The winning work, presented under the motto ‘Com estel en el camí’ (Like a star on the path), will be performed for the first time publicly next Christmas Eve at the parish of Nostra Senyora de l’Assumpció, after the Midnight Mass, accompanied musically by the Rondalla de l’Albà.
This recognition marks Cabrera's fourth victory in this contest, having previously won in 2006, 2019, and 2022. His first win came when he was 20 years old, making him the youngest person to win the contest at that time.
The composition maintains the unique poetic structure of the Albà and includes references to Christmas, the Three Wise Men, and the tradition of L'Alcora itself. The contest, promoted by the Col·lectiu Defensa de l’Albà with the collaboration of the City Council, aims to preserve and promote this tradition.
The jury evaluated aspects such as fidelity to the traditional form, content, linguistic correctness, and the style of the compositions.
The Albà, documented since 1645, is a unique manifestation of L'Alcora's folklore, sung every Christmas Eve. As the winner, Cabrera will be named Honorary Albader and will compose the text dedicated to the mayor.
This tradition was declared an Intangible Asset of Local Relevance in 2021, following the initiative led by José Manuel Puchol, Official Chronicler of L'Alcora. Puchol defines the Albà as 'the quintessential defining element of the purest folklore of L'Alcora'.
