From August 3 to 9, Alcalá de Henares will celebrate its Patron Saint Festivities with an expanded programme that includes more concerts, children's parks, and traditional events. The opening speech will be delivered by Gema García Merino, president of the Cofradía de la Virgen del Val.
The Patron Saint Festivities in honour of Saints Justo and Pastor will once again fill the historic centre of Alcalá de Henares with joy from August 3 to 9. The City Council presented this Friday a programme that grows in the number of concerts and strengthens activities for the little ones, aiming to attract all audiences.
More music in Plaza de Cervantes
Music will be one of the highlights of this edition. The programme includes performances by local artists such as Chanzo, Naif Band, and Luis de Diego with his show Poprumbeando, as well as orchestras Stigma and Marlen. The festive nights will move to Plaza de Cervantes, a space with a larger capacity than the usual Plaza de los Santos Niños, where the main concerts will be concentrated.
Local DJ sessions will conclude each day, with offerings for all musical tastes. The Councillor for Festivities, Antonio Saldaña, highlighted that “the increase in the number of musical performances is one of the most significant new features.”
Tradition and religious events
The classic events remain unchanged. On August 6, the main day of the Santos Niños, the transfer of the relics of the patrons will take place, followed by a solemn mass and procession, presided over by the bishop of Alcalá, Antonio Prieto. On the same day, the Comparsa de Gigantes will parade through the streets of the centre.
The opening speech, which will take place on August 4, will be delivered by Gema García Merino, president of the Cofradía de Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Val. On the same day, a floral offering will be made to the patrons, and Chanzo's concert will kick off the musical performances.
Children's and family entertainment
The little ones will have their space with children's parks that this year will include water games and the already traditional foam parties. There will also be face painting, family workshops, magic, storytelling, and traditional games. The activities will take place around the Cathedral and Plaza de los Santos Niños, despite the ongoing works affecting the area.
The Councillor for District I, Víctor Cobo, stated that “we want these festivities to reach all audiences, with a more complete and higher quality programme, supporting local talent.”
Sports and solidarity
The sports aspect includes the XLIV Santos Niños Swimming Trophy and a chess tournament. Solidarity activities also have their place: charitable distributions of migas and paella in favour of the San Diego Scholarship will allow attendees to contribute to social causes while enjoying local cuisine.
The programme will kick off on August 3 with the inauguration of the painting and sculpture exhibition Pincel y Cincel, a conference by the official chronicler of the city, Vicente Sánchez Moltó, and the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Residents and visitors can check the complete programme on the City Council's website. With more than a week of activities, Alcalá de Henares is preparing to experience festivities that combine tradition, culture, and leisure for all audiences.
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