Daimús Patron Saint Festival (Sant Pere)

For a fortnight or so each summer, this small village just inland from the Gandía beaches hands itself over to its fiestas. It opens with street ball games, a communal supper and an opening speech, then the local choir sings traditional Valencian albaes at midnight. The big day is Sant Pere itself, around 29 June, but the run of events keeps going: a paella cook-off, a seniors' day, and on the final night a comedy turn from Xavi Castillo in the square.

You'll catch the wail of the dolçaina, processions winding through the old centre, and fireworks tied to the Nit de Sant Joan, when the council lights one big municipal bonfire rather than letting everyone build their own. Most of it spills out around the Plaça del Poble and it's free to wander into. Worth a look if you're staying nearby and fancy seeing how a Valencian village actually marks its saint's day.