The tradition of representing the miracles of Saint Vincent dates back to the 15th century, as detailed the cultural association website Lo Rat Tired (The bat). It was the year 1461, six years after the canonization of the Dominican Saint, when a neighbor on Calle de la Mar in Valencia asked permission to build an altar with an altarpiece at the doors of the Dominican’s birthplace. He thus wanted to give thanks for the miracle that, through the intercession of Saint Vincent Ferrer, would have healed his father of some sores.
The grandparents of the little sick man “begged Guillem Ferrer, a notary and father of the future saint who already had a reputation as a miracle worker, to intercede for little Antonio, asking his son to try to help him, recommending him to God. The holy child kissed the wounds of the sick little friend and, shortly after, he was cured,” they detail.
The tradition was resumed in the 40s of the 20th century and is celebrated every year. Currently there are 13 “altars” in the city of Valencia and 7 more in towns in the province, in which minors up to 14 years of age participate as amateur actors.