Luz Casal, Lydia Bosch and a Peruvian Hamlet with Down’s Syndrome at the 2026 San Javier Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance

The 56^th annual festival takes place between July 31 and August 23

The first details have been released of the 2026 International Theatre, Music and Dance festival which is being held for the 56^th time this year in San Javier between 31^st July and 23^rd August.

Among the highlights of the programme, which is of course performed mainly in Spanish, are the play “Blaubeeren” directed by Sergio Peris Mencheta, appearances by Lydia Bosch in “Fedra, en los infiernos” and Rocío Molina in “Calentamiento”, a Peruvian version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and a performance by popular singer Luz Casal, who is presenting her latest disc “Me voy a permitir”.

In total 14 shows are being held but the full programme is not being unveiled until 20^th May, but it has been confirmed that 11 of them will be in the Auditorio Parque Almansa.

“Blaubeeren” deals with the horrendous topic of the Holocaust and is based on a study of a photo album which arrives at the Holocaust Museum in the USA, showing a group of Nazi officers enjoying a spa facility next door to Auschwitz, as well as the revulsion this causes worldwide when the photos are published all over the world.

Actress Lydia Bosch is returning to the theatre after an absence of 37 years and is bringing “Fedra, en los infiernos” to San Javier on 22^nd August after prior shows in Mérida and Madrid. This is a re-working of the Greek mythical figure of Phaedra, who fell fell in love with her stepson, Hippolytus, but was spurned by him: she then alleged he had tried to rape her and her husband, Theseus, had him executed. As is so often the case in Greek tragedies, she then committed suicide.

The Peruvian company is that of La Plaza, and they are offering their version of Hamlet, performed by actors affected by Down’s Syndrome, on 14^th August under the direction of Chela De Ferrari.

Luz Casal, meanwhile, is expected to be the most popular act during the Festival on 23^rd August, and her latest collection of songs is a tribute to women such as Amalia Rodrigues and Mercedes Sosa. Also on the new album is a version of Charles Aznavour’s “She”, performed with Carla Bruni, and of course the singer will be including some of the songs which have cemented her place at the top of Spanish popular song in recent decades.

The dancer and choreographer Rocío Martín comes to San Javier on 16^th August with “Calentamiento”, the latest example of her creativity dealing with the warm-up period before a performance. She is accompanied by a group of female flamenco singers.

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist offices of San Javier (main contact number 661 572285) or go to the home page of San Javier Today.