- Seis agrupaciones locales brillaron en la segunda velada del 71º Certamen Coral Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía en Torrevieja.
- El Patronato de Habaneras entregó su Escudo de Oro 2025 a José María Alcañiz Baeza por su trayectoria.
- El programa destacó la tradición habanera con coros como “Maestro Ricardo Lafuente” y “José Hódar”.
- Actividades paralelas fomentan el amor por la habanera en niños con talleres educativos.
- Próxima gala incluirá actuaciones del Coro Sinfonía, premiado internacionalmente, y el coro Voces Graves de Madrid.
The Magic of the ‘Noche de Torrevieja’ Illuminates the 71st International habaneras and Polyphony Choir Festival
The vibrant tradition of habaneras took center stage once again in Torrevieja with the celebrated ‘Noche de Torrevieja,’ part of the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Choir Festival. This cherished annual event, held in the city’s Teatro Municipal, highlights the deep-rooted cultural identity and musical heritage behind the habanera genre-a distinctive type of Cuban-origin music entwined with Torrevieja’s soul.
Highlights from the Second Evening of the Festival
During the second night of the festival, six hometown choral groups took to the stage in an exhibition format, each showcasing the rich vocal traditions and passion that make the habanera such a beloved art form in the region. The ensembles performing were:
- Chorus and Orchestra “Maestro Ricardo Lafuente”
- Masa Coral “José Hódar” (formerly La Schubertiana)
- Orfeón de Torrevieja “Mario Bustillo”
- Agrupación Coral “Manuel Barberá”
- Coro “Maestro Casanovas”
- Coral Torrejvense “Francisco Vallejos”
This lineup was specially curated to convey the unique style and emotional resonance of the Torrevieja habaneras.
Recognition for a Lifelong commitment: José María Alcañiz Baeza Honored
In a heartfelt moment of the evening, the Patronato de habaneras announced the awarding of the coveted escudo de Oro 2025-one of the highest honors in the habanera community-to José María Alcañiz Baeza. A long-standing member and veteran singer with the coral Masa Coral José Hódar, Alcañiz has dedicated decades of his life to celebrating and preserving this cherished art.
The award was presented by Torrevieja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, who personally pinned the gold insignia on a visibly moved Alcañiz. The honoree expressed his deep surprise and gratitude, highlighting the significance of this tribute in his lifelong musical journey.
Festival Host Shares Her Joy
Ana Belén Roy,this year’s presenter of the festival,shared her enthusiasm,stating she feels privileged to experience such a profound cultural celebration night after night. “I live it as a native Torrevejense and consider it a real gift,” she said, bringing a warm and genuine atmosphere to the festival proceedings.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Gala and Special Performances
The festival continues with an extraordinary gala featuring guest artists in an exhibition concert. Notably, the Coro Sinfonía, winner of the best interpretation of a composition by a living European composer at the cork Choral Festival in Ireland, will perform.This choir represents the proud achievements of Torrevieja’s Municipal Choral School on both national and international stages.
Additionally, the Voices Graves Choir from Madrid will take part in the evening. Celebrating its 30th anniversary,this choir is renowned as one of Spain’s finest vocal ensembles and maintains a long-standing relationship with the habaneras Festival,having won several of its major awards.
Parallel Activities: Cultivating Future Generations’ Love for Habaneras
The celebration isn’t confined to the theater-parallel activities across Torrevieja have been engaging residents and visitors alike. On Monday afternoon, an interactive children’s workshop titled “Children Play with the Habaneras” took place at the pedestrian intersection of Concepción and Fotógrafos Darblade streets.
Led by Amparo Cos and Aurelio Martínez, the workshop aims to educate younger generations about habanera music and nurture affection for this unique genre through play and creativity, ensuring the tradition’s vibrant future.
Table: Key Details of the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Festival
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Choir Festival |
| Location | Teatro Municipal, Torrevieja, Spain |
| Featured Groups | 6 local choirs, Coro Sinfonía, Voces Graves de Madrid |
| Special Honors | Escudo de Oro 2025 to José María Alcañiz Baeza |
| Activities | Children’s workshop, exhibitions, international gala |
Conclusion
The 71st edition of the Certamen Coral Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía continues to affirm Torrevieja’s position as the heartland of this unique musical tradition. Through unforgettable performances, significant honors, and community engagement activities, the festival celebrates the past, present, and future of habaneras-a lasting emblem of Torrevieja’s cultural identity.
For more data, visit the official event page and coverage by Diario de la Vega: Diario de la Vega – Habaneras Festival 2025