A pioneering event in Vilafranca of the Penedès
Next Saturday, May 10, the city of Vilafranca del Penedès will become the scene of an innovative sample dedicated to human constructions. This initiative, called the Intercultural Exhibition of Human Constructions (MICH), is established as a biannual event with the aim of making visible the diversity and evolution of the Valencian dance, a tradition rooted in Catalan culture.
Collaboration and purpose of the event
La Mich has been organized by the Castells Council in collaboration with the Culture Service of the City Council of Vilafranca. This exhibition not only seeks to present the different forms of human constructions in other regions, but also aims to foster the knowledge and practice of casteller heritage in the area, as emphasized by the Councilor for Culture, Àngels Dalmau, during the presentation of the event.
Artists and prominent performances
This year, the exhibition will have the participation of three prominent groups: the Danzas Villa de Briones group and the Danzadores de San Asensio, both formations of La Rioja, as well as Duguna Iruñeko Dantzariak in Navarra. In addition to their traditional dance repertoire, these groups will make a spectacular three -story human construction, giving an authentic flavor to the event.
A double -sided day
The day of May 10 will be divided into two parts: a scientist and a festive. The morning session, which will take place in the Slaughterhouse Auditorium, will include a presentation by Mikel Aranburu, a Basque folklore expert. Aranburu will deepen the aspects that make up the ‘Paloteado’, a type of dance that includes small human constructions, and is characteristic of various towns in the Basque Country.
Debates and reflections on popular culture
After the presentation, a round table will be held with the participation of prominent figures such as Jordi Bertran and Eloi Miralles, who will address relevant issues on popular culture. The session will be moderated by journalist Toni Comas, contributing a critical and enriching perspective to the discussion.
The festive celebration: dance and constructions
In the afternoon, the party will take center stage with a parade that will begin at 17.30 in the Plaza de Jaume I. The Falcons de Vilafranca will guide the dance groups to the Plaza de la Vila, where several performances will be deployed. The formations of La Rioja and Navarra will end their performance with the ‘Dance of the Castillo’, a three -story construction that promises to be a prominent moment.
The role of castles in tradition
The day will also include performances by the Castellers de Vilafranca and the Xicots de Vilafranca, who will execute constructions following the traditional model. The highlight will be a farewell pillar, which will combine the ‘Dance of the Castillo’ with a representation of the Cross of the Moixiganga de Vilafranca, ending with an emotional representation of the paintings of the Passion of Christ by the Moixiganga.
A journey through time
Through this exhibition, the organizers aim to explore the evolution of the Valencian dance, a tradition that has survived since the 17th century and has given rise to various forms of cultural expression, including the muixerangues and the castles we know today. Thus, Vilafranca del Penedès will not only become a cultural meeting point, but also a space for reflection on our identity and collective heritage.