The House of Culture in L'Alfàs del Pi served as the venue for the first preparatory meeting for the 19th International Day of L'Alfàs del Pi. This event, scheduled for Sunday, October 25th, on the House of Culture's esplanade, is organized by the Department of International Residents and the Pangea Office. The meeting brought together international associations and collectives participating in this major festive and cultural day, aiming to highlight the diversity and multiculturalism that define the municipality.
The Town Council of L'Alfàs del Pi is already immersed in the preparations for an event that this year will feature the participation of over 50 associations and collectives from around thirty countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Throughout the day, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore various information stands, discover the traditions and customs of different nations, and enjoy a wide array of gastronomic tastings, alongside numerous musical and dance performances.
Since its inaugural edition in 2007, the International Day of L'Alfàs del Pi has established itself as a pioneering initiative in the Marina Baixa region. The celebration underscores the coexistence in L'Alfàs of people from nearly a hundred different nationalities and the key role played by international residents' associations in shaping a pluralistic and participatory society.
International residents' associations and collectives have been, from the outset, a fundamental pillar in the organization of the International Day. Their involvement allows attendees to experience a sample of the municipality's cultural richness through gastronomy, music, dance, and other expressions characteristic of the represented countries.
This year's edition will also include the presence of several delegations and institutional guests to strengthen the cultural and historical ties of L'Alfàs del Pi with other territories. Notably, an official delegation from Lescar (France), led by its mayor, Valérie Revel, will attend, accompanied by a Big Band. The visit from the French town commemorates the 40th anniversary of the twinning between Lescar and L'Alfàs del Pi, formalized on November 20, 1985, which has fostered cultural exchange between both communities.
A delegation from Covarrubias (Burgos), headed by its mayor, Raúl Gredilla, will also participate. The twinning between these towns, effective since 2016, is based on their shared links with Norway. Covarrubias holds the remains of Princess Kristina and is part of the St. Olav's Way, a pilgrimage route that attracts many Norwegian visitors. L'Alfàs del Pi, for its part, hosts a significant Norwegian community, with over 2,000 registered residents and an actual population exceeding 5,000.
The program will feature the confirmed attendance of the Norwegian Ambassador to Spain, Lars Andersen. The diplomat, who officially visited L'Alfàs del Pi last March, will return to the municipality to participate in this celebration of diversity and the social and cultural bonds between L'Alfàs and the Norwegian community.
“"The International Day is one of the great celebrations of L'Alfàs del Pi because it allows us to show the world the diversity that is part of our identity as a municipality. Behind every stand, every dish, every performance, and every activity are associations and people who dedicate their time and effort to their cultures and to actively participating in the life of our town."
Councillor Mertens thanked the participating associations and emphasized that "coexistence is built on knowledge, respect, and participation. This gathering allows us to know each other better, discover other cultures, and strengthen the bonds between people of different backgrounds who share the same municipality."
“"The International Day is the result of the collaboration between the Town Council and the collectives, who are the true protagonists of this day."
Meanwhile, Councillor for Relations with Collectives and Residents' Clubs, Patrick de Meirsman, highlighted "the work carried out throughout the year by the international residents' associations." De Meirsman encouraged all international residents' associations in the municipality interested in participating to contact the Town Council's Department of International Residents, with the aim that "this celebration continues to grow and that all communities that are part of L'Alfàs have the opportunity to be represented and share their traditions and culture with the rest of the neighbors."
With this new edition, L'Alfàs del Pi will once again transform the House of Culture esplanade into an intercultural meeting point, with a day open to all citizens that will combine gastronomy, music, dance, information, and coexistence, thereby reinforcing the municipality's international and multicultural character.
