Valerius II of Saragossa

Saint Valerius of Saragossa (; ; died 315 AD) is the patron saint of Zaragoza (formerly also known in English as Saragossa). He was bishop of this city from 290 until his death. He assisted at the Council of Elvira. His feast day is January 29.

History Saint Valerius (4th century) was born in Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza) and became bishop of the city. He participated in the council of Elbira (Granada), possibly around the year 306, and ordained Vincent of Saragossa as a deacon, commissioned to preach in the diocese. Since Valerius had a speech impediment, Vincent became his spokesman. Valerius has been described as somewhat timid and retiring. Both Valerius and Vincent suffered imprisonment under Diocletian.

Valerius was held captive in Valencia during Diocletian's persecution and banished for a time. to a place called Enetum, near Barbastro. He died about 315.

There is a statue of San Valerio on the sepulcher of Abbot Lope Marco in the Monastery of Santa María de Veruela. Valerio was also honored in Ribagorça.

Patronage Venerated by the people of Zaragoza, he is the patron saint of the city.

It is traditional to mark the feast of San Valerio by eating roscones. The sweet bread-based ring-shaped dessert is decorated with candied fruit and icing and represents the saint's crown. According to the Provincial Association of Confectionery and Pastry Entrepreneurs of Zaragoza, which brings together some 60 establishments, for San Valero the Aragonese usually consume more than 150,000 roscones to sweeten the after-meal. Since 1992, it has been customary to taste the traditional roscón in the Plaza del Pilar in front of Zaragoza City Hall and then go to enjoy shows and other events that usually take place in places such as the Plaza de San Pedro Nolasco.