The Festes de la Puríssima are Ontinyent's main festival, in honour of the town's patron saint, the Immaculate Conception. They have been held since 1642 with the greatest solemnity. The star of the festival is the traditional Bou Embolat (a bull with fire on its horns), a celebration of fire and tradition unique in the district.
The Cant dels Angelets
The prelude to the festival is one of the town's treasures: the Anunci Angèlic (Angelic Announcement), sung by children, els Angelets. This melody, believed to date from around 1660, is listed as an Intangible Asset of Local Importance. Today it is usually sung the week after La Fira, before the opening proclamation. When it ends, someone shouts "Visca la Puríssima Concepció!", everyone answers, followed by a much-loved cry: "Bou! Bou a la Vila!" ("The bull! The bull in the old town!").
7 and 8 December
- 7 December, the eve: a lantern parade and the year's most crowded outing of the Gegants i Cabets (giants and big-heads) through the streets of La Vila and El Raval. At night, Ontinyent's oldest and most solemn dansà (folk dance).
- 8 December: it starts early with the ringing of the Puríssima bell and the Descobrir mass, followed by the Rosary through the streets, fireworks at dawn, the bells of the Repiquet de la Puríssima, High Mass and a mascletà (firecracker display). In the afternoon comes the main procession, led by the giants and big-heads and followed by the Arquets, Veta and Cavallets dances. When the image reaches the church door, fireworks light up the sky.
On the day of the bull, every home in Ontinyent cooks the traditional cassola al forn (baked rice).
Programme
Check each year's events in the Events section.
