Going into October means enjoying the Solar Alignment of the most emblematic rock of Vall de Gallinera, La Foradà.
Thanks to the study carried out by Dr. José Lull, the solar alignment of La Foradà has been scientifically demonstrated and verified. In some books it was said that there was a tradition that said that, on the day of Sant Francesc, the sunlight passed through the Foradà arch and illuminated the Gallinera convent.
One of these documents, written around 1620, is kept in the National Historical Archive, Osuna section, file 735/2-29. It was written by the Franciscan friar Antonio Panes and is entitled News that the Guardian of the Convent gave, fear where it seems that the Exmos. Gentlemen Dukes of Gandia as lords of the Gallinera and Ebo Valleys, dream Patrons of the said Convent, which is titled San Andrés.
One of the fragments of the text says: «The site where the convent is, is on the slope, and on the lap of a mountain which in winter, interposed by its great height, prevents the sun, which should barely enjoy three hours, but I know one thing to note, which does not seem to lack a pious reason, and I know that on the fourth of October when entering he is usually afraid of a Rock that is pierced, it strikes directly at our convent, and with its light, and splendor he is glad, as that they have not been able to endure its rays, that on such a festive day, the mountain opposes it, and thus they penetrate it, and drill it ».
The same text can also be found in the third book of the Chronica of the Province of San Ivan Bavtista, of Discalced Minor Religious of the Regvlar Observance of Our Seraphico Father San Francisco, to chapter VII, entitled Of the Intermediate Congregation of the Provincial Fray Geronimo Planes and foundation of the Convent of San Andres de Gallinera (Panas 1665: III 456-457).
But everything was there, in a tradition that even many of the inhabitants of the Valley were unaware of. It was not known for sure if this happened and, if so, neither the time nor the exact place where the light hit was known. However, with this study all doubts have been resolved. From now on we will all be able to enjoy this magnificent spectacle that is repeated twice a year: on October 4 (festivity of Sant Francesc) and on March 9 (festivity of Santa Francesca Romana).
The original study by José Lull was published in the book Archaeoastronomy works: examples from Africa, America, Europe and Polynesia, with the name L.The solar alignment of the Franciscan convent of Benitaya in Vall de Gallinera.
Programming
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
alpatró
10.00 am - Alpatró Urban Route: Through the Streets of Memory.
Low difficulty. For all types of public. Prior registration: www.pegoilesvalls.es
Former convent of Benitaia
5:30 p.m. – Solar alignment of La Foradà.
Benirrama
7:30 p.m. – Concert with La Paz Musical Society of San Juan.
9:00 p.m. – Popular dinner by the Benirrama 2023 Festival Commission
10:30 p.m. – Theater The Palace of Paremia, by Talante Theatre.
At the end there will be music by the Benirrama 2023 Festival Commission.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2
alpatró
10.00 am - Alpatró Urban Route: Through the Streets of Memory.
Low difficulty. For all types of public. Prior registration: www.pegoilesvalls.es
Former convent of Benitaia
5:30 p.m. -Solar alignment of Agujereó.
