The 2nd Habaneras Festival Unites Elche and Crevillent in its Return to El Pinet

On August 30th, the beach of El Pinet will be filled with music and tradition as it hosts the 2nd Habaneras Festival. This event, which will begin at 9:00 PM, aims to revive and highlight a century-old tradition where locals sang habaneras and played the guitar by the sea, next to the Torre de El Pinet.

Elche’s Councillor for Culture, Irene Ruiz, emphasized the importance of keeping this deeply rooted custom alive, where residents would sing habaneras by the light of the moon at the 'vora del mar'. She also highlighted this year's collaboration with the Crevillent Town Hall, noting that historically many residents of this locality have participated in this popular singing. "We want to enhance and ensure that this tradition is not lost," Ruiz stated.

In this edition, the Ilicitana Choir will offer a varied repertoire including traditional habaneras such as 'Paloma mensajera', 'Todas las mañanitas', 'Dichoso aquel', and 'Era una flor'. As a novelty, this year will feature for the first time a song composed by Ángel Planelles from Crevillent. The Rabinos Choir from Crevillent will also participate in the festival, performing pieces like 'La Golondrina', 'Canto de amor', and 'Noches crevillentinas', accompanied by the Rondalla Crevillentina, whose guitars and bandurrias will provide the characteristic sound of habaneras that has been heard so often.

Mónica San Emeterio, Councillor for Culture of Crevillent, emphasized the importance of this tradition and extended an invitation to all residents to enjoy and participate in the festival, highlighting the emotional ties that bind Crevillent to this beach. Admission is free and, to facilitate attendance, the Marina Neighborhood Association has arranged a free bus service and set up parking in the old camping area.

With this festival, Elche and Crevillent come together once again to celebrate and preserve a fundamental part of their cultural heritage.