Human towers unite three traditional groups Credit: Instagram/muixerangamarinaalta
Dénia has celebrated a landmark moment for traditional culture, welcoming performers from across the Valencian Community and Mallorca for the first Diada de la Muixeranga de la Marina Alta.
The event took place on Sunday, October 11, in Plaça del Consell, bringing together three groups specialising in traditional human towers and offering residents and visitors the chance to experience a distinctive part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Organised by the Muixeranga de la Marina Alta, the inaugural gathering marked an important step for the local group, which hopes to establish the event as a regular fixture in the comarca’s cultural calendar.
Human towers unite three traditional groups
The host formation was joined by two visiting groups: Muixeranga d’Alginet, from the Valencian Community, and Al·lots de Llevant, a colla castellera from Manacor, Mallorca.
The gathering highlighted the connections between different traditions of human tower building, combining Valencian muixeranga formations with the castells associated with the Balearic Islands.
These impressive structures rely on balance, coordination, trust and collective effort, with performers working together to build towers of people while maintaining their stability.
Beyond the spectacle, the event aimed to showcase the importance of preserving traditional culture and bringing different communities together through shared heritage.
The main programme began with a parade at 11.30am, followed by the performances at noon.
Organisers invited people from across Dénia and the wider Marina Alta area to attend and support the first edition of what they hope will become a recurring celebration.
Giants and fire beasts add to Dénia’s festivities
The Diada coincided with another major celebration of local folklore: the first Aplec de Gegants i Bèsties de Foc, organised by cultural association Dianium Dansa.
The event brought giant figures and fire-beast traditions into the city’s streets, adding another dimension to a weekend dedicated to popular culture.
The two organisations coordinated their activities to allow the public to enjoy both celebrations, reinforcing Dénia’s role as a meeting point for traditional arts and community events.
The first Diada de la Muixeranga de la Marina Alta reflects a wider effort to keep regional traditions alive by introducing them to new audiences and encouraging younger generations to appreciate their cultural significance.
With its combination of human towers, street celebrations and visiting performers, the gathering has laid the foundations for a new annual event celebrating the cultural ties between the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands.