Traditional Dances of the Navy: Memory, Music, and Life in Our Streets

In La Marina, the streets have always been a place of gathering, music, and dance. Some of these dances have come down to us through generational transmission; others, however, have remained silent for decades, and it has taken research and recovery to bring them back to life.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to participate in this task: listening to the memories of the elders, learning from ancient musicians, singers, and dancers, and bringing back to life melodies that are part of our collective identity. Thanks to this effort, dances such as those of Calle Nueva in Jávea, Arrabal in Teulada, San Blai in Pedreguer, and Calle Mayor in Benitachell are once again performed.

Each song, dance, and dance has its own history and meaning, but they all share a common essence: they are celebration, they are culture, and they are the clearest way of feeling like a people.