A poetic and musical journey: ‘Cels de Sal’ transforms Book Day into an immersive cultural experience in Marina Alta

This year, Book Day in the Marina Alta is taking on a fresh and evocative twist. Moving beyond traditional readings and literary events, Cels de Sal arrives in La Jara and Pego with a powerful artistic concept that blends poetry, music and visual storytelling into one captivating performance.

More than a poetry reading

Cels de Sal is not your typical literary recital. Instead, it offers an immersive, multi-sensory experience designed to draw audiences into a world of emotion and reflection. Through a carefully crafted fusion of spoken word, original compositions and visual projections, the performance invites attendees to engage with poetry in a deeper, more intimate way.

Running for around an hour, the show unfolds as a poetic journey where each element, voice, sound and imagery, works in harmony. The music has been specifically composed for the performance, enhancing the emotional resonance of the verses and creating a seamless artistic dialogue between disciplines.

A creative team driven by emotion

At the heart of Cels de Sal is a group of artists committed to making poetry feel contemporary and accessible. Writer and performer Josep Orihuel leads the experience, delivering each piece with a raw, personal intensity that brings the text to life.

He is joined by composer and pianist Clàudia Ortolà, whose atmospheric soundscapes elevate the spoken word. The ensemble is completed by violinist Diego Mestre and percussionist Joan Bou, whose contributions add depth, texture and rhythm to the performance.

Together, they create a piece that is not only heard, but truly felt, pushing beyond the boundaries of a traditional recital into something far more immersive.

Two dates to celebrate culture

The performances are timed to coincide with Book Day celebrations, offering audiences two opportunities to experience the show:

• April 23 at the Casa de Cultura in La Xara
• April 24 at the Carmen Alemany Bay Library in Pego

Both events are free to attend, making this unique cultural experience accessible to a wide audience.

A modern take on local culture

Supported by local cultural organisations, Cels de Sal reflects a broader effort to revitalise the arts scene in the Marina Alta. It highlights how poetry can evolve, embracing new formats and creative collaborations to remain relevant in a fast-changing cultural landscape.

At a time when audiences are seeking more engaging and experiential forms of entertainment, this production stands out by reimagining how literature can be presented. By merging artistic disciplines, it not only enriches the content but also broadens its appeal.

With Cels de Sal, Book Day becomes more than a celebration of books, it transforms into a moving, multi-layered experience where creativity, emotion and innovation come together.