Albalat dels Tarongers
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Gastronomy:
The village’s typical dishes include “Comediana” rice and “tortells”. “Comediana” rice is prepared in a cauldron and made from rice, potato, cod, onion and a sautéed, tomato sauce. “Tortell” is a sweet made with a brioche paste and filled with pumpkin jam or marzipan with candied fruits.
Places of interest:
“La Casa Palacio” (14th-15th centuries) is a gothic palace in a good state of conservation. It is currently composed of a basement (ogive arches and semicircular arches, all made of limestone) and three floors: stables, main floor and decorated (gothic) rooms. Since 1897, “La Casa Palacio” has belonged to the Baixauli family.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception (18th-century) consists of three naves with a Latin cross structure. Its façade stands out for its scant ornamentation and its simplicity. An underground crypt was discovered in 1988.
“Font de la Rivera” Aqueduct. Only one of the three original arches of which this Roman aqueduct was composed remains standing.
“El Piló Castle.” Currently in ruins. However, it is still possible to distinguish part of what must have been the defensive towers, several elements of its crumbling walls and other remains.
Festivities:
Festivities of Saint Anthony (16th and 17th January): on Saint Anthony’s Day, the villagers’ animals and the municipality itself are blessed. A large bonfire is lit in the town square and old furniture and firewood are burned as a symbol of purification and renewal. It is also traditional to dine on roasted, cured sausages in the square.
Virgin of the Holy Cave (third Sunday in May). Every year, the villagers decorate the streets and celebrate a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Holy Cave, located in the village of Altura.
August Festivals (15th, 16th, 17th, plus a week of bull running festivities), held in honour of the Virgin of August, Saint Roche and the Divine Shepherdess. Entertainment, sports and religious celebrations, as well as bull-running.
Immaculate Conception (8th December).
