The HOP!Villena festival lights up Villena as a four-day celebration of circus arts, dance, and street theater begins today, promising a lively program through Thursday, 24th. The city’s streets will become a stage as performers bring energy and color to the heart of the town, inviting locals and visitors alike to join the bustling festivities.
The Cultural Councilor, María Server, invited residents and travelers to enjoy the festival, noting that for this edition it will unfold away from its usual venue. “Plaza de Toros has moved beyond the bazaar area due to ongoing pyramid works and security concerns during setup, with the Carsi park now serving as the primary space,” he explained. The change aims to keep performances accessible while adapting to the city’s current arrangements.
The mayor announced a relocation to Plaza Martínez Olivencia and extended a welcome to the La Paz Neighborhood Association. “If everything goes as planned, we hope to preserve this dynamic format when Hop! returns to its traditional site next year,” he stated, signaling a commitment to continuity and community involvement.
Since its modest beginnings in 2017, the festival has grown with input from bazaar residents who championed its creation. In 2021, the program broadened to include dance and street theater in addition to the circus, reflecting a broader artistic scope and a desire to engage a wider audience.
Pepe Ayelo, director of Casa de Cultura, highlighted that this year the competition schedule prioritizes evenings to avoid clashing with the pasodoble concert. The program was adjusted due to heat, he noted, ensuring most performances begin at 19:30 and 22:30, with some shorter acts offered in two rounds. Access remains free, continuing the festival’s tradition of open enjoyment for all.
Ayelo outlined the lineup beginning Monday, August 21 with a standout clown concert titled “Rocket Carnival Clownz.” Evening showcases at 21:00 and 22:00 feature a city dance piece starring the character “Vacío.” On the 22nd, the circus show “El Entusiasmo” starts at 19:30, followed by “Desprovisto” at 22:30, a highlight that blends acrobatics with dance in a signature festival experience.
Wednesday brings three performances, including a stop at the Chapí Theatre. At 19:30 and 21:30, audiences can enjoy “Baktana,” a circus and dance spectacle at Plaza del Teatro Chapí. The traveling street show “Aquiles,” featuring a large puppet, performs at 20:30, adding a visual feast to the day’s program.
wooden coins
The festival’s poetic centerpiece, celebrated as one of the event’s most beloved moments, unfolds as a single performer moves wooden tiles across the stage, captivating the audience with quiet precision and surprising energy.
Thursday closes with the family-friendly program beginning at 18:30 with the song “Danzart en familia” by Juana Valera from Villena, pairing contemporary dance with performances by children and young people. At 20:00, the dynamic street theater piece “La Barca” brings a lively, mischievous energy to the crowd. The festival culminates with the “Karpty” production, a major circus show that marks a memorable finale for attendees and participants alike.