The Benicàssim International Festival (FIB) marked its 27th edition yesterday, drawing about 180,000 music lovers over four sunlit days on the Castellón coast. The seaside town in Spain continues to host a festival that has become a staple of summer for crowds across Europe and beyond.
The opening night delivered an electric energy, featuring an indie rock act rooted in Tres Cantos that began in Madrid. Old Morla returned to the music scene with a memorable set in Music City, setting a vibrant tone for the weekend. As night turned to dawn, anticipated indie acts stepped up, with long-time favorites from Sweden ready to energize the stages once again.
Earlier performances brought in the Wombats and Wet Leg, following a signature set by a renowned British producer, DJ, and composer known for Easy Love, which closed the first night. Thousands of festival-goers from Spain and abroad soaked in the atmosphere as Benicàssim has hosted this event since 1995 along the coast. The town warmly welcomes music enthusiasts from across Europe and North America, building anticipation for the weekend ahead.
Most tickets were sold in advance, with only day passes left on offer. About 95 percent of capacity was already spoken for, and the festival was edging toward a full house as the weekend progressed.
The lineup blends international headliners with rising talents curated by The Music Republic, featuring The Offspring, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Zara Larsson, and Tom Odell. The program also spotlights Spanish acts such as Vetusta Morla, Viva Suecia, La Casa Azul, and La MODA among many others, underscoring the event’s balance of global reach and local flavor.
rising bands
New talent remains a core focus, reinforced by the Heineken Rising Stars program. More than 1,700 bands entered the competition, with six winners—Esquina Finlandia, Native Nomads, La niña paracaída, Eyrsome, Rodrigo Barrientos, and Las LASDJs—featuring on the Fiber Stage and Heineken stages. The program continues to showcase a broad mix of styles across multiple stages and festival zones, inviting attendees to discover fresh sounds as they roam between venues.
Access and logistics emphasize simple travel between Orpesa, Benicàssim, and Castellón. An official shuttle network links the towns and beaches, with two dedicated routes connecting Castellón and Orpesa. Official campsites are positioned near the concert venue and to the north of the town, hosting the majority of the roughly 180,000 attendees who extend their stay through Monday.
Castellón Airport has reported strong arrivals as fans come in from destinations such as the United Kingdom and then transfer to local transport to reach Benicàssim, ensuring smooth access for attendees from Canada and the United States seeking a seaside summer festival experience. (citation: event organizers and local tourism offices)