Xàtiva - Fira de D´Agost - Xativa August Fair
Xàtiva celebrates its Fira d’Agost ( August Fair ) from 15 to 20 August.
Its origins go back to the era of king Jaime I El Conquistador, who on August 18th, 1250, allowed the population to hold a market and a fair every year. 750 years have gone by and this important cultural and historical event is
still being celebrated. The Fira d’Agost of Xàtiva, which coincides with the Festivity of the Assumption of the Virgin, is one of the oldest festivities in the Region of Valencia. It was also declared a festivity of National Tourist Interest.
In the beginning, the fair consisted of a space for commercial exchange and farming utensils and animal trade. The animal trade became the traditional Fira del Bestiar (livestock fair),which still takes place on the fair’s first three days, with its own space and with deeply-rooted competitions
such as shooting and dragging. However, the fair incorporated other activities and merchandise stalls as a result of the progressive influx of people from other villages of the Region of Valencia. They arrived in search of utensils difficult to find in their own towns and to have a fun journey.
Today, the fair is extended along the Paseo de la Alameda, from Plaza de la Bassa to the Jardín del Beso, and its commercial activities take place in a space of 50, 000 square metres, taken up by the fair, cattle, agriculture, commerce and attractions. During the fair days festive and cultural activities take place. These include dances and the singing of albades (traditional songs), theatre representations, concerts-Amaral and David
Bustamente-, the famous Bull Fair , in which the best know matadors participate, also, fire works contests, shows for children, street shows and many other events. Sport competitions are also held, including a motorcycle race which, after fifty years running, is considered to be the oldest urban circuit race in Spain. The bicycle race is also noteworthy.
