The festival featured the participation of more than 50 associations and collectives from nearly thirty countries, showcasing their music, dances, gastronomy, and traditions on the esplanade of the Casa de Cultura. The day began with a colorful parade led by the delegation from Mexico, which proceeded through the streets to the Casa de Cultura, where the participating countries' stands were set up.
Following the official photograph of authorities and representatives, the festival queen and her ladies-in-waiting performed traditional dances, followed by a display of Norwegian dances. The mayor of l’Alfàs del Pi, Vicente Arques, highlighted multiculturalism as a strength of the municipality, where over 50% of the population is foreign.
Also speaking were the Councilor for International Residents, Martine Mertens; the Ambassador of Norway to Spain, Lars Andersen; the mayor of Covarrubias, Raúl Gredilla; and the mayoress of Lescar, Valérie Revel. The presence of delegations from Lescar (France) and Covarrubias (Burgos), twin towns, as well as consulates from Germany, Uruguay, Ecuador, the Netherlands, and Ivory Coast, underscored the event's international dimension.
Ambassador Lars Andersen emphasized the spirit of coexistence and openness in l’Alfàs del Pi, recalling the close ties between Norway and the municipality. The mayors of Lescar and Covarrubias expressed their gratitude for the welcome and highlighted the value of twinning for fostering cultural exchange.
The day included over 40 musical and dance performances from countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ecuador, France, India, Moldavia, Nepal, Norway, Romania, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Spain. Attendees had the opportunity to sample gastronomy and learn about the traditions of the various communities.
The International Day, celebrated since 2007, has become a key multicultural event in the Marina Baixa region, highlighting the international character of l’Alfàs del Pi and the role of associations in building a cohesive and diverse society.
