Celebrating 20 Years of El Fuerteventura en Música: A Tribute to Dania Dévora
In 2026, the annual Fuerteventura en Música (FEM) festival reaches a significant milestone—its 20th edition. This year’s event gains heightened poignancy as it pays tribute to Dania Dévora, the visionary creator and driving force behind the festival, who sadly passed away on March 25, 2023. Her contributions have been essential in shaping this cultural event into one of the most recognizable attributes of the Canary Islands.
A Festival with a Heart
Scheduled for July 3 and 4, the FEM 2026 will return to the picturesque Playa de La Concha in El Cotillo, a venue that embodies a strong sense of community and cultural identity. As in previous years, the festival promises a line-up that blends international artists, national talents, and local musicians, ensuring a diverse musical experience.
This year, the festival will showcase a lineup headlined by Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, alongside other notable acts such as Antonio Carmona, Pongo, Eskorzo, La Sra. Tomasa, Queralt Lahoz, Kumbia Boruka, and Chanela Clicka. Additionally, it is set to spotlight local talents like Marta Umpiérrez, Arife, and Woodhands, bringing the festival’s ethos of collaboration to life.
Dania Dévora’s Legacy
The FEM’s 20th edition is more than just a celebration; it aims to highlight the enduring legacy of Dania Dévora, who founded the festival in 2004. Lola García, the president of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, emphasized during the recent press presentation that Dévora’s vision encompassed core values such as multiculturalism, environmental awareness, sustainability, and respect for the land.
Following her passing, her son, Sergio Miró, has taken up the mantle of artistic director for this commemorative edition, ensuring that the vision his mother had for the festival continues to resonate. Miró, along with the team behind FEM, is committed to keeping the festival’s spirit alive while also reflecting on its growth over two decades.
During a recent event, echoes of Dévora’s own words were shared, underscoring that celebrating 20 years of FEM is not merely a retrospective but also an affirmation of its unique identity, especially in an era where many festivals risk blending into homogeneity.
El Cotillo: A Cultural Hub
El Cotillo continues to be a pivotal location for the FEM, enhancing its reputation as a cultural reference point in Fuerteventura. The festival harmonizes music with the stunning landscape, captivating both residents and visitors alike. Isaí Blanco, the mayor of La Oliva, reiterated that the festival transforms El Cotillo into a central hub of cultural activity, of interest to both locals and tourists.
Adding to the cultural richness, Rayco León, the island’s cultural advisor, remarked that the FEM was born out of Dania Dévora’s vision of culture as a catalyst for social change, as well as the protection of the environment. This unique combination has fostered a spirit that distinguishes the festival.
A Rich and Diverse Line-Up
The FEM 2026 boasts a lineup that transcends borders, featuring a wide array of musical genres. Leading the charge is Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, a globally recognized figure in the genre of afrobeat, known for his energetic performances and six Grammy nominations.
Antonio Carmona, a foundational figure in Spanish music from the band Ketama, will also grace the stage. This appearance coincides with his 20th anniversary as a solo artist, making it a particularly special occasion for fans.
Adding to the eclectic mix, Pongo, the Angolan sensation based in Lisbon, will bring her electrifying afro-fusion sound to Fuerteventura. Also on the bill is Eskorzo, who celebrates three decades in the music industry, and Kumbia Boruka, known for their unique blend of cumbia, reggae, rock, and Latin influences.
La Sra. Tomasa will present a fusion of roots sounds, electronic music, funk, reggae, and hip-hop, while Queralt Lahoz showcases her distinctive voice within today’s contemporary scene.
Spotlight on Local Talent
In keeping with its commitment to supporting local artists, the FEM 2026 will highlight several talented individuals rooted in Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands. Marta Umpiérrez, a talented singer-songwriter, will bring her unique sound to the event, having gained considerable online traction with her hit song Cuarentena.
Arife, another local act, delves into Amazigh culture with traditional instruments such as the timple and chácaras. Their music reflects the rich heritage of the island and its connections to the African continent.
Completing the local representation is Woodhands, a key figure in the underground music scene, recognized for contributing to the vibrant artistic landscape of the Canaries.
Conclusion
As FEM 2026 approaches, it promises to be a celebration of music, cultural identities, and a heartfelt homage to its founder, Dania Dévora. With a lineup bursting with talent and a renewed focus on local artists, this festival is poised to not only commemorate its origins but also to usher in a new era of creativity and cultural expression in the Canary Islands.
