The main week in honor of the patron saint will begin with the official presentation of the festival queen of 2026 and her ladies on Friday, May 8. On Saturday, May 9, the Pregón Parade will follow its usual route through the town's streets, announcing the start of the celebrations.
Sunday, May 10, will be the day of the traditional pilgrimage to the Santa Quitèria hermitage. After the ringing of bells, pilgrims and decorated vehicles will gather in the Plaza de la Iglesia de la Natividad to begin the journey. During the pilgrimage, ribbons and scarves will be distributed, and all proceeds will be donated to the Spanish Association Against Cancer of Almassora. Near the hermitage, rotllet and copeta will be offered, and there will be children's activities. The day will culminate with a mass at the hermitage, a monumental paella sponsored by CaixAlmassora, and the return of the pilgrimage to the San José church, followed by a procession to the Santísimo Cristo del Calvario church, with the lighting of traditional bonfires.
Friday, May 15, will mark the official start of the main week with several exhibition inaugurations, such as Enrique Agut, color d’una vida at Espai Mercat, Recordar para no olvidar at the Els Llauradors de CaixAlmassora hall, and La raíz de la memoria. 30 años en el Mediterráneo by painter Jerónimo Uribe. That night, the Mesón del Vino will open, and the Esclat de Festa will be celebrated in the Plaza Mayor, followed by the inauguration of the festival grounds.
The bullfighting program will begin on Saturday, May 16, with the running of six wild bulls from Carmen Valiente and the exhibition of the first town bull. Throughout the week, there will be various bull exhibitions from ranches such as Carmen Valiente, San Martín, Monteviejo, Sergio Centelles, Arcadio Albarrán, Los Ronceles, El Pilar, El Torero, and Las Monjas. On Wednesday, May 20, Senior Citizen's Day will be celebrated in Plaza Pere Cornell, with a snack and a copla show.
Friday, May 22, Santa Quitèria Day, will be the main day with a solemn mass, a mascletà, and the traditional distribution of rice from Les Calderes, a festival declared of Autonomous Tourist Interest. The Caldera de Honor 2026 will also be awarded to the company Two7Tiles, and the proceeds from the sale of scarves and ribbons will be donated to the Spanish Association Against Cancer of Almassora. The day will conclude with a solemn procession and a potluck dinner in the municipal swimming pool parking lot with an orchestra and children's activities. The festivities will end on Sunday, May 24, with Children's Day, full of games and aquatic activities, and the Tornà de Santa Quitèria on Sunday, June 7.
