History, identity, and culture, from both our past and present, united by one place: the Port of València. The character and life of the city’s seaside neighborhoods, where work and leisure intertwine, and the solemnity of traditions meets popular festivities, form the rich heritage that nourishes the Viure el Port exhibition, which is open to the public for free at the Edificio del Reloj until November 3.
More than a hundred photographs capture the deep bond that connects València’s maritime neighborhoods with the sea and the port, solidifying it as a key cultural and social heritage for Valencians. The images in this exhibition (in both black and white and color) depict the various uses the port and its surroundings have had over time, from port-related work to recreational activities and expressions of popular devotion.
Mar Chao, president of the Port Authority of València, accompanied by Marc García, Director General of Coasts, Ports, and Airports, visited the exhibition along with Ester Medán, the exhibition coordinator, who explained the details of the display. Both enjoyed the tour, which is organized into three thematic sections: work, leisure, and tradition. Each area features historical and contemporary photographs that illustrate the close relationship Valencians have with their port.
“This visit is highly recommended. The tour showcases the passage of time in the Port and its surroundings, and the many changes it has undergone. But it’s also heartening to see how Valencian maritime traditions endure and remain over the years: the Swimming Crossing, the Pas Ras, or the Semana Santa Marinera,” Medán stated.
Most of the images have been provided by the Luis Vidal Archive (the work of four generations of professional photographers). Other photographs were contributed by various archives: Antonio Alcaraz, the Port Authority of València, the Club d’Atletisme Poblats Marítims, the Swimming Federation of the Valencian Community, the Triathlon Federation of the Valencian Community, Josele Bort, the Junta Mayor de la Semana Santa Marinera, La Marina of València, the Very Illustrious Brotherhood of the Most Holy Christ of Grao, and the Ca’ Pesaro Museum – International Gallery of Modern Art (Venice).
The exhibition is curated by art historian Ester Medán, photographer Luis Vidal Ayala, and art history professor Luis Arciniega. It is organized by the Port Authority of València (APV) in collaboration with the Generalitat Valenciana, the Department of Environment, Infrastructure and Territory, the Demetrio Ribes Chair, and the University of València. Several individuals have also contributed: Paco Burguera, Virginia Colomines, Eduardo García-Leonardo, Pep Martorell, María del Mar Mateo, Barbara de Prat, and Antonio Romero.
