The Paseo de los Álamos hosted the presentation of the 29th edition of Etnosur, the festival that from July 16-19 will once again position Alcalá la Real as a hub for cultural exchange. For four days, the event will offer an extensive program of over 80 activities across various municipal spaces, encompassing music, performing arts, literature, cinema, workshops, exhibitions, and reflection forums, thus consolidating a significant cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors each summer.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by the mayor Marino Aguilera; the Councilor for Culture and Tourism, Juan Manuel Marchal; the festival directors, Juan Ramón Canovaca and Rafael López; and the president of the Provincial Council of Jaén, Juan Latorre.
Juan Manuel Marchal highlighted the importance of Etnosur, describing it as “one of the most significant cultural and tourist weeks and events in Alcalá la Real, positioning us at a provincial, regional, and national level.” The councilor also expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of the various municipal departments and collaborating institutions in making this new edition possible.
The musical lineup is one of Etnosur's main attractions, featuring artists from up to nine countries. Among the notable names are Los Van Van (Cuba), Asian Dub Foundation (United Kingdom), The Zawose Queens (Tanzania), Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan (India), Kanazoé Orkestra (Burkina Faso), as well as Spanish groups Fillas de Cassandra (Galicia), Delameseta (Valladolid), and Castora Herz (Palencia).
Diversity characterizes the program, which includes circus performances like POI by the company D’Es Tro, a cabaret with several companies, and exhibitions such as “Agua es vida,” “De puertas adentro,” and “Ecotopías” by Greenpeace. The Literature Classroom will feature contributions from Benjamín Prado and Shuarma, while the traditional Debate Forums will address topics like immortality and the challenges of climate change.
Cinema will play a significant role with screenings of works by Marcel Barrena and Isabel Coixet, and a short film session directed by Javier Fesser, who will receive the “Premio Etnosur 2026,” succeeding Kiko Veneno, honored in the previous edition. The program is rounded out by 14 workshops for the whole family, focusing on crafts, music, ecology, and sustainability.
Juan Latorre recalled that the festival is part of the Jaén en Julio cycle, emphasizing “five different festivals with their own personality that, far from competing, complement each other and strengthen the image of the province of Jaén as a major musical cultural destination during the summer.”
The mayor highlighted the festival's nearly 30-year trajectory, considering it “a hallmark of Alcalá, which has evolved from a simple event to a brand linked to the city.” He also pointed out the increasing financial effort by the City Council to maintain the festival as free and called for greater involvement from other administrations to ensure its continuity.
Over four days, Etnosur will unfold its program across stages such as the Paseo de los Álamos, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the Teatro Martínez Montañés, and the Recinto Ferial, maintaining its commitment to making culture accessible to all audiences and fostering coexistence in Alcalá la Real.
