The social gathering for the candidates for Fallera Mayor of Valencia took place this weekend aboard the Ciudad de Granada, the ferry on which Trasmed – the Spanish shipping company belonging to the Grimaldi Group – transported the 73 candidates for FMV 2027 and the Fallera Mayor of Valencia 2026, Carmen Prades, together with her Court of Honour, to Ciutadella in Menorca.
This is the third edition of this trip for the candidates, organised by the Junta Central Fallera and Trasmed; on the two previous occasions, they visited Ibiza and Mallorca, respectively.
During the voyage, the candidates were able to enjoy a packed programme of activities organised for them by Trasmed, in collaboration with the Fallas Central Board. The day began on Saturday evening with a reception and welcome hosted by the captain, Ivan Uranga Sánchez, who then introduced the gala cocktail party on the Nit del Foc terrace, accompanied by live music.
The event was also attended by Ettore Morace, CEO of Trasmed; Miguel Pardo, Director of Institutional Relations for the Grimaldi Group in Spain; and Manuel Pérez, Director of Operations at Trasmed. Representing the Fallas Central Board were Santiago Ballester, Councillor for Fallas and President of the JCF, accompanied by his executive committee.
Shortly before midnight, the ferry set sail for Ciutadella in Menorca. Once ashore, the visit provided an opportunity to introduce the Valencian delegation to some of the key aspects of Ciutadella’s culture, traditions and cuisine.
During their stay on the island, the candidates, the Fallera Mayor of Valencia, Carmen Prades, and her Court of Honour, together with representatives from the Fallas Central Board and the shipping company Trasmed, were received by the mayor, María Jesús Bagur.
An itinerary linking traditions and culture on both sides of the Mediterranean
The itinerary was packed with events and activities focused on linking traditions and culture on both sides of the Mediterranean. The delegation’s arrival at the port of Son Blanc featured a horse show by Binisebani. After a group photo, both the candidates for FMV 2027 and the Fallera Mayor of Valencia and her Court of Honour, accompanied by the president of the Fallas Central Board and Councillor for Fallas, Santiago Ballester, and its executive committee, proceeded to Plaça des Born, where a folk dance was performed by the Grup Folklòric Sant Isidre, who took to the stage in period costumes. The day continued with an official reception at Cas Comte.
Finally, the delegation visited the Ciutadella Museum, with its exhibition room dedicated to the Sant Joan festivities, and immediately afterwards the courtyard of Can Saura, which hosted a showcase of Menorcan cuisine.
This cultural and festive exchange between Valencia and Ciutadella aimed to strengthen the ties between the two towns, as well as to promote awareness of their most cherished traditions and cultural expressions, such as the Fallas and the Sant Joan festivities.
A journey of unity for the candidates
On Sunday afternoon, the official delegation boarded the ferry once more to set sail back to Valencia. The rest of the day was spent on board. The candidates met with Carmen Prades, Fallera Mayor of Valencia 2026, and her Court of Honour, with whom they were able to exchange views, questions and experiences. They were also given a talk on traditional dress by the Guild of Tailors and Dressmakers of Valencia. In addition, the Alzira-based confectionery company, Pepina Pastel, organised a very sweet workshop for all of them.
Manuel Pérez, Director of Operations at Trasmed, said: “Trasmed is proud to be the maritime link for this Fallas gathering. We want the 73 candidates for Fallera Mayor of Valencia 2027 to experience the journey as part of the selection process – a voyage designed to share, come together and celebrate our traditions, whilst also strengthening the cultural bond between Valencia and Ciutadella”.
The group arrived in Valencia early on Monday morning, bringing an unforgettable weekend to a close. A real treat for the 73 candidates, their judging panel and the leading representatives of the Fallas, thanks to the sponsorship agreement between Trasmed, the Spanish shipping company of the Grimaldi Group, and the Fallas Central Board.
About TRASMED
Trasmed is the Grimaldi Group’s shipping company, established in 2021 following the acquisition of the routes between the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands from the century-old Trasmediterránea. The shipping company, which specialises in passenger and freight transport, currently operates five vessels (Ciudad de Palma, Ciudad de Granada, Ciudad de Sóller, Ciudad de Barcelona and Gubal Trader) that serve the routes between the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands: from Barcelona and Valencia to Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza.
Source: ATREVIA Comunicación