The Festival of Mare de Déu de la Salut, which goes back to the Middle Ages, is a very popular local festival held in Algemesí on the 7th and 8th September. Its set of traditions, which are transmitted from generation to generation, include a wide range of cultural expressions: theatre, music (63 pieces of music), dance as well as performances blending practices of various cultural traditions: Roman, Christian, Moorish and Jewish. All of these cultures are at the root of the fabric of this land, to the point that they have had a say in the creation of the musical instruments, melodies and costumes used in the festival.
Valencian and Mediterranean traditions are preserved in a unique manner during the festival, to the point that Algemesí becomes a living museum, which is why this festival was included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the UNESCO. Faith and culture blend in the liturgical celebrations, in which the sound of bells plays an important role. The parades, involving the participation of more than 1.400 townpeople, are equally interesting, especially because of the artistic value of the buildings along the route.
Rev. PAB 19.12.18