The Aragoneses Amaral delivered a bold, unfiltered stage presence during Sonorama Ribera, leaving a mark with a performance designed as a commemorative tribute to a quarter century of music. Since their self-titled debut album appeared, they have evolved as a duo with Eva and Juan guiding the songs through a history that spans 25 years and counting.
Moments before the twenty-fifth song of the 26 scheduled numbers, Eva took the microphone and the energy quickly shifted to the chorus of strength. Rocío, Zahara, Rigoberta, Bebe—voices that symbolize resilience—stood with her. In a spontaneous gesture, she removed the red sequined bodice she had worn throughout the show and performed Revolution, inviting the crowd to witness a statement of empowerment.
Amaral then posed in the compact frame of the moment, a gesture that likely supported Rocío Saiz, who had faced a controversial incident at a Murcia concert last June. The scene became one of Sonorama Ribera’s enduring memories, a signature element of the festival’s 26-year history. Yet Eva herself said she wasn’t concerned with social media reactions on Sunday and would not let them steer the moment.
The concert drew wide anticipation from the start. It spanned nearly two hours, weaving together material from their first eight albums and allowing fans to rediscover Eva and Juan as performers and storytellers. The show sparked renewed attention on their career and on Amaral as a duo, highlighting the power of their collaboration.
More than 35,000 attendees sang along to every number without interruption. Tracks like All Night, I Don’t Know What to Do with My Life, Jump, I Would Die for You, Summer Days, Rosita, Kamikaze, and Towards Nature filled the night. The performance did not simply please the crowd; it became a shared experience that many called unforgettable.
Standout moments included Eva recalling that Running Away was written to support a woman leaving an abusive situation, and a poignant performance of Sin Tí I am Nothing with Juan Aguirre’s guitar accompaniment. A nearly a cappella tribute to each team member in the room also left a lasting impression.
The set ended quickly, and the band approached the 26th song with confidence, turning every moment toward their new album. The crowd’s response suggested the encore would leave a lasting impact, and the band sensed the same, noting the warmth and energy from the audience.
As the lights dimmed, Sinead O’Connor’s line Nothing is incomparable echoed through the venue, a message some felt framed the meticulous planning behind the night’s every beat. The festival had crafted a night of careful detail, and the audience responded with enthusiasm.
The evaluation by festival leadership placed Amaral among the top performances in Sonorama Ribera’s 25-year history, a testament to the group’s enduring appeal and live presence.
The closing acts also delivered, with Wilco taking the stage in a highly anticipated collaboration and Iván Ferreiro making a notable appearance that reinforced the festival’s reputation for bold, memorable lineups. Arde Bogota’s position on the main stage was solidified, signaling a strong finish to a day of varied and compelling performances.
With Sunday morning programming absent, Sonorama Ribera reached a satisfying conclusion. The 26th edition left attendees with a lasting impression, a day and night filled with energy, emotion, and the sense that the festival has become a cherished tradition in the music calendar.