Festivals 2024: jump, sing and vibrate
With an eclectic offer all over the different areas of the country, festivals not only allow many artists to be enjoyed over a few days, they also have positive effects on the economy of their sites.
According to a study carried out by the OBS Business School, led by the professor Elena Mir, in 2023 the live music industry earned the scandalous figure of 578 million euros, meaning a 25% increase compared to the previous year.
Spain has become, without any doubt, a world reference destination with regard to music festivals, reaching a position amongst the 15 main markets in this sector and everything is pointing towards the fact that this trend will continue to rise over the next few years. Events such as Primavera Sound, the FIB Festival or Mad Cool bring together hundreds of thousands of spectators, who in spite of the price increase (48% between 2022 and 2023 on average) continue to buy tickets, up to six months beforehand.
A guide to the best festivals
Summer has arrived and you have decided to go to a festival; you don’t mind travelling and you have a wide range of musical tastes. Great! But there is one important problem: the festival offer is so extensive that it is overwhelming. You can’t decide which one is closest to your tastes, or which is the most sustainable. You don’t know if you prefer a macro event or a more discreet one.
To make this decision easier, we have made a summary of the five best festivals, all over Spain and for all music tastes.
Sónar festival
1 of 5
If you like electronic music and can’t stop dancing until dawn, the Sónar festival is your ideal event. Held in Barcelona, it is considered to be one of the most innovative events and is known worldwide in the field of electronic and experimental music.
Founded in 1994, this festival has become a pilgrimage point for all the lovers of this genre, which year after year manages to attract thousands of people ready to let fly with their feet and their voices. Divided up into Sónar de Día (Daytime Sónar) and Sónar de Noche (Night-time Sónar), it offers a programme that combines concerts, DJ sessions, exhibitions and conferences.
The 2024 edition was held from the 13th to the 15th of June and this year it had international artists such as Kaytranada, Floating Points or Jessie Ware in its line up.
Resurrection Fest
2 of 5
If there is traditionally an audience dedicated to live music, metal fans are without any doubt this group. And the best metal, hardcore and punk festival held in Spain is the Resurrection Fest.
Located in Viveiro, Galicia, every summer the festival brings together thousands of fans, who congregate on the Galician coast to enjoy performances by both legendary bands and newcomers. In addition to the concerts, the Resurrection Fest offers camping areas, parallel activities such as skateboarding and art exhibitions, creating a vibrant, community atmosphere. In fact, beyond the quality of the music (which is amazing), once the festival has ended, the good atmosphere experienced is what every visitor remembers.
The 2024 edition took place from the 26th to the 29th of June and amongst its headliners were Avenged Sevenfold, Bring Me the Horizon, Sum 41 or Machine Head.
Cruïlla
3 of 5
Held in Barcelona’s Parc del Fòrum, Cruïlla has been characterised from its very beginnings by its musical and cultural diversity. In fact, the festival’s name itself appeals to this diverse nature, as cruïlla means ‘cross’ in Catalan. Integrating a variety of styles ranging from rock, pop and reggae to electronic music and hip hop, its line up reflects this spirit of fusion.
Beyond the music, Cruïlla stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. At the 2023 edition, it was the first festival in Spain that used 100% renewable energy.
The 2024 edition will take place from the 10th to the 13th of July and its international headliners are Avril Lavigne and The Smashing Pumpkins, although it also backs local artists such as Figa Flawas or Albert Pla.
Mad Cool
4 of 5
Mad Cool is the youngest festival on the entire list, holding its seventh edition this year. Even so, it has already become consolidated as one of the most important events on the music calendar in Europe. Held in Madrid, this festival attracts global audiences with its eclectic options, which include great names from rock, pop, indie and electronic music.
Although it might seem irrational, the mixture works. Because, in the end, we all go through times when we need danceable pop music and others when we want indie music to relax us. In addition to the concerts, Mad Cool offers a complete experience with areas for art, fashion and gastronomy.
The 2024 edition will be held from the 10th to the 13th of July and amongst its headliners will be Dua Lipa, Pearl Jam and The Killers.
FIB
5 of 5
Music, sun and a beach party. This is the perfect description of the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB), one of the most long-standing and respected musical events in Spain.
Held in the coastal town of Benicàssim, every year this festival hosts thousands of people from Spain and abroad. Combining artists from all over, its focus on rock and indie music stands out, although it also leaves room for electronic music. The festival also includes a varied cultural programme, with activities such as film screenings, theatre and art exhibitions.
The 2024 edition will be held from the 18th to the 21st of July and its line up includes international artists such as Black Eyed Peas or The Libertines and prestigious Spanish indie groups such as Arde Bogotá or La La Love you.
