Tramontana Association celebrates the most important day of Castilla La Mancha with a day of music and celebration of its folklore

Castilla-La Mancha Tramontana Association celebrated Castilla-La Mancha Day today with an event in the municipal Assembly Hall. The event featured music, dancing, tributes, recognition, and, above all, a celebration of all that makes up Castilla-La Mancha folklore.

The event, hosted by journalist Jorge García, was attended by several members of the local council, the queens of the Festes Majors Patronals, Paula Pascual and Aitana Pérez; the president of the Commission, Susana Martínez; representatives of various festival organizations; and a large number of supporters and Castilla-La Mancha residents in Benidorm.

First came the music, courtesy of Natalia Kulesh, born in Russia and resident in Benidorm, accompanied by Luis Moreno and Antonio Bustos on the lute and guitar. After her, it was the turn of the event's host, José Antonio Báidez Guerrero, a native of Albacete, who holds a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Valencia (UPV) and has been a science professor at the Benidorm Adult Education School since 2020. Báidez spoke about La Mancha folklore, the seguidilla, the mayos, and the jota manchega, "which never loses its essence," of which he said, "it is above all fun and celebration." He also highlighted the role of the Tramontana association, as "an example of how folklore can cross borders" and affirmed that speaking about La Mancha folklore "is speaking about a way of being in the world."

After the host's remarks, the bow tie was placed on the Tramontana banner. The senior and junior queens of the Festes Majors Patronals did the same, along with the president of the Commission. Afterwards, Luis Moreno Fuentes was recognised as Manchego of the Year, and he was presented with a souvenir and a commemorative diploma.

The event continued with music and dancing by Rondalla and the Dance Group of Tramontana, who performed several jotas and fandanguillos. The event concluded with remarks from the president of the Association, Honorio Fornier, who thanked everyone for their presence and the members of the association and the board for their work throughout the year. Finally, Councillor Francis Muñoz closed the celebration by addressing the Castilian-Manchegan residents in the city, expressing his congratulations that "Benidorm is a cultural landmark, and you make it even greater." The performance of the anthems of Benidorm and the Valencian Community brought the event to a close.