Saturday's festive day in Vila-real was marked by several significant events. One of the most symbolic acts was the twinning ceremony between Vila-real, Alconchel de Ariza, and Torrehermosa, held at the sepulchre of the Sant Pasqual basilica. This event underscores the historical ties that unite the three towns through the figure of the saint, who was born in Torrehermosa, spent part of his childhood in Alconchel de Ariza, and lived his final years in Vila-real, where his remains rest.
The gathering was presided over by mayors Juan Carlos Sáez Bendicho, Pascual García Alonso, and José Benlloch, accompanied by the mother abbess of the Sant Pasqual convent, María Dolores Pérez. After the signing of official documents, Mayor Benlloch presented a bronze sculpture of the Mare de Déu de Gràcia as a memento of the day. The event also included the presence of the 2026 festival queen, Berta Beteta, her court of honor, municipal representatives, religious entities, Caixa Rural Vila-real, and the Pro Monestir Foundation, as well as numerous residents.
Subsequently, Augusto Belau performed the 'Marxa de la Ciutat' on the basilica's carillon, while the 'Amics de les Campanes' rang Europe's largest swinging bell, a rare moment due to its technical complexity. The invited mayors toured various areas of the basilica and received a commemorative gift from the Pro Monestir i Basílica de Sant Pasqual Foundation. The institutional day concluded with a signing in the City Hall's Book of Honor.
In the cultural sphere, the exhibition “Castelló Col·lecciona. Elogi de l’incomplet” was inaugurated at El Convent, espai d’art. This exhibition, part of the 13th edition of the MARTE Fair and the “Orbital Expedition” project, brings together seven private collections of contemporary art and features works by artists such as Gema Quiles from Vila-real. It also includes pieces by Arturo Doñate, recipient of the city's Premi 20 de Febrer, who was specially honored following his recent passing. The exhibition was presented by the Councilor for Museums, Santi Cortells; one of the MARTE Fair directors, Joan Feliu; and Mayor José Benlloch, who highlighted Vila-real's commitment to contemporary culture.
The festive coexistence reached one of its highlights with the 90th Paella Contest and the 47th Paella Lunch, held on Avinguda de la Murà. The event gathered approximately 1,800 people from 75 'penyes' (groups), making it one of the most crowded traditional events of the patron saint festivities. The winning paellas were prepared by the 'penyes' All i oli (first prize), Com cabarem (second), and La peña nostra (third). The event was organized by the Comissió de Penyes with sponsorship from Caixa Rural.
