Muixeranga

Muixeranga [ mu ˑ ˑ ʃeranga i ] is the collective term for traditional street dances and Castells ( human pyramids ), which have their origin in the area of Valencia and today in the city Algemesí are listed (approx. 30 km southwest of Valencia).

The Muixeranga is far more than an acrobatic dance, it is a collection of historical choreographies of outstanding plasticity, which are at the town fair Algemesí in honor of the so-called Virgin of Health ( Mare de Deu de la Salut ) listed on 8 September each year.

The Muixeranga similar in many respects to the human pyramids ( Castells ), which are built in Catalonia for many festive occasions. Both traditions share a common origin, the Moixiganga that were previously available on the Iberian Peninsula.

In contrast to Castells the Muixeranga has a more religious background, is accompanied by a dance and not so much serve the ambition to form a human pyramid as high as possible, but rather tries to create a sculptural, figurative scene.

Characteristics

The pyramids are usually formed by a group of men who can belong to any profession, but should be strong and skillful. Today, these groups include a total of about 200 men, earlier it was certainly not much more than 30 There is a master of ceremonies, who is coordinating the dances and human figures, he is also responsible for the registration and training of new members.

The clothing is unconventional in many ways. It consists of a shirt, pants, work shoes, and sometimes a special hat. The fabric is patterned with vertical red and blue stripes on a white background, almost like a harlequin costume. It seems as if this strange appearance was rather random, older people remember that the costumes were made ​​earlier in the same fabric for mattresses.

Origin and development

There are various theories as to the origin of Muixeranga, especially when it comes to the name. One theory believes that the term comes from the Arabic word mochain ( mask).

Though this tradition goes back to the Iberian Peninsula, probably to the 13th century, is the first written mention of the Muixeranga in Algemesí place only in the first third of the 18th century. The highly trained tradition does, however, suggest a much earlier origin. If you rely on referrals, then found the first celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Health in 1724, the first concrete date can be set to 1733. This year, an amount is mentioned in the chronicle of the city, which was granted to dolçaina players for their participation in the festival.

Music and symbols

The dance is accompanied by music on tabalet ( drum) and dolçaina ( a very noisy flute). Here a characteristic melody is played, whose author is unknown. The music of the Muixeranga was from people who are fighting for the revival of the Valencian culture and language, as proposed a kind of anthem for the Valencia region or the entire Països Catalans.

Listen to the Muixeranga music played by Xavier Richart.