The Winter Festival honoring Mare de Déu del Patrocini brought together the residents of Foios over the weekend, celebrating a tradition over 150 years old that takes place on the second Sunday of November.
Events began on Friday with the XXVI 'El món al paladar' (The World on the Palate) Exhibition, organized by the Association of Women of Foios, which included a solidarity dinner for ACCU (Association of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Patients).
On Saturday, the historical route 'Foios a cel obert' (Foios in the Open Air), guided by official chronicler Daniel Corell, explored emblematic corners of the town. In the afternoon, a tribute was paid to the oldest resident, Romero Manzano, with 'albaes' (traditional songs) by the Pepe Palau Traditional Music Association, and the play 'Les Cunyades' (The Sisters-in-Law) was performed by the Foios School of Theatre (FET), with proceeds going to charity.
Sunday began with the 'Diana', a sung procession honoring the town's patron saint, concluding with the 'Xocolatà', a popular breakfast. The solemn mass was followed by the gathering of the 'cap de dansa' (dance leader), Eva María Canuto, and the popular 'dansà' (traditional dance) by the Foios Dance Group, filling the streets with festive atmosphere.
Other notable events included the distribution of 'calderes' (a traditional Valencian recipe), performances by the Pepe Palau Traditional Music Association and the CAM Santa Cecília Music Band. The Jove Muixeranga de València performed in the town square, and the manual ringing of bells accompanied the celebration. The festival concluded with a fireworks display and a solemn procession.
The festival originates from 1867, when a flood led residents to seek refuge in the church, calling for the aid of Mare de Déu del Patrocini. Since then, it has been celebrated every second Sunday of November, forming part of the municipality's identity.
