Valencia is gearing up for a milestone year in 2026, with major anniversaries, world-class events, and exciting new cultural openings set to shine a spotlight on this vibrant Mediterranean city. From historic religious commemorations and globally recognized festivals to major sporting events and a rare solar eclipse, Valencia is shaping up to be one of Europe’s most captivating destinations in the year ahead.
Holy Grail Jubilee Year Returns
The III Jubilee Year of the Holy Chalice officially began on October 30, marking a significant moment for pilgrims and history enthusiasts. Centered around one of Christianity’s most revered relics, the celebration invites visitors to take part in special liturgical events, explore historic sites linked to the Chalice, and discover the new Holy Grail Visitor Centre housed within the restored Almudín building. Weekly guided tours depart every Friday from the Tourist Office at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, offering deeper insight into this sacred tradition.
A Decade of UNESCO Recognition for Las Fallas
In 2026, Valencia commemorates the 10th anniversary of Las Fallas being named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Each March, the city comes alive with more than 800 towering sculptures crafted from wood and papier mâché, culminating in the dramatic plantà and the fiery cremà on March 19. Festivities begin in late February, making this a spectacular time to experience one of Europe’s most iconic cultural celebrations.
New Sorolla Museum to Open Its Doors
Art lovers have another reason to visit in 2026 with the opening of the Sorolla Museum, dedicated to Joaquín Sorolla, one of Valencia’s most celebrated painters. Located inside the Palacio de las Comunicaciones on Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the museum will display more than 220 works on loan from the Hispanic Society of America. It joins a growing list of cultural attractions, including the recently debuted El Paleontológic interactive museum.
Church of Santos Juanes Reopens After Major Restoration
Following four years of meticulous restoration, the Baroque-era Church of Santos Juanes (1692) is set to reopen, restored to its original grandeur. Visitors will once again be able to admire Antonio Palomino’s frescoes, intricate stuccoes, gilded ornamentation, and historic sculptures—returning one of Valencia’s most treasured monuments to its rightful place in the city’s artistic landscape.
Expanding Urban Green Spaces
Valencia continues to advance its vision as a European Green Capital with new rewilding initiatives designed to boost biodiversity and enhance public space.
• Trini Simó Garden, located next to the Botanical Garden, will showcase traditional Mediterranean crops and native plant species.
• A new section of the Turia Garden, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, will be converted into a sanctuary for pollinators and local birdlife.
These projects highlight the city’s commitment to sustainable urban living and nature-based tourism.
Valencia Hosts the XII Gay Games
From June 27 to July 4, 2026, Valencia will welcome more than 3,000 athletes for the XII Gay Games. The weeklong event includes competitions in 37 sports along with a vibrant cultural and social program—further underscoring the city’s dedication to inclusivity, diversity, and community.
A Rare Solar Eclipse Over Valencia
On August 12, 2026, Valencia will become one of Europe’s prime viewing points for a total solar eclipse—the last one visible from the Iberian Peninsula until 2090. Wide, open vantage points such as the former Turia riverbed, the Marina of Valencia, and Albufera Natural Park will offer unforgettable views of this celestial event.
Roig Arena Elevates Valencia’s Event Landscape
The newly opened Roig Arena is rapidly becoming a focal point for entertainment, attracting more than one million visitors a year with major concerts, sporting events, and Valencia Basket games. With an investment of €400 million, the arena stands alongside the City of Arts and Sciences and Veles e Vents as another architectural icon for the city.
Key 2026 sporting events include:
• Basketball King’s Cup – February 19–22
• Volleyball King’s Cup – late February
• Ironman Valencia – April 19
• S.M. La Reina Trophy – early July
• Valencia Half Marathon & Marathon – November–December
• MotoGP Grand Prix – November 20–22
With major cultural anniversaries, rare celestial events, and exciting new attractions, Valencia is stepping confidently into 2026 as a city that blends heritage, creativity, and Mediterranean energy. Whether you come for the festivals, the food, the architecture, or the sunshine, next year offers countless reasons to experience this dynamic destination at its most vibrant.
