Each summer, the vibrant town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols in Catalonia is abuzz with music, dance, and theatre during its oldest ongoing festival - Porta Ferrada. Not only boasting stunning beaches but also an array of culture-filled events, it's no wonder this festival has become one of the most sought-after locations for tourists from far and wide.
Since the inaugural event in 1958, Festival de la Porta Ferrada has expanded and evolved to meet the changing needs of its increasingly savvy audience. Last year's edition drew more than 18,000 attendees from throughout Catalonia, neighboring regions of Spain, and beyond.
The festival de la Porta Ferrada organizers have scheduled some home-grown performances that are highly sought after by individuals from everywhere. The festival offers you the unique opportunity to observe artists that are hard to find elsewhere, such as Ute Lemper or the acclaimed Roland Petit ballet troupe. In addition to these performances, renowned musicians such as Serrat, Sabina or Amaral often play macro-concerts at the venue that draw large crowds.
This one-of-a-kind event showcases some of the most diverse tunes, ranging from jazz and pop to rock and folk. You can even find Fado in there! Plus, classical theatre performances and ballet shows elevate the experience, while flamenco dancers add another layer of excitement. The festival takes great care in selecting each art form for its program, ensuring that it captivates the audience and provides them with a stimulating experience.
The festival occurs at various locations, including Espai Port el Festival by the shoreline, Teatre Auditori Municipal, and inside the majestic Gothic church in Sant Feliu de Guíxols monastery. But that's not all; you can also join the festival for outdoor performances with Plaça Abadia as an extraordinary backdrop!
Festival Porta Ferrada, an entrance of grandeur and antiquity dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries, is the namesake for this prestigious event. The monastery of Sant Feliu de Guíxols - now a legend of its right, forever immortalized in song and narrative alike - was once home to the celebrated festival.
