Manilva will once again showcase its diverse community with the XVIII International Festival, taking place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May in Castillo de la Duquesa.
Held each year around the castle, the event reflects the town’s strong international identity, with around 42% of registered residents born outside Spain, representing nearly 80 nationalities. Organised by the Foreign Residents Department, the festival brings together locals and visitors to share food, music, traditions and culture in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Now in its 18th edition, the festival will feature stalls from 26 different nationalities, offering traditional dishes, crafts and cultural displays, alongside a lively craft market. A bar run by the Be Yourself Association will also be in place, raising funds for Manilva Pride.
The programme promises a wide range of performances across the weekend. Confirmed acts include the Love to Sing Choir, an ABBA tribute show, Colombian singer H, and traditional dances from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, Mexico, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Ukraine and Romania. Local talent will also take to the stage, including the Escuela Municipal de Baile de Manilva and the Escuela de Canto de Rubén Cárdenas. Live music continues with bands such as Long Play, performing 80s and 90s hits, and Compás Flamenco.
Families are well catered for, with Huerto Park hosting bouncy castles and children’s entertainment throughout both days.
With activities for all ages, the festival focuses on bringing people together and celebrating the mix of cultures that define Manilva today. You can see the full programme below, but be advised running order and timings may change.
Programme
Saturday 23 May
1:00 pm – Love to Sing Choir (40 mins)
1:40 pm – Official opening with local authorities and presentation of appreciation plaques
2:00 pm – Ana Victoria Malagón “La Campesina Colombiana” (20 mins)
2:20 pm – Gianluca El Italiano, Italy (40 mins)
3:00 pm – Bolivia (30 mins)
3:30 pm – Emerald Echo, Ireland (30 mins)
4:00 pm – Gary Fearon (30 mins)
4:30 pm – Neskoromna Viktoriia, flamenco dancer, with Dovzhenko Iryna – Ukraine (30 mins)
5:00 pm – Cuban entertainment by Producciones Raíces (25 mins)
5:25 pm – Asociación Cultural Unidos Perú (20 mins)
5:45 pm – Jessica Quiñones School of Body Expression (30 mins)
6:15 pm – Marcelo Filipa, Malambo Dance – Argentina (15 mins)
6:30 pm – Romania
7:00 pm – Yelithza, Mexico
7:10 pm – ABBA Tribute, Sweden (35 mins)
7:45 pm – Paraguayan Dance (15 mins)
8:00 pm – Paraguayan Dance (15 mins)
8:15 pm – Morocco (45 mins)
9:00 pm – Brazil Traditional Show
10:30 pm – DJ Miguel Ángel
12:00 am – Closing
Sunday 24 May
1:00 pm – Rubén Cárdenas Singing School (50 mins)
1:50 pm – Flamenco School led by Ana Guerrero, Spain (40 mins)
2:30 pm – Manilva Municipal Dance School (60 mins)
3:30 pm – Ben Lion, Uruguay (30 mins)
4:00 pm – Samay, Indigenous Music – Ecuador (15 mins)
4:15 pm – Luis Arellano, Chilean Cumbia Tribute (45 mins)
5:00 pm – Miguel Ángel Fernández, Spanish Song (25 mins)
5:25 pm – Paraguayan Children’s Dance (15 mins)
5:40 pm – Cristian, Argentine Tango (20 mins)
6:00 pm – Romania (30 mins)
6:30 pm – Singer H Colombia (45 mins)
7:15 pm – Paraguayan Dance (15 mins)
7:35 pm – Kathy Lorenz, France (20 mins)
7:55 pm – Compás Flamenco
9:45 pm – Long Play (80s and 90s Music)
11:30 pm – Closing Ceremony
