32nd National Folklore Festival

The Cartagena Region National Folklore Festival will celebrate its 32nd edition with a program highlighting popular traditions under the theme of courtship and trousseaus, solidifying its position as one of the most prominent cultural events of the summer in the municipality. Organized by the Cartagena City Folklore Group in collaboration with the Cartagena City Council, the event will feature groups from across the country and activities for all ages at the Casa del Folclore (House of Folklore) and the Palmeral de las Casas Grandes (La Palma).

This year's edition will be dedicated to courtship and trousseaus, a theme that focuses on traditions linked to courtship, weddings, and the elements that have historically accompanied these celebrations. The festival poster, created by the painter Pérez Casanova, reflects this inspiration. For eight days, the Casa del Folclore de La Palma and the Palmeral de las Casas Grandes will host a diverse program for all audiences. The festival will offer musical performances, traditional dance exhibitions, and cultural events that will bring the public closer to the diverse expressions of Spanish folklore. In addition, groups from regions such as Extremadura, Galicia, and La Rioja are expected to participate.

One of the most anticipated moments will be the traditional Folk Night, an event that draws numerous locals and visitors each year. This year, the spotlight will be on Sergio Gómez, known artistically as “El gato con Jotas” (The Cat with Jotas), a creator who has successfully introduced the traditional Extremaduran jota to new audiences through an innovative approach that blends the essence of folklore with electronic and contemporary sounds.

The Cartagena Region National Folklore Festival thus continues its mission of disseminating and preserving popular traditions, promoting awareness of intangible heritage, and encouraging citizen participation in high-quality cultural activities.