UNESCO - Intangible Heritage - Festivity of ‘la Mare de Déu de la Salut’ of Algemesí

Cultural heritage is not limited to material manifestations, such as monuments and objects that have been preserved over time. This notion also encompasses living expressions and the traditions that countless groups and communities worldwide have inherited from their ancestors and transmit to their descendants, in most cases orally.

The Festivity of ‘la Mare de Déu de la Salut’ is celebrated in Algemesí in the Province of Valencia, Spain. Every 7 and 8 September almost 1,400 people participate in theatre, music, dance and performances organized in the historical areas of the city: Valencia, La Muntanya, Santa Barbara and La Capella.
Processions run from the Basílica Menor de San Jaime to the Capella de la Troballa. The festivities commence with bell-ringing from the basilica followed by a parade. The Schola Cantorum choir and orchestra perform vespers in the evening at the basilica, followed by bell-ringing and the Procession of the Betrothed, which features Els Misteris (short, religious theatrical pieces performed by children) human towers with traditional musical accompaniment, and dance performances.

The next day, giant puppets representing the King and Queen of Aragon, James I and his wife Violante of Hungary, join the morning procession, while the General Grand Procession features representations of biblical characters and songs of the apostles.
The involvement of the town’s inhabitants is the foundation for the continuity of this celebration. All costumes, ornaments and accessories are handcrafted, and the dances and musical scores are passed from generation to generation.
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?lg=en&pg=00011&RL=00576

The four historical areas of the city that were in existence in the 17th century (Valencia, La Muntanya, Santa Barbara and La Capella) take turns organizing the festivities on a four-year rotation. Almost 1400 people take part in the traditional ritual acts and dances, which are detailed below:

•“Els Misteris” 5 theatrical representations (boys and girls from 6 to 12 years of age perform theatre pieces).
•“La Muixeranga” and the “La Nova Muixeranga” (men, women and children of all ages form human towers).
•“Els Bastonets” (the younger generations of men and women perform a traditional Warlike dance).
•“La Carxofa” (young girls perform a traditional Weavers' dance of the former union of her sedates).
•“Els Arquets” (young girls perform a traditional dance).
•“Les Pastoretes” (young boys and girls dressed in traditional costume perform a dance).
•“Les Llauradores” (men and women of all ages dressed in traditional costume perform a dance).
• “Els Tornejants” (the younger generations of men perform a stylised traditional dance).
•“Els Dolçainers” and “Tabaleters de l’Escola de tabal i dolçaina d’Algemesí” (men and women of all ages play a traditional Valencian reed instrument, the dolçaina, and drums).
•“Els Volants” Carriers of the (men and women of all ages).
•Biblical characters (men and women of all ages).
•The “Scolla Cantorum” choir and orchestra (men and women of all ages).
•Bell ringer’s guild. (men and women of all ages).
•The Municipal band. (men and women of all ages).

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