Casinos Preserves Saint Vincent Ferrer Tradition Since Early 19th Century

The town of Casinos has celebrated the feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer with a rich history dating back to 1807, according to historical documents.

Image of a communion banner during a festive procession in a traditional street.
IA

Image of a communion banner during a festive procession in a traditional street.

The festivity of Saint Vincent Ferrer in Casinos has deep roots, with evidence of its celebration dating back to the early 19th century, as revealed by historical documents detailing local devotion.

The devotion to Saint Vincent Ferrer in the town of Casinos has been documented for over two centuries. According to the Inventory of Clothes and Jewels from the Parish Church of Santa Bárbara del Lugar de Casinos in the year 1807, there were already references to liturgical items related to communion, such as a “China brocade” cape for communicants.
A record from the year 1828, a “Draft of Sung and Recited Celebration” written by Don Vicente Aznar, then parish priest of Casinos, confirms the celebration of masses dedicated to Saint Vincent on April 14. This data highlights that the feast was already established in the first twenty-five years of the 19th century.
The importance of the saint's figure was reinforced in 1882, when for the first time the current street connecting Plaza Gabriel Esteve with Inmaculada Street was named San Vicente. This street was one of the most populated in Casinos at that time, with forty registered homes.
Another relevant document, dated January 1, 1893, and signed by Don Vicente Plasencia, priest, and the Factory Board (composed of Gerónimo Murgui, José Usach, Gabriel Muñoz, and Juan Bautista Rocher), details the purchase of a “Communion Banner” for fifty reales, demonstrating the continuity of liturgical traditions.
The feast of Saint Vincent in Casinos has always been full of tradition and fervor. After the first morning mass, the “Communion for the Infirm” procession toured much of the town accompanied by the Music Band. Subsequently, the solemn mass of the day was celebrated, and in the afternoon, a procession with the image of Saint Vincent, preceded by the banner and flag, and children dressed in the traditional attire of the Order of Preachers, imitating the saint.
For many years, in the street bearing his name, the traditional “Milacres” (Miracles) were performed, directed by Eleuterio Usach in the 1950s. Among the artists who participated were Salvador Marqués García, Salvador Murgui Hilario, Amalia Marqués Rodilla, Vicente García Llorens, Nicasio Navarrete, José Soriano García, Vicente Faubel, Maruja Pérez, and Carmen Llorens, among others.
The celebration culminated with the Novena, where on the last day Andrea García, a resident of the street, recited poems in honor of Saint Vincent. This chronicle, written by José Salvador Murgui Soriano, Official Chronicler of Casinos and Corresponding Academic of the Section of Official Chroniclers of the R.A.C.V., pays tribute to all those who kept this devotion and festivity alive.