The Complutense city will host a week of celebrations with the historic center as the main stage. This year's edition expands the range of activities and strengthens the presence of local artists, as presented by the councilors for Festivals and Popular Traditions, Antonio Saldaña, and District I, Víctor Cobo.
The festivities will begin on August 3rd with the inauguration of the painting and sculpture exhibition Pincel y Cincel, a lecture by the city's official chronicler, Vicente Sánchez Moltó, and Holy Mass. The following day, August 4th, the opening speech will be delivered by Gema García Merino, president of the Brotherhood of Our Lady the Virgin of Val, followed by the traditional floral offering and a concert by Chanzo.
The program is designed for all audiences, including children's play areas, traditional games, family workshops, magic shows, storytelling, water games, and foam parties. Additionally, guided tours will be offered to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Alcalá de Henares.
Music will be a highlight with an increased number of concerts, such as performances by local artists Chanzo, Naif Band, and Luis de Diego with his show Poprumbeando, as well as Metrolé, Metropop, the orchestra Stigma, the orchestra Marlen, and sessions by local DJs in the Plaza de Cervantes.
The most traditional events are maintained, including the transfer of the relics of the Holy Children, the solemn mass, and the procession on August 6th, presided over by the Complutense bishop Antonio Prieto. The parade of the Giants' Troupe, the XLIV Holy Children Swimming Trophy, and a chess tournament will also take place, along with solidarity activities such as charity distributions of migas and paella.
Despite ongoing construction work around the Plaza de los Santos Niños, most of the program will take place in this area and at the Cathedral. The main concerts will be moved to the Plaza de Cervantes to accommodate a larger audience.
Antonio Saldaña highlighted the enhanced children's program, featuring water parks and foam parties, as well as the increased number of musical performances. Víctor Cobo, in turn, emphasized the goal of offering more complete, varied, and higher-quality festivities, supporting local talent.
