Seven Countries and Four Continents Represented at the XXXIII Music Festival of Fiesta

Three European bands, including the Castellón Municipal Band as the host ensemble, a North American band, another from South America, a Japanese group representing Asia, and a New Zealand ensemble from Oceania will be the participating bands in the XXXIII Music Festival of Fiesta, which will take place in Castellón during the Magdalena festivities in 2024, from March 7th to March 10th.

The event is organized by the Junta de Festes, a collaborating body of the Castellón Municipal Festivals Board. This year, they have made significant efforts to enhance the international character of the festival and have worked closely with embassies and official organizations to bring this edition of the festival to life.

Spain

Castellón Municipal Band

The Castellón Municipal Band will once again serve as the host band and actively participate in the Closing Gala scheduled for the morning of Sunday, March 10th. Founded in 1925, the Castellón Municipal Band boasts accolades such as the Gold Medal of the province awarded by the Provincial Council and the distinction of “Insigne de la Música Valenciana” granted by the M.I. Academy of Valencian Music.

Over its nearly one hundred years of history, the Castellón Municipal Band has been led by directors including Pascual Asencio Hernández, Eduardo Felip Suárez, Juan Garcés Queralt, Francisco Signes Castelló, Marcel Ortega Martí, and José Vicente Ramón Segarra.

Europe

The Triuggio Marching Band (Italy)

The Triuggio Marching Band (TMB) is a formation born in the locality of the same name, located in the province of Monza and in the Lombardy region. Founded in 2004, its purpose is to promote music education. The association promotes among its members education in socialization and positive values such as personal responsibility, respect, the ability to work together sharing increasingly ambitious musical goals, through improvement with clinics and practices as a formula for success.

Around sixty people make up this musical formation which, before arriving in Castellón, has performed in places such as Shanghai, France, Romania, the Netherlands, and Great Britain…

The Truggio Marching Band will bring around sixty people to offer all their potential at the XXXIII International Music Festival of Fiesta.

Muskverein Lyra (Austria)

The Musikverein Lyra is based in Wiener Neudorf, south of Vienna, and will bring over fifty people to Castellón. Founded in 1908, this year marks its 115th anniversary. Its field of activity includes religious events (masses and processions), outdoor concerts, but they also organize dance events, dances, and concerts.

Throughout its history, they have performed in Dublin (St. Patrick’s Day Parade), Vatican City (celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s priestly ordination), and Shanghai.

South America

G.R.E.S.Beija Flor

The Grupo Recreativo Escola do Samba Beija Flor de Nilópolis (Rio de Janeiro) will bring a group composed of approximately 20 people to Castellón. The formation was born in 1948 and was officially registered as a samba school in 1954, as part of Group II, although it quickly moved to Group I for the first time. After some ups and downs, since the 1970s it has been established in the top category and is considered one of the most famous Samba schools in Brazil and, therefore, in the world.

In their trip to Castellón, they will have flag bearers, drummers, and a dance corps. Besides their musical activity, GRES Beija Flor carries out important social work in their community, including childcare, educational action, and talent enhancement in different fields.

North América

Puerto Rico Concert Band and National Ballet Areyto

Almost seventy people, including musicians, dancers, and solo singers, will make up the Puerto Rican representation at the XXXIII International Music Festival of Fiesta de Castellón. The Concert Band was initially formed in 1966 with, among other functions, the purpose of entertaining official receptions of foreign dignitaries and other official events of the Government and its municipalities.

In its beginnings, in 1966, the Band was led by Mr. Rafael “Ralph” Sánchez, in 1973, by Mr. José E. “Chelique” Rodríguez, in 1984, by Mr. Ángel “Lito” Peña Plaza, and since 2003, to the present, by Ángel “Cuco” Peña.

On the other hand, the National Ballet Areyto acquired its official status in 1983 by decision of the Puerto Rican government. Areyto is an artistic organization dedicated to rescuing and showcasing our beloved Caribbean island’s folk dances and music.

Joy, rhythm, and color are three concepts that define the folklore of Puerto Rico and that the members of the National Ballet Areyto and the Puerto Rico Concert Band will convey to the audience in Castellón.

Asia

Toho Marching Band (Japan)

Linked to the High School, directed by Mrs. Noriko Fujimoto, the band, under the direction of Mr. Mineto Shiraya, will bring more than 30 young musicians to Castellón who are part of one of the most prestigious marching bands in the world.

Taking the Toho Youth Music Troupe as a precedent, the band was founded in 1923 and from its earliest moments, it was characterized by being a pioneer in its approach to performances. The Toho Marching Band frequently performs outside its country and we must thank the effort they have made to be present at the XXXIII International Music Festival of Fiesta de Castellón.

Oceania

The New Zealand Army Band

The official band of the New Zealand Army will land in Castellón with a formation of 25 musicians. The ensemble has earned a well-deserved reputation thanks to the dynamism, energy, and passion it brings to its performances.

Formed in 1964 as a traditional band to perform at state and ceremonial occasions, the New Zealand Army Band has evolved into one of the most diverse entertainment organizations in the world, performing in a wide variety of genres and contexts