of the ceremony, which also includes the seven-word sermon dictated by the proclamation on duty staging the Passion in the Main Square of Valladolid. There, visitors can admire a spectacular set of sculptures distributed for the occasion.

The importance and significance of Holy Week in Valladolid are so great that it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest and is in the process of being declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
 

The Festival of the Virgin of St. Lawrence is a lively Valladolid tradition that dates back to 1917, when the Canonical Coronation and the appointment of the Virgin of St. Lawrence as Perpetual Mayor of Valladolid took place.

Since then, these popular festivities have been held from September 8 and last for a week.
 

Although it is a festivity of religious origin, this popular celebration is characterized by the installation of fun carousels in the La Rubia neighbourhood, which, from the beginning, attracted a large number of attendees. Over the years, little by little, it spread to the rest of the city.

Originally, it took place at the end of the month, on the Sunday before St. Matthew's Day. However, in 2000, the decision was made to start the celebration on September 8 because it revolved around the day of the Virgin of St. Lawrence, the patroness saint of the city, as well as because of its more favourable weather and school holidays.

Since then, it has become a lively festival and a great tourist attraction.