Giants and dwarfs also

play an important part,

ROCK OF OUR LADY OF THE
HOMELESS
This ceremonial horse-draw cart, or roca,
was built in 1995 to mark the fifth cen-
tenary of the dedication of the city to
the Our Lady of Desemparts. The sculp-
ture of Our Lady, in baroque style,
takes its inspiration from the gothic
image of the Capitulet Chapel.
THE HOLY GRAIL ROCK
First paraded at the procession of 2001.
It represents the Holy Chalice (Grail)
used at the Last Supper and venerated
at Valencia Cathedral. On either side
there are 33 socarrats, burned tiles
representing scenes and characters in
the procession.
as do the little horses and
the Moma and momos,
who represent Virtue and
the Seven Deadly Sins
respectively. All of them
are characters who per-
form their own dances
during the procession.
Other items on display
are the image of Saint
Christopher, Saint Nicho-
lass boat, the Eagle of
Patmos (the symbol of
Saint John the Evangelist),
the Ark of the Covenant
and several costumes
worn by the members of
this procession, without a
doubt the most important
procession for the people
of Valencia, one which brings together faith and popular tradi-
tion, a procession so unique that it has been an object of adora-
tion for more than 650 years.

OTHER ITEMS ON DISPLAY

Besides these ceremonial horse-drawn carts, the Museum
houses many other
items that are used
in the procession,
including several
mythological crea-
tures such as winged
Saint Georges
Dragon, the Ta-
rasque or legendary
dragon of Saint
Martha and the
Cuca Fera (mythical turtle-shape monster) that accompanies
Saint Margaret.

THE HOUSE OF ROCKS
Construction of the old building be-
gan in 1435. In 1446, it was bought
by the City Council to house the
ceremonial horse-drawn carts used
in the Corpus Christi festivities.
These carts, or Rocks, as they are
popularly known, have given their
name to this unique museum, com-
monly referred to as Casa de les
Roques.
THE ROCKS
No-one knows for certain where the name roca (rock)
originates, but it may come from their shape, because they
are also know as mountains and the first ones that where
built had a rock appearance. Today, there are eleven
rocks, all of them paraded in the procession, drawn by
horses decorated in traditional style.
PLUTOS ROCK
Popularly known as the Diablera
(the Devils rock) because of the
many devil heads that adorn the
lower part of the cart. It was
probably built in 1511, and first
called Hells rock. More recently, it
took its name from the main figure
on it.
SAINT MICHAELS ROCK THE HOLY TRINITY ROCK
Built in 1674, Adam and Eve are
Built from a previous cart named the
Last Judgement that was probably placed beside the Tree of Knowl-
made in 1528 or 1535. The main figure edge of Good and Evil, just are they
represents Saint Michael carrying a are expelled from Paradise by the
sword and shield as the guardian of angel. The Holy Trinity is depicted
Paradise. The image of Jupiter is seated at the top.
at the front.
THE FAITH ROCK
Formerly known as the Garden of Eden.
THE VALENCIA ROCK
It is not clear when it was built; sometime Built in 1855, during the fourth
between 1512 and 1542. In the centre centenary of Saint Vincent Ferrers
stands the figure of Faith, with her eyes canonisation. It was made using
blindfolded, holding a chalice in her several decorative pieces from the
right hand. At the back, there is a figure Golden Hall of the ancien City
that represents Valencia. Hall. This first City Hall was lo-
cated in todays gardens next to
the Palace of the Generalitat.
SAINT VINCENTS ROCK
Built in 1512. In its early days, it was
PHEMES ROCK
dedicated to the Martyr Saint Vincent Made in 1899 for the July Fair
but in 1665 it was re-dedicated to parade. Its presided over by the
Saint Vincent Ferrer. The image of figure of Pheme, holding a long
Samson fighting a lion symbolises the trumpet in her hand, spreading
fortitude and power of this Valencian news of the glories of Valencia
saint. and its people.
THE ROCK OF THE THE PATRIARCHS ROCK
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Made in 1961, to celebrate the
Dating from 1542, it was originally canonisation of Saint John of Ribera
known as the Mary of Te Deum. Beside by Pope John XXIII. Saint John of
the figure of the Virgin, we see Saint Ribera was the founder of the Royal
Helen at the front and Judith at the Seminary College of Corpus Christi.
back, after she has beheaded At the back, there is a reproduction
Holofernes. of the Patriarchs Dragon.