Sexennial of Morella (Virgin of Vallivana)Sexenni de Morella (Mare de Déu de Vallivana)

The Sexenni of Morella is an extraordinary festival held once every six years (last held August 2024, next in 2030) in honor of the Virgin of Vallivana. For nine days, the entire town dresses in traditional historic attire and stages nightly Baroque-style tableaux (retablos) that depict biblical and folkloric scenes. On the first day, the statue of the Virgin is solemnly carried from her mountaintop sanctuary down to the Basilica amid a massive torchlit procession. It is considered one of Spain’s richest religious traditions, combining devotion with theatrical folk celebrations.

Originating from a 13th-century vow after a plague, the Sexenni embodies communal faith and folklore. It is entirely focused on the Virgin of Vallivana, Morella’s patron. Each of Morella’s guilds (Arts and Trades) participates by presenting choreographed dance-dramas each night. The festival reinforces village camaraderie and the town’s strong Catholic heritage. Because it occurs only every six years, it holds immense local pride, drawing relatives of residents and devout visitors to witness the cultural pageantry.