Manises has joined the fifth edition of the Valencia CF Urban Art Route, a project that fosters the connection between sport, culture, and urban art through the creation of large murals in various towns across the Valencian Community. This year, the city will share the spotlight with Ontinyent, Serra, and Montcada. The artistic intervention in Manises will materialize as a large-format artwork located on the facade of the Alberto Arnal Pavilion, an emblematic space for local sports. This initiative aims to highlight the historic relationship between Manises and Valencia CF, transforming a key sports facility into a new cultural and tourist attraction.
The mural will pay homage to Alberto Arnal and Luis Vilar, two prominent footballers born in Manises who played for Valencia CF and reached the elite of Spanish football. The choice of the Alberto Arnal Pavilion as the site for the artwork underscores its symbolic character, aiming to recognize the legacy of both athletes and bring it closer to new generations. The main sports facilities in Manises already bear their names, perpetuating their memory and inspiring hundreds of young people who practice sports in the city daily.
The Councilor for Tourism of the Manises City Council, Javier Mansilla, highlighted the importance of this initiative: "This action represents an extraordinary opportunity to showcase a fundamental part of our identity. Manises has a historical and emotional connection with Valencia CF, and this mural will allow us to recognize two figures like Alberto Arnal and Luis Vilar, while also offering a new tourist and cultural attraction for visitors. We want this space to become a meeting point where sport, art, and local history dialogue and project the image of Manises."
The connection between Manises and Valencia CF extends beyond the careers of these two players and is deeply rooted in the municipality's history. The city boasts a consolidated Valencianist tradition thanks to the Penya Valencianista El Pinxa, which for decades has facilitated fan travel to Mestalla. Furthermore, the proximity to the Paterna Sports City has allowed numerous young people from Manises to join the club's youth categories. Valencia CF's schools have also periodically organized training camps and scouting days at Manises' sports facilities, thus strengthening the ties between both entities.
With this action, the Manises City Council reaffirms its commitment to promoting sports and cultural heritage as a driver of tourism and a key element of collective identity.
