The Valencian School's Meetings have begun their journey with a busy schedule of activities that will continue until the end of May. Under the motto "In Valencian, free and proud," this edition is presented as a vindication of language and cultural identity "in a context marked by restrictive language policies promoted by the current regional government," according to the Valencian School.
The official presentation took place in February at the Faculty of Education of the University of Valencia, with the participation of Alexandra Usó, president of the Escola Valenciana, along with representatives from various cultural, academic, and political organizations. During the event, the importance of these events was highlighted as a space for resistance against an educational model that, according to Usó, is "reactionary, conservative, and discriminatory," which jeopardizes the presence of Valencian in education.
Les Trobades 2025 will tour a total of 18 municipalities and will hold 21 events from March 21 to May 31. Within this framework, the Escola Valenciana has published its manifesto "In Valencian, free and proud," which defends the language as a tool for cohesion and calls for mobilization against policies that seek to reduce its presence in education. In addition, the official song for this edition has been presented: Paradís, composed by the Bèrnia group, which demands an inclusive and free school.
The image of Les Trobades was designed by illustrator Natxo Sarvatxo, from Castelló de Rugat, and symbolizes the strength of "a diverse and united people, represented by a group of people who, through effort and coordination, sustain a single heart." According to Sarvatxo, the design is inspired by the muixeranga, a Valencian cultural symbol, and seeks to highlight collective identity and cultural activism for the language. "Art is a form of cultural activism with which to reclaim and celebrate the Valencian language," the artist stated.
Trobades 2025 in the Marina Alta
The arrival of Les Trobades to the Marina Alta will be celebrated this year in Ràfol d'Almúnia, next Saturday, May 24th. The town will become the epicenter of linguistic and educational protest, hosting hundreds of teachers, students, families, and activists who will join this festive and vindictive day.
Les Trobades will travel through various Valencian regions, with host municipalities such as Picassent, Aielo de Malferit, Algímia d'Alfara, Benifaraig, and Gandia, among others. With the support of universities, cultural institutions, and social organizations, this edition seeks to consolidate its role as a driving force in the defense of teaching in Valencian and the right of the educational community to a multilingual and intercultural model.
