The Sexenni

The 56th Sexenni

In 2030, the town of Morella will celebrate the 56th edition of its annual festival in honor of the Virgin of Vallivana. From August 17 to 27, this nine-day festival will take place, featuring unique dances and distinctive biblical scenes that wind through the town’s streets, which are specially decorated for the occasion. The Sexenni has been designated a Representative Manifestation of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a Festival of National Tourist Interest, and an Asset of Intangible Cultural Interest. It shares these distinctions with the Anunci, a festival celebrated one year earlier that kicks off the six-year cycle, during which 50 metric tons of confetti are thrown.

History

On February 14, 1673, the town’s civil authorities, at the request of the people of Morella, made a vow to the Virgin of Vallivana as a sign of gratitude after being spared from a terrible plague in 1672. The vow consisted of a commitment to celebrate a solemn nine-day novena every six years in honor of the Virgin. Since that year, this vow has been fulfilled—interrupted only during times of war—and will continue to be fulfilled in 2030, 2036, 2042, 2048, and so on.