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The Rocas of Corpus Christi Fiesta in Valencia
There are 11 Rocas used in the fiesta of Corpus Christi in Valencia. Each has its own history, purpose and symbolism. Normally they are kept in the Museum of Corpus, pulled out only during this fiesta.
1. Roca La Diablera
The oldest and the heaviest of all, is first mentioned in the Valencia archives of 1512 AD. The statue of Pluto (i.e. Devil) is surrounded by demons and reminders of seven deadly sins. Back in the middle ages the roca hosted the dance of Moma y Momos (Virtue and the Seven Deadly Sins). Today, you can enjoy this emblematic dance on the streets of Valencia during the Cabalgata del Convite. La Diablera is also said to be a metaphor for the Muslim domination of Valencia.
2. Roca San Miguel
Constructed in 1528, roca San Miguel depicts archangel Michael performing Final Judgement. At the front of the roca is the figure of Jupiter. The roca was dedicated to King Jaime's conquest of Valencia in XIII century. It is also said to commemorate the eradication of Mohammedian sect.
3. Roca La Fe
I.e. "Faith". The figure of Faith is a tribute to the establishement of Catholic Kingdom in Spain, after the Muslim domination. Constructed in 1540, this roca is also dedicated to Valencia ("paradise on earth" it was called originally). In the past, it was a stage for the dance of the Moors: pirates defiling the paradise of Valencia.
4. Roca San Vicente Ferrer
Constructed in 1512, the roca was dedicated to the patron saint of Valencia in 1665. The Samson and the Lion at the front of the roca symbolise the strength and supernatural powers of San Vicente.
5. Roca La Purisima
"The Purest". Dedicated to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception in 1665, the roca was actually constructed in 1542. At the front the roca has the figure of Santa Elena, mother of Constantine the Great. This roca used to be a stage for the dance of labradors - children, symbolising purity and innocence.
6. Roca La Santisima Trinidad
The Holy Trinity. Constructed in 1674, this roca reminded the people of Valencia of the expulsion from paradise. It also hosted the Mystery of Adam and Eva - probably the most important of the surviving Corpus biblical plays.
7. Roca Valencia
This roca was constructed in 1855 for a big occassion - canonisation of San Vicente Ferrer. A star team of contemporary artists were involved in this work. The Statue symbolises the city of Valencia.
8. Roca La Fama
"The Fame". Constructed in 1899 for the Feria de Julio, the Roca depicts the mythological figure of Fame, trumpeting the glory of Valencia, her history and men. The roca also has various historic scenes on its sides.
9. Roca del Patriarca
"Of the Patriarch". This roca was constructed in 1961 and dedicated to the canonisation of San Juan de la Ribiera - a prominent counter-reformist of the Church in the XVI century who was later canonised.. It was thanks to his life's work that Corpus came into full splendor. The roca is covered with biographical scenes.
10. Roca Virgen de los Desamparados.
This roca, in a lush baroque nostalgia, depicts the revered patron Virgin of Valencia - Virgin of the Forsaken. It was constructed in 1995 for some really complex and specific religious occasion which wouldn't mean anything to you even if we did manage to work out what it was.
11. Roca Santo Caliz
"Holy Grail". This roca is only a few years old - it was finished in 2001. It hosts an exact copy of the Holy Grail, kept in the Cathedral of Valencia.
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