Suitcases, cars, tents, music, and above all a renewed hunger for fun will flood Cullera as Medusa Festival returns today and runs through August 14. The festival takes place in the town’s lively venue and promises a grand experience for electronic music fans.
After last year’s tragedy, where a young man lost his life and more than 40 people were injured when a sudden storm struck the main stage and the large access gate, the organizers have spent the year preparing this eighth edition. They aim to bring together more than 300,000 electronic music lovers under the theme “Ages of Time.” The festival was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 outbreak and faced a cancellation after the previous year’s incidents. This year, the team intends to deliver a show that remains memorable for all attendees.
As in prior editions, the safety apparatus will include the Civil Guard, National and Local Police, with around 2,000 personnel working to maintain security, a figure that will be enhanced over the weekend. The organizers, represented to this publication by the Prensa Ibérica group, emphasize that the additional security measures have no connection to the events of last year. They note that security is continuously improved and new features are introduced each year. They remind readers that the 2022 edition is not indicative of the current festival, which stands on its own terms. There is an ongoing judicial process related to last year’s events, and updates will be provided as they become available, but the focus remains on the upcoming days of music and celebration.
The festival has chosen to remain silent on certain details out of respect for those affected by the previous edition. Organizers state that the public already understands the context and that no reference is needed beyond acknowledging the past.
Economic impact
The event is expected to contribute a substantial economic boost to Cullera, with projections close to 30 million euros in local revenue. In addition, the festival area is anticipated to generate around 2,000 jobs related to the event. The organization notes the distribution of roles, including 600 staff serving at bars, 300 personnel responsible for verifying and processing access bracelets, 125 cleaners, 100 maintenance workers, and 150 team members managing warehousing, stage operations, backstage activities, and parking logistics. These roles support the overall operation and the festive atmosphere of the weekend.
Medusa will feature a main stage spanning 100 meters in width and 25 meters in height, designed to deliver immersive light and sound experiences. The venue will showcase advanced technology and a broad array of special effects, with lasers creating dramatic nighttime visuals that captivate the crowd.
David Guetta, main course
The opening ceremony will showcase performances by the Belgian duo Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, while David Guetta is slated to close the festival in the early hours between Sunday and Monday. Guetta was among the confirmed acts for the prior edition, which was halted due to the tragedy. In response, the organizers have decided to bring back several artists who could not perform in 2022 and to add new DJs to the lineup. Acts such as Don Diablo, Amelie Lens, Carl Cox, Oliver Heldens, Wade, and Marco Carola have been included, promising a three-day celebration across five stages spread throughout the site. The goal is to deliver a show that resonates with both longtime fans and first-time attendees, creating lasting memories through music and performance.
On opening night, a drone light show is planned to illuminate the sky with choreographed displays of light and color, turning the landscape above Cullera into a dynamic spectacle. The festival also reaffirms its camping area for up to 12,000 people and a parking area capable of accommodating 30,000 vehicles, ensuring convenient access for visitors throughout the weekend.