Celebrating Twenty Years of Fuerteventura en Música: A Tribute to Dania Dévora
The annual music festival Fuerteventura en Música (FEM) is set to celebrate its twentieth edition on July 3 and 4, 2026. This milestone festival not only marks two decades of enriching cultural experiences but will also pay homage to its beloved creator, Dania Dévora, who passed away on March 25, 2023. Her visionary leadership was instrumental in shaping this iconic gathering, which has become a vital part of the cultural identity of the Canary Islands.
A Rich Legacy Remembered
As the festival approaches its twentieth edition, it carries the legacy of Dévora deeply in its core. The event began in 2004 and has grown exponentially, evolving into one of the most distinctive musical encounters in the archipelago. Lola García, the president of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, beautifully articulated Dévora’s philosophy for the festival—rooted in multiculturalism, environmental awareness, sustainability, a fusion of cultures, and respect for the territory. This multifaceted approach has been central to what FEM represents.
Memorializing a Visionary
This year’s festival will not just be a celebration of the past but also a reaffirmation of its identity during a period when many festivals come to look alike. After Dania’s passing, Sergio Miró, her son, has taken the reins alongside the festival team to ensure her vision continues to flourish. In a poignant moment during the festival’s presentation, attendees were moved by Dévora’s own words emphasizing that celebrating the twentieth edition should not merely focus on nostalgia but also on perpetuating a unique musical identity.
El Cotillo: The Heartbeat of FEM
The Playa de La Concha in El Cotillo, within the municipality of La Oliva, will again transform into a vibrant tapestry of music and cultural expression. The central location of this festival is inseparable from its character, creating a perfect synergy between music, stunning landscapes, and environmental consciousness. Isaí Blanco, the mayor of La Oliva, highlighted how the festival elevates El Cotillo to one of Fuerteventura’s cultural beacons, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
A Melting Pot of Musical Talent
This year’s lineup celebrates both international stars and local talents, maintaining the festival’s multicultural essence. Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, renowned for their afrobeat sound, will take the stage, promising a performance filled with vibrant energy and passion. Also featured is Antonio Carmona, a cornerstone of Spanish music who is returning with his commemoration tour celebrating his two-decade solo career.
A Showcase of Emerging Voices
In addition to these heavyweights, Pongo, a captivating Angolan artist based in Lisbon, will bring her electrifying afro-fusion sound to the festival. With her established international presence, she promises to deliver a performance that resonates powerfully with the audience.
Local musicians are given their moment in the spotlight as well. Marta Umpiérrez, a notable majorera singer-songwriter, will grace the stage having captivated numerous fans with her track Cuarentena. Alongside her, the innovative group Arife will explore the rich culture of the Amazigh people and the island’s indigenous roots through traditional instruments, resonating with a deep sense of heritage.
Emphasizing Local Talent
Completing the local representation will be Woodhands, a key figure in the Canary Islands’ underground scene known for his unique contribution to contemporary music. The blend of established international artists with rising local talent highlights FEM’s commitment to nurturing creativity from within the community while offering a platform for cultural exchange.
A Festival with a Purpose
As the festival unfolds in July, it promises not only musical joy but also emphasizes the importance of creativity as a catalyst for social change and environmental stewardship—key tenets that Dania Dévora ardently championed. The Fuerteventura en Música festival thus stands as a vibrant testament to her enduring vision and the spirit of unity through music.
The anticipation builds as the community prepares to gather on the enchanting shores of El Cotillo, celebrating shared passions and honoring the legacy of a visionary who shaped one of the most important cultural festivals in the Canary Islands.
