The town of Catral has officially launched its highly anticipated San Juan 2026 Festivities. The program, which began on Friday, May 29th, saw its first major highlight during the weekend of June 6th with the institutional reception of the incoming court and the election of the youth and child queens, Elena Fortuna and Martína Culiáñez, respectively. Music took center stage on Friday the 12th with a performance by José de Rico and the S.O.S. Festival featuring various DJs.
Saturday, June 13th, marked the turn of the now traditional Chupinazo, celebrating its 18th edition this year. The event, a pioneer in the Vega Baja region, drew thousands of people to the Casa de Cultura square, which experienced an intense day with activities such as a water fight, performances by DJs like DJ Trauma and DJ Nano, and nighttime concerts by groups such as Al Resé, Pedrá, and Reincidentes.
The schedule continues with sporting and educational events. On Tuesday, June 16th, and Wednesday, June 17th, the graduations for Infantil (preschool) and 6th Grade Primary of CEIP Azorín will take place. On Thursday, June 18th, the Catral Taekwondo Club will offer a body combat exhibition, and on Friday, June 19th, the Municipal Karate School will hold a demonstration before the Fiesta en la Calle (Street Party).
Saturday, June 20th, will be marked by the Children's Chupinazo in the Plaza de España, followed by the Gran Desfile Multicolor (Grand Multicolor Parade) with the participation of numerous local 'peñas' (social clubs) such as Rytmos y Stylos, M’akabo de Levantar, and El Rabanico Tieso, among others. The night will culminate with another Fiesta en la Calle.
The following week includes religious events such as the triduum to San Juan and daily masses, as well as sports exhibitions at the Daniel Ros Sports Pavilion and the Conservatory. On the eve of San Juan, Tuesday the 23rd, the traditional Gran Verbena-Cena de Sobaquillo (Grand All-You-Can-Eat Dinner Party) will be held at the Parque de la Palmera.
Wednesday, June 24th, the Main Day of the Festival, will begin with the traditional firing of rockets and ringing of bells, followed by a solemn mass in honor of San Juan Bautista, the patron saint's procession, and a fireworks display. The final stretch will include graduations, the VI 24h San Juan Tennis Open, concerts by the S.U.M. La Constancia Music Band, and the I Gathering of Classic Cars and Motorcycles.
The institutional speeches reflect the festive spirit. The mayor, Joaquín Lucas Ferrández, invites participation; the Councilor for Festivities, Antonio Jesús Fabra Navarro, thanks the 'peñas' for their vitality; and the parish priest, Carmelo Ramón Rives, wishes for days of reunion and strengthening of bonds.
The children's court consists of queen Martina Culiáñez Candela and ladies-in-waiting Yaiza Bonmatí Gómez, Dulce Mª Bailén Alonso, María Pérez Gómez, and Ariadna López Carpenter. In the youth category, the queen is Elena Fortuna Mora, accompanied by ladies-in-waiting Claudia Cartagena Cascales, Lorena Gelardo Juárez, Ana Mª Pelmus, and Clara Alonso Irañeta.
The festive publication also dedicates space to local memory, featuring reports on the figure of Sara Illán Lacal, the Salinas Kiosk, 'almojábanas' (a local pastry), and the origins of the 'peñas' in Catral.
