Carlet: Pilgrimage, Culture and Valencian Festivities

From the 13th century to the present day, the Paraje de Pintarrafes near Carlet has been an almost continuously important regional site of pilgrimage and veneration.

Culture and History

The Ermita de Sant Bernat is a pilgrimage chapel with a central floor plan, a two-storey heptagonal structure and a circular central space. A settlement site from the Andalusian period and the remains of an earlier temple dedicated to Saint Bernard were identified in the Paraje de Pintarrafes, at the site of the present-day chapel.

The Gozos written in honour of the martyrs Bernardo, María and Gracia date from the 15th century and are among the earliest examples of this form of popular literature. Among Carlet's monumental sights is the façade of the former Dominican monastery. The Archpriest Church of Carlet houses a polychrome wood carving from the 13th century.

Carlet's historic centre contains buildings in Arab, modernist and Baroque styles.

Landscape and Paths

The PR-CV 421 Ruta Bernardina is a 15 km-long linear route connecting Carlet with Alzira and retracing San Bernat's flight from his birthplace in Carlet to Alzira. Its length and linear layout give the route a clearly defined format for personal planning.

The Río Magro crosses the municipality of Carlet from north to south and carries very little water. The ruins of El convent de Sant Pere d'Alcàntara are located in the vicinity of Carlet.

The surrounding area of Carlet is home to the Museu valencià de la festa, the Mumo museum and the Palau de Casassús. The peaks of Alt del Trencall and Besori, as well as the Parc Bernat Guinovart and Parque Arabia Saudí parks, are also nearby.

Festivities and Traditions

The festival of San Blas is celebrated in Carlet on 3 February; during the celebration, food, especially anise rolls, is blessed in the church. In the days before Holy Week, the Fiesta del Delantal takes place, during which women wear aprons with original designs.

The Fiesta del Delantal includes a convivial afternoon as well as the typical foods Monas, chocolate and Easter sausage. In July, Carlet celebrates the Fiesta del Farolillo; children make lanterns from watermelons and then display them in the streets.

Carlet's Fiestas mayores take place on 23 July in honour of Bernardo, María and Gracia; they include a pilgrimage during which the saints' relics are carried.

Places and Activities

The Poliesportiu Municipal has pools for children and adults, pétanque, tennis and padel courts, as well as facilities for athletics and football; it is available to the general public via a booking system. The Teatre Giner is managed by the Ayuntamiento de Carlet.

Further destinations: Aielo de Malferit, Camp de Túria, Miramar, Quatretonda, Barx, Alboraya, La Drova, Cofrentes

For the overarching travel overview: Valencia.