Festa de Sant Blai

Festa de Sant Blai falls on 3 February, the feast day of Saint Blaise, who is traditionally invoked against sore throats and coughs. In Catalan-speaking areas, especially many Valencian towns, the day is marked by taking food to church for a blessing: small breads, rosquilles or rotllos, cocas and other sweets prepared specially for the date. People then eat the blessed pieces at home or share them right outside the church, believing they help protect the throat through the year. A well-known Valencian saying sums up the idea: «Sant Blai gloriós, emporta’t la tos» — “Glorious Saint Blaise, take away my cough.”

The most recognisable moment is usually after Mass, when people queue with bags or trays and the priest blesses the bread and sweets with holy water. In towns that keep a porrat, such as Torrent or Potries, the religious rite sits alongside a street fair, with stalls selling rotllos de Sant Blai, pastries and local products. Some places also carry the saint’s image in procession through nearby streets. The day often has a practical rhythm: buy the sweets in the morning, attend the blessing, then bring some home so each family member can eat a piece. The food is not just festive; it is the central ritual object of the day.

The pack has 36 words spread across these domains.