Xàtiva’s Fira Borja 2026: Two Weekends of Music, History & Local Flavours
📅 30 October–8 November 2026 | 📍 Xàtiva, Valencia
Some places reveal their history through museum displays. In Xàtiva this autumn, you can discover it through music in historic buildings, theatrical encounters in the streets and a mystery waiting to be solved after dark.
The Fira Borja returns for its fifth edition, expanding across two weekends for the first time. Expect early music, guided walks, artisan stalls, local food and family entertainment, alongside opportunities to enter heritage spaces that are usually closed to visitors.
For our International Community Valencia (ICV) readers, it is a lovely opportunity to look beyond Valencia city and spend time exploring one of the region’s most distinctive historic towns.
🏛️ First, a little context: who were the Borja?
You may recognise the family’s Italian name: Borgia.
The Borja family’s roots lie in the Valencian region, with Xàtiva the birthplace of two members who became popes: Calixtus III and Alexander VI. Their rise connects the town to the politics, religion and cultural life of Renaissance Europe.
The Fira explores that heritage through buildings, performances and experiences. You do not need to arrive knowing the family tree to enjoy it.
🎻 First weekend: music, history and a little mystery
30 October–1 November
The opening weekend puts historic venues and early music at the heart of the programme.
Friday 30 October · 20:00
The inaugural concert, “L’art de la variació”, takes place at Sant Feliu Church, featuring organist Arturo Barba and violinist Fernando Pascual. A tasting of traditional sweets accompanies the evening.
Saturday 31 October · 20:00
At the Convent of Sant Domènec, Capella de Ministrers, directed by Carles Magraner, performs “Santa Maria, música en temps de Jaume I”—music evoking the age of James I.
A new stage for young musicians
This year introduces the first Fira Borja National Early Music Competition, organised by the council and Joventuts Musicals de la Costera, with sponsorship from Caixa Popular.
Nineteen young musicians have registered across three age categories, with participants from across Spain and Amsterdam.
Both rounds take place in the Saló Noble of the Antic Hospital:
Saturday 31 October · 10:00: semifinal.
Sunday 1 November · 10:00: final, also featuring a performance by early music professor Andrés Gómez Rueda.
Walk through the Borja story
The guided tour “Xàtiva, ciutat natal dels Borja”, led by Pablo Camarasa, starts at Plaça de Sant Pere and includes a tasting of traditional sweets.
Saturday 31 October · 10:30: Spanish.
Sunday 1 November · 10:30: Valencian.
These visits are free, with advance booking required.
🔎 A murder mystery after dark
On Saturday 31 October at 22:00, “Crim en la ciutat dels Borja” turns an apparently ordinary guided visit into an interactive investigation.
Starting at Plaça de Sant Pere, participants must unravel a mysterious murder while exploring the city.
The activity is free, with advance booking required. Check the booking information for language and age suitability before reserving.
🎶 Second weekend: hidden spaces, live music and the artisan fair
6–8 November
If you are hoping to combine culture with stalls, food and family entertainment, the second weekend brings those elements together.
Music behind usually closed doors
On Saturday 7 November, the new “Ruta sonora per palaus i convents” pairs access to historic spaces with live early music.
Around 15-minute microconcerts will take place at:
The sacristy of Sant Agustí: medieval music performed by Sabrina Martín Guinaldo on harpsichord.
The birthplace of Alexander VI: Renaissance music with soprano Carmina Sánchez and Dario González on vihuela.
The cloister of La Inmaculada school: medieval music performed by Álvaro López Pérez on bowed strings.
Performances are scheduled at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30, allowing visitors to organise their own route between the venues.
History brought to life
Teatre de la Lluna leads “La Ruta Borja”, a theatrical walk introducing characters and episodes from the family’s history.
Saturday 7 November · 18:00
Sunday 8 November · 11:00
The walks last approximately 90 minutes and are free, with advance booking required. Check the listing for the meeting point and performance language.
Discover how an organ works
On Sunday 8 November at 12:30, organist Arturo Barba presents “Coneguem l’orgue”, combining live performances with explanations of how the instrument works.
The activity concludes with a craft beer tasting, with the collaboration of La Socarrada and Er Boquerón. Check the official programme for the venue and access arrangements.
🎪 Artisan stalls and family entertainment
The Albereda Jaume I hosts the Fira d’Artesania, with craft and food stalls, a family play area and wooden children’s attractions.
Fair opening times:
Friday 6 November: inauguration at 17:30.
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November: 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:00.
Friday’s opening celebrations continue at 18:00 with a parade featuring jugglers and a fire show by Iknotiz Producciones.
Saturday 7 November
11:00 and 18:00: Família Paganini parades.
13:00: “La festa de la cançó”.
18:30: circus performance by Circ Piruleta.
Sunday 8 November
12:00: “La boja del barret” storytelling.
17:00: “Els encanteris de la bruixa Peppus”.
Sunday’s two performances are presented by Mary Peppis.
Planning tip: the artisan fair takes place on 6–8 November, so choose the second weekend if the stalls and family programme are your main reason for visiting.
♟️ New this year: a chess tournament
The first Fira dels Borja Chess Tournament takes place on Sunday 8 November at 10:00, at the Albereda Jaume I.
Organised by Club Ajedrez La Primitiva and Xàtiva City Council, it welcomes adults and children, with free registration.
Consult the organisers’ information for registration arrangements.
🖼️ Exhibitions worth adding to your visit
Two exhibitions at the Convent of Sant Domènec open on 21 October, ahead of the main fair:
“Xàtiva i els Borja” · Until 8 November
An introduction to the family and its history.
“Vestint els Borja” · Until 5 November
Recreations of period clothing created by the association Indumenta’t.
Opening hours:
Wednesday–Saturday: 10:30–14:00 and 16:00–19:00.
Sundays and public holidays: mornings only.
Notice that “Vestint els Borja” finishes before the second weekend, so plan an earlier visit if you want to see the costumes.
The Espai Borja interpretation centre, featuring video mapping and interactive displays, will also offer free entry during both fair weekends.
🍽️ Make time for lunch
Ten restaurants are taking part with special Fira Borja menus:
Ganesh · El Cullerot · Terrassa Sant Josep · Ca Conxa · Els Porxes · La Talaia del Castell · El Moncho · Public Lounge Mercat · Montsant · Euforia
Contact your chosen restaurant directly for menu prices, availability, dietary requirements and reservations.
A morning exploring historic buildings followed by a relaxed lunch makes a tempting autumn outing.
🧭 Before you go
Book the guided tours, theatrical walks and Cluedo in advance. These activities are free, but places are limited.
Check the language of your activity. The first weekend’s guided walks have confirmed Spanish and Valencian sessions; do not assume other activities will be offered in English.
Check individual admission arrangements. Free access is confirmed for specific activities, rather than the entire programme.
Wear comfortable shoes. Xàtiva’s historic streets and the routes between venues are best enjoyed without rushing. Ask organisers about accessibility if steps or uneven surfaces could affect your visit.
Check the latest programme before travelling, including venue details, availability and any changes.
🧡 Discover more with ICV
Whether you come for the music, the hidden buildings, the artisan stalls or simply a different day out, the Fira Borja offers an inviting way to get to know Xàtiva.
At International Community Valencia, we share local experiences that help internationals and locals connect with the places—and people—around them.
Which would you choose: a concert in a historic church, a theatrical walk or the Borja murder mystery? Tell us in the comments.
Connect. Belong. Share. Grow.
🔗 Useful links
Official programme and activity reservations:
www.xativaturismo.com
Xàtiva City Council:
www.xativa.es
Explore International Community Valencia:
coff.ee/valenciaroots
Based on Xàtiva City Council’s announcement dated 15 October 2026. Programme details may change; consult the official listings before booking or travelling.