TRADITIONS STILL ALIVE

In Valencia, traditions are not something kept only in museums or history books. They are still danced, played, worn and celebrated in the streets.

The images above show traditional Valencian folk dancing, with men and women wearing regional costumes that have been passed down and recreated through generations. The dances are accompanied by traditional music, often played with instruments such as the dolçaina and tabal.

One of the best-known forms is the dansà — a traditional Valencian dance performed collectively in streets and squares, often as part of local festivities and religious celebrations.

And that is exactly what makes these moments so special.

You might arrive at a square expecting nothing more than a coffee or a walk through the old city, only to find music playing, people gathering and couples beginning to dance.

Many of these traditions are closely connected to Valencia's neighbourhoods, festivals and religious calendar. Celebrations surrounding the Virgen de los Desamparados, Valencia's patron saint, are an important example: faith, music, traditional dress and dance come together right in the heart of the city.

For Valencians, these aren't simply performances created for visitors.

They are traditions that are still being lived.

So if you suddenly hear music somewhere in the distance, don't immediately walk the other way.

Follow it.

You might just discover a side of Valencia you weren't looking for. ❤️