The municipality of Catarroja has wrapped up another intense weekend of its Fiestas Mayores 2026, with the concert by Nil Moliner serving as a major musical highlight. The Catalan singer attracted thousands of attendees on Saturday night to the Recinte Firal del Mundial 82, one of the most anticipated events in this year's cultural program.
From the hours leading up to the performance, the new venue saw a significant influx of residents and visitors, who also enjoyed the foodtrucks offerings before the show began. At 11:00 PM, Nil Moliner took the stage to deliver a repertoire blending his most popular hits with tracks from his latest musical project.
The concert's success underscores the Catarroja City Council's strategy to elevate the Fiestas Mayores, balancing traditional activities with large-scale performances by renowned artists. Mayor Lorena Silvent highlighted the ambition and organization of the festivities, emphasizing the town's capacity to host events that are "ambitious, well-organized, and, at the same time, deeply our own."
The Recinte Firal del Mundial 82, a key new addition this year, successfully handled another large-scale event. Its location and size are designed to accommodate high-attendance performances, supported by enhanced security, prevention measures, and comprehensive services for the public. According to Silvent, this venue allows them to "grow and bring to Catarroja shows that were previously very difficult to fit within the urban center," improving safety and organization.
The weekend also focused on local identity and traditions. The Port (harbor) served as a venue for events dedicated to Allipebre (a traditional Valencian stew) and rice cultivation. The LIV International Allipebre Contest drew approximately 4,000 people, featuring 150 participants and offering 2,000 tasting portions.
On Sunday, the Festa de la Sega (Harvest Festival), organized by the Denominació d’Origen Arròs de València (Valencian Rice Origin Designation), highlighted Valencian rice culture. The event included boat trips on l'Albufera natural park, environmental activities, children's workshops, and gastronomic demonstrations, tracing the entire process of rice cultivation.
During the Festa de la Sega, Vicente Rioja, a chef and master rice grower, was honored as Segador d’Honor 2026 (Honorary Harvester 2026) in recognition of his career. An emotional posthumous tribute was also paid to "el Churro," accepted by his family. Lorena Silvent stressed the importance of passing down cultural heritage and "a way of life and work that is part of our history" to younger generations.
