L'Alcora Celebrates 270th Festa del Rotllo, Now a Festival of Autonomic Tourist Interest

Thousands of people, including many children, participated in the pilgrimage and the distribution of 6,500 blessed rolls.

Image of a crowd participating in a pilgrimage in l'Alcora.
IA

Image of a crowd participating in a pilgrimage in l'Alcora.

The town of l'Alcora has celebrated the 270th edition of its traditional Festa del Rotllo, the first with the recognition of Festival of Autonomic Tourist Interest, gathering thousands of people in a multitudinous pilgrimage and the distribution of 6,500 blessed rolls.

This edition of the Festa del Rotllo, considered one of the most important days for the capital of l'Alcalatén, held special significance. The recognition as a Festival of Autonomic Tourist Interest, granted by the Generalitat, highlights the uniqueness and deep roots of this tradition, documented since 1756. The festival already held the title of provincial interest since 2009, now consolidating its value in Valencian festive heritage.
The festive day began at 9:00 AM with the distribution of 7,000 bracelets, 7,000 ribbons, and 6,500 small rolls. The pilgrimage departed from the Church Square, with children, known as 'angelets', leading the way, followed by the colla de dolçainers i tabaleters and thousands of residents. The clergy and the Rondalla l'Alcalatén closed the procession. After reaching the mountain's summit, a popular lunch was held in the pine forest, along with traditional activities and games for the children, who also enjoyed the toy fair. Mass at the San Cristóbal hermitage and musical and traditional dance performances completed the morning.
At 12:00 PM, the Calvary gate hosted the reception of the 'angelets', their families, and authorities, with the participation of the Colla Gegantera and the Agrupació Musical l'Alcalatén, as well as the presence of the queen and her ladies. The event culminated with a parade to the Assumption parish church, where the distribution of the 'rotllos' took place. More than 6,000 people collected their 'rotllo', with a total of 6,500 units distributed out of the 7,700 prepared by the City Council.
The entire municipal corporation, led by the mayor of l'Alcora, Samuel Falomir, actively participated in the pilgrimage and distribution, accompanied by the Deputy for Ceramic Promotion, Vicente Pallarés, and representatives of local entities. The festivities continued in the afternoon with 'tardeos' (afternoon parties) in the town center's bars and pubs, enlivened by the charanga Una i Monanem and the orchestra Top Zero, culminating with a mobile disco at the Pista Jardí from midnight.
The remaining 'rotllos' will be distributed on the Día de la Dobla, in honor of San Cristóbal, patron saint of l'Alcora, on April 7, which is a local holiday. The festive program will extend to April 10, 11, and 12 with the Pascua Taurina (Bullfighting Easter), which will include the release of fighting bulls in San Roque Square, a gastronomic market, and a music tent. On April 11, the 30th Pilgrimage through the Hermitages of l'Alcora will take place, and the festivities will conclude on April 13 with the Romería de San Vicente and the Mocadorà, featuring activities in the Barri de la Sang, the award ceremony for the 'mocadorà' design, the Fira del Llibre de l'Alcalatén, and musical entertainment.