Cruzados

The “Peña el Ancla” of the Comparsa de Marineros was the founding nucleus of the current Cruzados that appeared in 1973, anecdotally under a first attempt to be admitted to the festival with the name of “Mosqueteros” that was not accepted by the authorities of the festival at the time.

The founding costume was designed by Miguel Lapiedra, at that time a member of the Comparsa and a student of Fine Arts, and is the same one used today with few alterations. It stands out for its simplicity and austerity, with two dominant tones: white and red. A notable distinctive feature is the cross on the chest and the coat of arms of the lineage of each "Crusader" embroidered on the cape.

As a noteworthy fact, it is worth emphasizing the fact that, in 1997, and coinciding with the third embassy of the Comparsa, together with the Comparsas of Benimerins, Cides and Mossàrabs who were in charge that same year, the first Medieval Market was forged, which is currently held during the “Mig Any” weekend, on that occasion it was during the first days of the “Semana Grande” of festivities.

Having already exceeded half a century of life, the Cruzados are organized into six "Peñas" or squads: "Peña el Mig" and "Som Els Que Som", formed mainly by founders and members who have been attached to the Comparsa since its first years of existence, "La Podà", which began its festive career in 1997, "Penya La Paella" which has been a full-fledged part of the Comparsa since 2004, by the "Templados" who have joined since 2011 and by the "Partisanas" who will join in 2024. Their number of comparsitas is completed by more than fifty children under 13 years old, mainly children, nephews and grandchildren of the proud current Cruzados.

Throughout its history, the Crusaders have distinguished as honorary members of the Comparsa: Don Antonio Asunción Hernández, Minister of the Interior of Spain and President of the Provincial Council of Valencia; and the musical composer Don José Mª Valls Satorres.