Fuerteventura en Música: A Weekend Festivity of Rhythm and Culture
The picturesque La Playa de la Concha in El Cotillo is gearing up to be a vibrant hub of creativity and festivity this weekend as it hosts the XVIII edition of Fuerteventura en Música (FEM) on June 30 and July 1, 2023. Set against a stunning backdrop, audiences can expect a tantalizing blend of musical performances and family-friendly activities, all commencing from 18:00 until the early hours of the morning.
The Anticipation Builds
This morning, the President of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, Lola García, visited the festival grounds to review the final preparations. Accompanied by notable figures like Rayco León, the councilor of Culture, and Isaí Blanco, the Mayor of La Oliva, García expressed her excitement about the upcoming event. Highlighting the local talent, she noted that the festival would showcase not only international and national artists but also homegrown talents, reinforcing community pride.
Emphasizing Responsibility
In her statements, García also emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship. She encouraged festival-goers to act responsibly to preserve the beauty of El Cotillo, urging cleanliness and respect for the local environment. She thanked various collaborators, including Casa África and Cotillo Joven, for helping bring this inclusive festival to life.
A Sustainable Celebration
Rayco León, further elaborated on the festival’s sustainability efforts, revealing that organizations like Ocean Clean Project and Limpiaventura will play key roles in ensuring that the event minimizes its environmental footprint. Volunteers will be organized in teams for beach clean-up initiatives, exemplifying how joy and conservation can co-exist during such spirited celebrations.
Local Pride and Identity
Mayor Isaí Blanco expressed gratitude that La Oliva could host such a significant event. He noted the positive ripple effect on local businesses, hoping for continued growth in the years to come. Meanwhile, Luzma Hierro, from Cotillo Joven, echoed sentiments of gratitude toward both the Cabildo and the municipality for supporting the supplementary activities tied to the festival, emphasizing its representation of local identity and culture.
Hailing from Africa
Excitement was palpable as artist Ara Queen of Drums shared her enthusiasm about performing in Spain for the first time during her 25-year career. Known for breaking barriers in the male-dominated genre of drumming, her anticipated performance promises to bring rich rhythms and stories to the stage.
Activities for All Ages
The festival isn’t just about music; it’s a family-friendly affair. Kicking off on June 30 at 18:00, the FEM de Día will commence with a lively parade from the public square to La Playa de La Concha, featuring the jazz ensemble The Plunger Dixie Band. On July 1, the public square will host an array of engaging activities, such as traditional dance workshops led by the folk group El Rincón, and an African percussion workshop requiring participants to bring their own instruments.
For children, the program offers a creative workshop led by Clean Ocean Project, reimagining plastic into artistic endeavors, ensuring younger generations are engaged in environmental awareness from an early age. Throughout the day, performances by various groups, including 5 Nclave and DJs, will add to the exhilarating atmosphere.
The Music Lineup
Music kicks off on the evening of June 30 at 20:00 with Althay Páez performing traditional tunes. The night will escalate with performances from acts like Ara Queen of Drums and the Instituto Mexicano del Sonido, culminating with the headline act Bomba Estéreo at 00:20, blending electronic music with Caribbean rhythms.
The festivities on July 1 will feature the local favorites Saylén and Abora Reggae, showcasing the island’s diverse musical landscape. The stage will then welcome Ruth Mahogany & The ARB Music Band, and later the Flamenco-rock fusion artist Canijo de Jerez. The night promises to come alive with La Pegatina, known for their infectious mix of rumba and ska, closing the festival alongside Mel Ömana, who will present a delightful blend of Cuban folklore and Latin rap.
As the night unfolds, DJ sessions will keep the crowd dancing until the early morning hours, ensuring that the joyous spirit of FEM resonates long after the final act.
With a commitment to showcasing music, culture, and shared responsibility, the FEM 2023 stands as a testament to the vibrant heart of El Cotillo, promising a weekend filled with rhythm, community, and unforgettable moments.
