Last Saturday, October 4, the Royal Monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes opened its doors to host one of the most anticipated events on our cultural and festive calendar: the coronation of the Queen of the Huerta de Valencia 2026, Estefanía Marchante.
Estefanía looked radiant in the traditional sky-blue Valencian farmworker’s dress, made with the “L’Horta” pattern—a fabric steeped in history and symbolism—chosen especially for this very special occasion.
The ceremony began with a procession featuring the Court and the 2025 Queen of the Huerta de Valencia, Merche Esplugues, followed by the Queens of Jérica representing Castellón and the Bellea del Foc de San Juan as ambassador for the province of Alicante.
The solemn music of the prestigious Benicalap Band, with some fifty musicians, and the voices of the Forn d’Alcedo Choir—which recently suffered the effects of the DANA—filled the monastery with emotion and Valencian spirit. The program featured such iconic pieces as the zarzuela *La Llauradora*, revived by the L’Horta Cultural Association, and a Valencian-style version of Barxeta’s *La Malaguenya*, as well as the pasodoble *Amparito Roca* in honor of its centennial.
With the music of the Muixeranga playing in the background and the voice of host Ricardo, a heartfelt tribute was paid to our heritage and identity. During this deeply moving moment, Estefanía Marchante received from the president of L’Horta, Manuel García Pardo, the sash and the jewel that designate her as the highest ambassador of the Valencian huerta, our culture, and our roots.
The words of the sponsor, María Pastor García—a tour guide in Paris and Fallera Mayor of the Casa de Valencia in Paris—moved both Estefanía and the entire audience.
To conclude the ceremony, guilds, local councils, Fallas, and festivals from across the Kingdom of Valencia, as well as delegations from other regions and countries, presented the new Queen with a tribute as a sign of affection, brotherhood, and Valencian pride.
Long live the Queen of the Huerta de Valencia 2026, Estefanía Marchante!
Long live our land, our people, and our culture!
