Corpus Christi de València

Corpus Christi de València is one of Valencia's oldest and most identity-rich annual festivals, dating back to 1263, historically known as the city's 'Festa Grossa' (Big Festival). Celebrated in the historic center, it features the Cabalgata del Convite (Convite Parade), the procession of the Rocas (11 wooden triumphal floats dating from 1373–1392), traditional dances including La Moma i els Momos, Nanos i Gegants, La Magrana, Els Cavallets, Els Arquets, Els Pastorets, and Els Turcs, the Representation of the Mysteries (15th-century short plays), La Poalà (a water fight tradition), and the Solemn Corpus Procession culminating with a dense shower of petals thrown from balconies as the silver Custodia (monstrance, over 4 meters tall and 600 kg) passes through the streets. The festival was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) by the Generalitat Valenciana in 2005 and the city is pursuing Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional designation and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage candidacy.