Castellón Pays Tribute to Paula Torres at Galanía 2025

The city of Castellón has celebrated Galanía 2025, the traditional tribute event to the Queen of the Festivities, Paula Torres, and the Ladies of the City. The event, which took place at the Palau de la Festa, featured the novelty of an official reception presided over by Mayor Begoña Carrasco and enlivened by the Municipal Band.

"The city of Castellón already smells of gunpowder, the countdown to our foundational festivities has begun. The excitement of the 'món de la festa' is palpable in the air, especially with events like the Galanías, which are the prelude to the Magdalena festivities," highlighted the mayor.

The event began with the parade of the Gaiatas' godmothers, followed by the Bellea del Foc, the representation of the Hogueras de Alicante, the Ladies of the City, and Na Violant d’Hongria. The arrival of the Queen of the Festivities, Paula Torres, was announced by the gala squad and joined by the Councilor of Festivities, Noelia Selma.

Among the authorities present were the President of Les Corts, Llanos Massó; the Minister of Agriculture, Miguel Barrachina; the Minister of Environment, Vicente Martínez Mus; the Vice President of the Legislature, Héctor Folgado; the Deputy Defense Delegate in Castellón, Moisés Izquierdo de la Guerra; as well as national and regional deputies and councilors of the City Council. The Children's Queen of the Festivities, Carla Ibáñez, and the Children's Ladies of the City also attended.

A Tribute to the Symbols of Castellón

The event's theme revolved around three emblems of Castellón and the Magdalena festivities: the Fadrí, the Gaiata, and the Mare de Déu del Lledó.

The tribute began with an evocation of the Fadrí and its history since 1786, with the bell "Vicent" as the protagonist, announcing the day of the Romeria de les Canyes. Subsequently, the godmothers of each of the 19 Gaiatas took the stage to pay tribute to the most representative monument of the festivities.

With the music of Xarançaina as accompaniment, it was the turn of the Ladies of the City, led by Na Violant d’Hongria, Marta Mateu, followed by Saray Traver, Ana Escudero, Carla Collazos, Marta Olaria, Claudia Arrufat, and Lledó Marzá.

The highlight of the night was the ascent to the stage of the Queen of the Festivities, Paula Torres, who received a bouquet of flowers from Mayor Begoña Carrasco. Torres took her throne and was honored by the 'galantejadores' María Alabau Rovira and Laura Turch Benedito, and by Francisco Torres Navarro, in the role of cojinero.

Finally, the event concluded with the tribute to the Mare de Déu del Lledó, patroness of Castellón, and the offering of tributes by various local entities, institutions, and associations, as well as the Federació de Fogueres d’Alacant, the Federació Gestora de Gaiates, the Castelló City Council, and the Junta de Festes.

With this emotional celebration, Castellón kicks off the Magdalena festivities, which will experience their big week in the coming days with events full of tradition, devotion, and festivity.