The four municipal groups of the corporation approved this Tuesday, during the May plenary session, the proposal to promote this candidacy, following a negotiation process within the same plenary session. The initiative recalls that Valencia's Corpus Christi, documented since the 14th century and recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is one of the oldest and most representative festive and heritage expressions of the Valencian people.
The proposal highlights the opportunity presented by the commemoration in 2026 of the 700th anniversary of the historical institution of the festival. The text argues that Corpus transcends its religious and local dimension to project itself as a Mediterranean cultural ensemble comprising the Roques, mysteries, dances, music, manual bell ringing, attire, and symbolic and allegorical characters.
The agreed motion calls for initiating the necessary technical, heritage, and institutional work to promote a joint candidacy of Valencian Corpus festivities to UNESCO through the Ministry of Culture. It also proposes involving the Generalitat in the conservation and restoration of the Roques; studying and valuing the paintings discovered in the Casa de les Roques; and forwarding the agreements to institutions and groups linked to the festival.
“"Above partisan interest lies the general interest, traditions, and Valencian society. We will do things with rigor and solvency, not as a farce."
Socialist councilor Nuria Llopis celebrated the agreement, emphasizing that the consensus demonstrates that "when partisan interests are set aside, Valencia moves forward." The motion also urges the City Council to promote the necessary initiatives to advance the recognition of Valencia's Corpus Christi as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
