January 25-February 3 Fiestas of San Blas in San Javier
The annual Romería is held in San Javier on Monday February 3
From January 25 to February 3, the town of San Javier will come alive with the annual Fiestas of San Blas, a treasured celebration honouring the patron saint of the municipality. This year's festivities culminate in the traditional ‘Romería procession on Monday February 3, a highlight that has been a cornerstone of the community for generations.The origins of the Fiestas of San Blas date back to the 16th century when Trinitarian monks brought their devotion to San Blas to San Javier and Santiago de la Ribera. While the Romería in its current format began in 1980, the spirit of the celebration has remained deeply rooted in the town's cultural fabric.
The event follows the celebration of Candelaria (Candlemas) on February 2, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The schedule of events for the 2024 Fiestas of San Blas in San Javier is packed with a variety of activities, ensuring there is something for everyone:
Saturday January 25
Grand Gala for the Election and Coronation of the Children's and Youth Courts 2025 of Santiago de la Ribera
10pm: Santiago de la Ribera Cultural Centre, function room
Hosted by singer Lidia Martín and magician Abel, the gala will feature the election and coronation of the Children and Youth Courts 2025, joined by the last Queens of Santiago de la Ribera of 2024.
The evening will also include a performance by the Serendipity Musical Duo.
Friday January 31
Opening of the San Blas festival
3pm: The festivities officially kick off with the opening of the San Blas festival grounds, where peña groups set up their encampments around the Church of San Blas.
Saturday February 1
11am: In Your Park or Mine and Network of Meeting Points for Senior Citizens
1.30pm Exhibition by ‘Yeguada Olisan’, ‘Caballos La Castejona’ and ‘Flamenco Anejo’
Between Calle Buenos Aires and Avd. Mediterraneo, in front of the Church of Santiago y San Blas.
2pm: ‘Popular Paella’ social day
Donation of 2 euros for paella and a drink to benefit the Royal Brotherhood of Santiago y San Blas. Tickets can be purchased from 11.30am at the Brotherhood’s booth.
3.30pm: Tardeo Musical, next to the Church of Santiago y San Blas.
Sunday February 2
10am: Mass sung by the Choirs and Dancers of the Mar Menor of San Javier and the invited Cuadrillas
In front of the Church of San Blas.
12pm: IV Meeting of Cuadrillas in Honour of San Blas
2pm: ‘Migas Populares’ social day
Donation of 2 euros (migas and drink) to benefit the Royal Brotherhood of Santiago and San Blas. Tickets can be purchased from 11:30 a.m. at the Brotherhood’s booth.
3.30pm: Concert at the Pinada de San Blas with ‘Los Vinilos’
Monday February 3 – Festival of San Blas
10am: Start of the pilgrimage with the traditional route, accompanied by the Huapango Musical Group.
11.30am: Mass at the Huertana, with music by the Rondalla Santiago Apóstol and the tenor Jesús Hernández. Church of San Blas.
12.15pm: Appointment of ‘Pilgrim of the Year’
This year, the award has been given to Mrs. María del Carmen Teruel Muñoz and Mr. José Luis Vera Gómez.
2pm: Social day with barbecue and meatball stew
Donation of 2 euros (food and drink) to benefit the Brotherhood of Santiago and San Blas. Tickets can be purchased from 11.30am at the Brotherhood’s booth.
4pm: Grand ‘San Blas Candy Throwing’ competition, featuring a DJ and the following prizes:
- 1st prize Children's category: a jamon (up to 12 years old, accompanied by their parents or legal guardians)
- 1st prize Youth category: one jamon (from 13 to 17 years old, with prior authorisation from their parents or legal guardians)
- 1st prize Adult category: a jamon (from 18 to 100 years old)
6pm: Fireworks display in honour of San Blas
6.30pm: End of the San Blas 2025 festivities
Programme of events of the Royal Brotherhood of Santiago and San Blas:
Saturday January 18
Mass for the deceased and Ordinary General Chapter of the Royal Brotherhood of Santiago and San Blas
Sunday January 19
Brotherhood meal and transfer of the saint from the Church of San Blas to the Parish of Santiago Apóstol
From Wednesday January 22 to Thursday January 30
7pm: Novena to San Blas in the Parish of Santiago Apóstol
Saturday January 25
7pm: Offering to San Blas in favour of Caritas Parroquial (preferably milk and non-perishable products) in the Santiago Apóstol Parish
Sunday February 2
10am: Mass with the Choirs and Dancers of the Mar Menor de San Javier and the invited Cuadrillas at the Hermitage of San Blas.
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of San Javier Today