Music of the Valencian Community

The Music of Valencia in eastern Spain is rich and diverse, due to different external influences. It can be broadly divided into two categories: traditional and contemporary music.

Traditional Music

All the surrounding country is known for its own variety of Jota and a rich dolçaina (shawm) tradition. Brass bands are found in almost every village in the region. The Muixeranga, a street festival, is an important tradition that originated in Valencia.

Religious and work songs are common in Valencia, many are performed with accompaniment. El Misteri d'Elx is an old, religious musical play that dates back to mediæval times. Havaneres are popular all along the Valencian coast.

Valencian dances include:

• Brlea
• Fandango of Albaida
• El Ball del Danzants
• El Ball dels Oficis
• Los Alcides
• Els Bastonets
• Els Porrots
• Paloteo of Requena
• Valencian Jota

Contemporary Music

In the nineteen eighties Bakalao was the dominant dance music form that appeared in the club scene of the city and the surrounding community. While pop and rock are forms enjoyed and played by local musicians there is a strong tendency towards electronica in the region. In the nineties Techno music continued to be a string favourite in the area with the heavier schrantz influence from northern Europe emerging in the early two thousands. Today minimal techno is popular and more recently the Trip-Tek style as attributed to outfits such as Electrika-MixTek.

Valencian/Catalan Rock and Ska music is also common all throughout the autonomous community of Valencia.