Feast of the Octave of Corpus Christi

The Octava del Corpus, the most iconic festival in Valverde de los Arroyos

Declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in 1980, the Octava del Corpus is one of the most unique traditions in the province of Guadalajara. Its origins likely date back to the 16th century, and it is celebrated every year on the Sunday following Corpus Christi.

📅 Saturday, June 13

• 7:00 PM – Festival opening speech by Fran Mestre (President of Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España)
• 7:30 PM – Play by the group "El Portalejo": The Role of the Human Race
• 10:00 PM – Dance procession
• 12:00 a.m. – Singing of the Octava

📅 Sunday, June 14

• 9:00 a.m. – Gathering of young men and dancers
• 12:00 PM – Holy Mass with a procession to the threshing floor. Dance of the Cross at the threshing floor
• 1:00 PM – Auction of rosquillas in the square, featuring the El Cordón and Los Molinos dances
• 5:30 PM – The dancers perform at the request of the audience

📅 Monday, June 15

• 12:00 PM – Mass in honor of the Virgin of Grace with a procession to the chapel
• 1:30 p.m. – Procession through the entire town until everyone is exhausted

The festival begins the day before with the opening proclamation, folk performances, a community picnic, and the traditional parades of the dancers and young men, who walk the streets performing the historic Cantar de la Octava.

The main day kicks off to the sound of bagpipes and drums. After Mass, the dancers accompany the solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the threshing floors, where they perform the spectacular Dance of the Cross. This is followed by other traditional events such as the auction of the Ramo pastries and the performance of such iconic dances as Los Molinos and El Cordón.

The celebration continues with the performance of sacramental plays and the display of several traditional dances preserved in the village, true gems of Castilian folklore. The day concludes with an emotional procession through the streets of Valverde accompanied by neighbors, family members, and members of the Brotherhood of the Brothers of the Lord.

The second day of the festival is dedicated to the Virgin of Grace and the Sacred Heart, ending with a community procession in which the entire town shares food, drink, and celebration at the doors of their homes.

A centuries-old tradition brimming with symbolism, music, and color that makes Valverde de los Arroyos one of the most fascinating cultural destinations in Castilla-La Mancha.