Reuniting in Valencia: A Tale of Friendship and Artistic Celebration

Spring in Valencia means good sunny weather, orange blossom smell, and terrazas full of people from all around the globe enjoying a nice big glass of horchata and some fartons. And, from the 3rd to the 8th of April, it also meant that two good friends were, at last, reunited in this beautiful, lively city.

Allow me to introduce myself, I am Aitana. Me and Ligia, La Mansarda's founder, met a couple of years ago in Dublin during one of the many open mics taking place in the Irish capital city. 

It was one of those be-in-the-right-place-at-the-right-time moments in life as I had the privilege to witness, not only the start of a great friendship but also the beginnings of what was meant to be an amazing, generous and magical project: La Mansarda nights. 

A little project, back then, that started as a small gathering of friends and has grown into this monthly landmark on everyone’s calendar.

After months of plotting and organizing, last April 6th the first La Mansarda event took place in the Levantine city of Valencia. The event was hosted by the beautiful venue, KafCafé, a place of multiculturalism and art experimentation where weekly open mics have been taking place for years promoting a healthy and homey environment where the locals often gather and meet.

For this exact reason, KafCafé seemed to me as the perfect setting for the event. One with a constant flow of locals and foreigners creating the perfect mix of cheerful and warm vibes in the room. As guests mingled, the air buzzed with excitement, filled with the anticipation of what the evening had in store.

The night started with a small photo exhibition showcasing the impactful work done by Emergency, the NGO with which La Mansarda has been collaborating tirelessly this year. The images captured the essence of humanity and resilience, drawing the viewers into the stories of those in need and the hope and assistance that Emergency brings to them. It was a poignant reminder of the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand where needed most.

And then came the artists, each bringing their own flavor to the stage, adding layers to the already vibrant atmosphere. Valencia-based upcoming cover band Wild Souls kicked off the evening with infectious energy, setting the tone for what was to come. Then came The Argentinian singer-songwriters Noelia Alonso and Daniela Trovatti enchanted the audience with their soul-touching indie-pop lyrics and Latin American folklore, transporting everyone to distant lands with their melodies. And amidst it all, the beautiful, talented cellist Joy, who came all the way from Dublin, added a touch of elegance and grace to the proceedings, her music weaving through the room like a soothing breeze.

As the night unfolded, the room pulsated with feminine power, good vibes, and a renewing energy that left everyone in attendance with a sense of warmth and connection. It was a testament to the magic that can happen when like-minded individuals come together to celebrate art, culture, and community. And as we bid farewell to La Mansarda, here in Valencia, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the memories made and the bonds forged on this unforgettable evening.

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About the Author:

Aitana G. Sanjuán (Alcoi, Alicante), born in 2001, studied English Studies at the University of Alicante and currently resides and works in Valencia. She published her first poetry collection, Catarsis, in 2019, at the age of just 18. Catarsis is a multilingual poetry collection (Spanish, Valencian, and English), reflecting the author's multicultural background and context. It aims to portray the fears and concerns of the author in her transition from adolescence to adulthood. In the artistic sphere, she has also participated in the last four productions of the Theater Workshop at the University of Alicante and often attends open mic nights. You can find her on Instagram as @aitanagsanjuan.