invited groups
The weekend in Villena will showcase the XXXI Folklore Festival, a cornerstone event for traditional dance and folk music in the province. From September 16 through 18, national and international groups converge for three days of performances, workshops, and shared heritage, rejuvenated after the pause caused by the pandemic.
Elena Benítez, a member of the Cultural Council, remarked that the festival stands as a prime platform to promote traditional culture and folklore from Spain and beyond. The celebration marks not only a return to form but also a bridge between generations, inviting locals and visitors to engage with living traditions.
Festival director José Ayelo underlined that the three-day format allows for a diverse program. Highlights include El Diluvi, a Foia de Castalla-based band that preserves folk roots while updating their sound for contemporary audiences. The group’s approach makes traditional music accessible to younger listeners, encouraging new discovery and participation in dance and song.
Ayelo also emphasized the festival’s distinctive feature: every participating group has the opportunity to perform on one stage, a shared space at the Chapi Theatre that underscores community and equality among artists.
The festival experience is built around a thread of identity that unites bands and dancers from different backgrounds. In this way, the event becomes a living archive of regional and international folklore, presented with energy and curiosity for all to enjoy.
schedule and featured moments
Over the three days, the program weaves together performances, parades, and official gatherings. The opening acts will feature Grup de Cors i Danses de Biar, Tarancón’s Folkloric Group Caño Gordo, and the Dutch organization Folkloristische Vereeniging, which has a long history dating back to 1932. As has become traditional, Villena’s own Dance Group will be part of the lineup, connecting local artistry with international voices.
The festival kicks off with the performance of El Diluvi, a benchmark among folk music acts on the current Spanish scene. Their show, titled Kim Fandango, will be presented to the public on the Casa del Festero porch in a lively, open-air setting that invites everyone to participate without an entry fee.
Saturday continues with a parade featuring invited groups, followed by an official reception at Plaza de Santiago. The Chapi Theatre remains the central stage for the first Gala of the Festival, where artists will share new and traditional pieces in a night of celebration and camaraderie among peers.
Sunday’s program shifts toward Las Virtudes, beginning with another parade and culminating in a second Gala held within the pine forest at Las Virtudes. The weekend promises a rich tapestry of music, dance, and communal memory that resonates with audiences across North America, including Canada and the United States, where interest in Iberian regional traditions continues to grow. This renewed attention helps audiences connect living culture with its past and its evolving present, reinforcing the festival’s role as a premier showcase for folklore on the international stage.