The city of Castelló has opened the registration period for its XX Marcha a peu per les Ermites "Miquel Soler i Barberà", which will take place on Saturday, October 24th. This initiative, reaching its twentieth edition, aims to combine historical heritage, local tradition, and community spirit among participants. Participation is free and limited to 600 people.
The Councilor for Hermitages, Noelia Selma, accompanied by the Councilor for Tourism, Arantxa Miralles, and family members of Miquel Soler i Barberà, presented the details of this edition. Selma highlighted the initiative's continuity, which was revived in 2023 after a four-year hiatus, and thanked everyone involved in its organization and maintenance.
The march will offer an opportunity to discover the relationship between the city's hermitages, traditional paths, and the landscape of the municipality, connecting with Castelló's agricultural past. For her part, Miralles emphasized the importance of holding the march annually to showcase local heritage and attract visitors.
Registration, which is now open, can be completed for free via the Municipal Tourism Board's website (www.castellonturisme.org) until the 600 available spots are filled. To commemorate the 20th anniversary, a special backpack will be given exclusively to registered participants, which can be collected on the two days prior to the march at the tourist office in Casa Abadia.
The 21-kilometer route will start at 7:00 AM from the Plaça Major and conclude at the hermitage of Sant Jaume de Fadrell. The itinerary includes several emblematic hermitages such as Sant Nicolau de Bari, Sant Josep, Sant Francesc de la Font, la Magdalena, Sant Roc de Canet, Sant Isidre, and Sant Pere de Censal, as well as the basilica of Lledó and a visit to the Castell Vell.
Selma also acknowledged the work of the hermitage caretakers in maintaining and preserving these spaces, their collaboration in facilitating visits, and their dedication to welcoming visitors. A paella will be served to all participants at the hermitage of Sant Jaume de Fadrell at the end of the march.
The march keeps alive the legacy of Miquel Soler i Barberà, who was a councilor of the Castelló City Council, a member of the 'Els Llauradors' rondalla (folk music group), and a figure linked to local culture, music, and festivals.
