History comes alive as Marina Alta’s iconic human tower honours King Jaume I

History is often remembered in books and museums, but some traditions keep it alive before our eyes. Seven and a half centuries after the death of King Jaume I, the ruler who founded the Kingdom of Valencia, the Muixeranga de la Marina Alta transformed the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Poblet into a living tribute. Performing their iconic human towers beside the monarch’s tomb, they created a moving spectacle that united history, culture and Valencian identity in one of the most symbolic commemorations of the anniversary year.

The ceremony held on Saturday July 25 marked the 750th anniversary of the death of the monarch, remembered as the founder of the Kingdom of Valencia, and brought together history, culture and music in a setting rich with symbolism. For the performers from the Marina Alta, it was a rare opportunity to showcase one of the Valencian Community’s most treasured cultural traditions in front of the royal pantheon where Jaume I is buried.

Human towers at the royal pantheon

The emotional event unfolded inside the historic monastery in Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the resting place of several kings of the Crown of Aragon. After a programme of medieval music and historical reflection, members of the Muixeranga entered the royal pantheon to raise their distinctive human towers in honour of the king.

Accompanied by the traditional sound of the dolçaina, the carefully choreographed performance was watched in respectful silence before being met with warm applause from those attending the ceremony. Organisers said the tribute was intended not only to honour Jaume I but also to celebrate the enduring importance of Valencian cultural heritage.

History brought to life

Adding historical context to the occasion was Catalan philologist and Rovira i Virgili University professor Magí Sunyer, who delivered a talk exploring the life and legacy of Jaume I. His presentation examined the political significance of the monarch’s reign and highlighted medieval works including the Llibre dels Fets and the writings of Ramon Muntaner, helping to place the anniversary within its wider historical context.

The atmosphere was further enhanced by live medieval music performed by Pablo Alcaide, whose repertoire recreated the sounds associated with the era of the Reconquest and complemented the solemnity of the occasion.

A growing symbol of Marina Alta

Originally established in Pego in 2008 before expanding across the comarca and adopting the name Muixeranga de la Marina Alta in 2017, the organisation has become one of the region’s leading ambassadors for Valencian tradition. The group now includes more than 200 members and is recognised for mastering increasingly complex human tower formations while preserving customs that have been passed down through generations.

Their appearance at Poblet represented far more than a performance. It highlighted the role local cultural organisations continue to play in keeping regional traditions alive and introducing them to wider audiences beyond the Marina Alta.

As commemorations marking the 750th anniversary of Jaume I’s death continue throughout the year, the tribute at Poblet will be remembered as one of the most symbolic moments, uniting history, identity and living tradition beneath the walls of one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most significant medieval monasteries.