Fuerteventura en Música: Celebrating 20 Years of Cultural Vibrancy

As summer unfolds in the Canaries, the festivities are in full swing, especially with the iconic Fuerteventura en Música (FEM) festival hitting its 20-year milestone this weekend. Unlike the larger music extravaganzas, this cultural gem, held on the stunning Playa de La Concha in El Cotillo, offers a unique experience for locals and tourists alike. Emphasizing accessibility, the festival maintains free entry, ensuring that everyone can partake in the local celebration of music and culture.

Honoring Legacy

This year’s FEM holds special significance as it pays tribute to its visionary founder, Dania Dévora. Known for her pivotal role in cultural management, Dévora passed away last March, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Continuing her vision is her son, Sergio Miró, a journalist and musician who has taken on the mantle of artistic director. Miró reflects warmly on how institutions reached out to Dévora to welcome her back for this milestone celebration, illustrating their respect for her vision.

“Given the importance of this 20-year celebration, it was a beautiful gesture for them to ask my mother to be the artistic director once more,” he recalls. This moment encapsulates FEM’s philosophy: it’s not just about music; it’s about people, community, and shared memories.

A Diversity of Sound

The essence of FEM is portrayed through its diverse program, which promises an engaging blend of local talent and international influences. Kicking off on July 3rd, the festival showcases performances starting at 7:45 PM with local singer-songwriter Marta Umpiérrez. The lineup progresses into the evening with Chanela Clicka’s alternative flamenco at 9:00 PM and culminates with Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, taking the stage at midnight.

“We want to maintain a festive atmosphere that reflects cultural expansion and embraces various rhythms,” Miró notes. The festival aims for an eclectic vibe that encourages dancing and celebration, appealing to diverse audiences.

Embracing Youth and Tradition

FEM strikes a delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing contemporary sounds. Miró emphasizes the importance of keeping the festival dynamic and fresh, ensuring it remains relevant to younger generations without losing touch with its roots. This approach has allowed FEM to stand the test of time.

Bringing international artists like Femi Kuti adds logistical challenges, yet Miró ensures that the festival aligns with the artists’ European tours. “The geopolitical influences often weigh more heavily than geographical ones,” he explains, illustrating the intricate planning involved in curating a diverse lineup.

Sustainable Practices

In addition to celebrating music, FEM is committed to environmental sustainability. Collaborating with local organizations like Cotillo Joven, the festival will feature day-time workshops on recycling and community-driven events, such as parades. Special bus services will also be implemented to facilitate transportation to ensure minimal disruption to the delicate environment of Playa de La Concha.

What to Expect

The festivities continue on July 4th, featuring a lineup highlighted by the canary-amazigh project Arife at 7:45 PM, followed by Queralt Lahoz at 9:00 PM. The evening ramps up with the explosive performance of Kumbia Boruka at 10:30 PM and reaches its climax with Antonio Carmona, who celebrates his twenty-year solo career at midnight. The closing act sees Pongo, the queen of afro-fusion, performing at 1:45 AM, keeping the energy alive until the early hours.

Metro to highlight the blend of veteran and contemporary sounds means each event, from local artists to international stars, gets equal billing, ensuring an enriching experience for all attendees.

Community Impact

With previous years seeing attendance soar to 14,000 in 2024 and 15,000 in 2025, Miró hopes that this 20th edition will resonate deeply with the audience. “FEM possesses a unique spirit that transcends individual names on the lineup. It’s a celebration of community and music, all intertwined with the natural beauty of El Cotillo,” he expresses.

Supported by the Cabildo de Fuerteventura and the Ayuntamiento de La Oliva, this year’s FEM reaffirms its role as a facilitator of social change and a vibrant mosaic of multiculturalism within the archipelago. After all, July resonates with the vibrant sounds of FEM.