Valentín: Church, Ceramics and Festivals

Valentín can be explored through three clearly distinct themes: the Iglesia de Valentín, the centuries-old craft of ceramics, and the Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista. Also part of the picture is the Calasparra-Cehegín route, whose described course connects Valentín with a river, a reservoir and other named route connections.

Iglesia de Valentín and its dedication

The Iglesia de Valentín was built in the mid-1950s and is dedicated to John the Baptist; its clock tower is more than 30 metres high. The date of construction and the height describe two different aspects of the building, while its dedication connects it to the Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista: the festival’s name also refers to the same saint.

Ceramic craftsmanship using local materials

For centuries, tiles, floor tiles and roof tiles have been made by hand in Valentín. The clay used comes from the local brickworks, and the pieces are fired using dry agricultural waste biomass from the region. This craft can therefore be considered in terms of its long continuity, its products and the materials involved. Distinguishing between clay as the raw material and waste biomass as the fuel makes the production process clear: one is made into ceramics, while the other is used for firing. Complementing the church, this craft offers a different perspective on Valentín’s building culture: there, the construction date and tower height are the specific points of reference; here, the focus is on the products, local clay and fuel.

Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista

Today’s Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista de Valentín include offerings, Masses and a procession carrying the saint through the streets of Valentín. A traditional corrida de vaquillas is also part of the festivities, held between Amancio Marín and La Doctora streets near the village square. The location described for the corrida is more narrowly defined than that of the procession: two streets and its proximity to the village square are specified. The historical interpretation of the festival tradition links the choice of patron saint to the influence of the Order of Saint John in these areas up to the 19th century. Today’s customs and the historical interpretation of the choice of patron saint thus offer different perspectives on the same tradition.

The Calasparra-Cehegín route

The Calasparra-Cehegín route (No. 35) begins where the Cordel de Rotas (Route 36) meets the B-32 regional road in the direction of Valentín. After the section heading towards Valentín, it continues to the river and the Quípar reservoir. Near Cehegín, it connects with the Vía Verde del Noroeste and the Fuente Caputa-Calasparra route. These connections are located at different points: the B-32 and Cordel de Rotas mark the starting point, the river and Quípar reservoir appear farther along the route, and the two other routes join near Cehegín. This makes it possible to distinguish the starting connection, landscape features and route connections.

Discover more destinations: Campos Del Río, Santomera, Aljucer, Caravaca De La Cruz, Cobatillas, Las Ventanas, Hoya Hermosa, Puerto Lumbreras

For the main travel overview: Murcia.