What is the Festa del Dux
The IX Festa del Dux is an annual celebration that transforms the historic centre of Riba-roja de Túria into a Visigothic setting for three days. In 2026, the event runs from 6 to 8 November, paying tribute to the town’s historical heritage, linked to the Pla de Nadal and València la Vella archaeological sites—two of the most significant Visigothic complexes in the Valencian Community.
Activities and programme
The Visigothic market, located in the streets Cisterna, Plaza Conde de Revillagigedo, Eusebio Benedito, and Forn Ve, is one of the festival’s highlights. Here, artisans showcase traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, pottery, and weaving, selling handmade products ranging from toys to decorative items and period-inspired gastronomy.
The programme includes:
- Guided tours of the Visigothic Museum of Pla de Nadal and the València la Vella site, where archaeological findings and the area’s historical significance are explained.
- Historical reenactments: The Asociación de Amigos del Museo Militar de Valencia stages combat displays and soldier patrols, alongside portrayals of the Visigothic lords Tebdemir and Teodora and their retinue.
- Falconry and live music, bringing the streets to life with birds of prey and melodies inspired by the era.
- Themed workshops on numismatics, Visigothic writing, and clothing, open to all ages.
Visigothic gastronomy
Local restaurants and bakeries take part in the XII Visigothic Gastronomic Days – Del Túria al Plat, offering menus and tapas based on historical recipes. Highlights include Visigothic kisses (traditional sweets) and Teodoras (savoury dishes), recreating flavours from the period.
Timetable and access
The festival kicks off on Friday 6 November at 18:00 with the official opening. On Saturday 7 November at 11:00, a guided tour of the València la Vella site is scheduled. The rest of the activities—market, workshops, and reenactments—run continuously over the three days, with varying times as detailed in the official programme.
All activities are free to enter, with no prior booking required, except for guided tours of the sites, which may need registration at the event’s information point.
