Our Lady of Health of Algemesi

"Mare de Déu de la Salut" · Valencia (Spain)

In Algemesí, the feast of the Mare de Déu de la Salut breaks out every September in human towers, dances and processions: an offering of the whole people to their patron, recognized by UNESCO.

Origin and history

Devotion is linked to the finding of a Marian image in the term Algemesí, in the context of the recovery of the cult after the Reconquist. The encounter of the image gave rise to the Capella de la Troballa On that foundational memory, devotion to the Mare de Déu de la Salut grew as a protector of the villa and the crops.

Over the centuries, the feast was won by ritual solemnity: the famous Muixeranga (human towers), the bastoners, Tornejants and other dances are lived as a tribute and supplication to the Virgin. UNESCO recognized the feast as the Inmaterial Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underlining the centrality of the Virgin of Health in the identity of Algemesí.