Oliva Presents the 2026 Festival Program for Saint Francis of Assisi
The celebrations include exhibitions, concerts, parades, and religious events to commemorate the patron saint.
By Mireia Blasco i Vidal
••2 min read
IA
Generic image of a street festival with decorations and lights.
The city of Oliva is preparing to celebrate its patron saint festivals in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, with a program starting September 12th that includes cultural and religious events.
The Saint Francis Festival Board, with the support of the Oliva City Council's Festivals Department, has unveiled the event program for the 2026 festivals honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, the city's patron saint. This year's celebrations also mark the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi's Passing.
The first official event will take place on Saturday, September 12th, with the presentation of the festival book at the Saint Francis parish. Additionally, the parish is organizing the exhibition ‘Franciscan Vestiges in Oliva,’ showcasing religious artifacts, images, and photographs related to the saint from various religious buildings in the town.
The program continues on Saturday, September 19th, with a concert by the Cor de la Rectoria. On Saturday the 26th, a parade and proclamation will be held, along with the transfer of Saint Clare's image and a solidarity dinner, marking the beginning of the main festival week.
Throughout the week, from Monday to Friday, residents can enjoy bell ringing and the quinaria Eucharist, as well as a 'bring your own food' dinner open to the public at the Saint Francis Parish Center.
On Sunday, October 4th, the patron saint's day, a solemn Eucharist will be celebrated, followed by a procession. The festival will conclude with the traditional fireworks display.
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"Oliva is preparing to celebrate its patron saint festivals in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. A celebration that is intensely lived in the neighborhood and promotes brotherhood among neighbors and especially between the parish and the Clarisses convent, in addition to attracting citizens from all over Oliva. For this reason, I want to especially thank the work of this year's festival presidents, Vanessa Larraga Llidó and Iván Candel Esteban, and all the people who make the celebration possible."
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"I want to congratulate the presidents and the Festival Board for their effort in organizing this year's festivals, as well as the support of all the municipal departments that collaborate. It is time for the traditional street dances of 'el Niño', the singing of the Aurora, the parade and announcing proclamation, activities for children, the fireworks display, and, of course, the main mass and procession in honor of the patron saint. You are all invited!"
Based on information from the official source: Ajuntament d'Oliva (10/09/2026)
