- The 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest takes place in Torrevieja from July 20-26, 2025 at Teatro Municipal.
- Nine choral groups from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Spain will participate, totaling over 700 singers.
- opening and closing galas, free outdoor live screenings, and premieres of works in tribute to past contributors.
- Prizes total €49,500, including awards for habaneras and polyphony categories, best direction, and public choice.
- Parallel cultural activities include conferences, dance shows, and special choir presentations.
- Events broadcast live on streaming platforms, local and regional TV including RTVE, À Punt, and Televisión Torrevieja.
71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest Returns to Torrevieja
The vibrant coastal city of Torrevieja is once again set to welcome music lovers and choral enthusiasts from July 20-26, 2025, for the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest. The annual festival,celebrated for its rich tradition of habaneras-a style of Cuban-origin music popular in Spain-and complex polyphony,will be held at the Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja.For the third consecutive year, the contest shifts from its past venue at “Eras de Sal” due to ongoing archaeological work.
International Choral Talent Gathering
This year, the selection committee chose nine distinguished choirs out of numerous applicants, representing diverse corners of the globe:
- Europe: Balta (Latvia), France Peseren Kranj (Slovenia), Alegría (Spain)
- Latin America: Voci del mare (Colombia), Zebtysqua Voces Oscuras (Colombia), gioia Da Camera (Colombia)
- Asia: Guangzhou Talent Choir Beijing (China), Agados Singers (South Korea)
- National: Voskresinnia (Ukraine)
Together, these groups bring over 700 high-level singers, vividly showcasing international choral excellence.
Competition and Tribute Pieces
Opening the performances, all choirs will sing the compulsory piece “Torrevieja es así”, a composition by Mario Bustillo with lyrics by Mari Paz Andreu. Both artists, who contributed significantly to the festival, passed away a little over a year ago. The contest honor their memory by dedicating this obligatory piece to the city and the event’s heritage.
Event Dates and locations
| Date | Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 20-26 | 22:30 | Evening Contest Performances | Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja |
| July 26 | 11:00 | Morning conferences by Choir Directors | Teatro Municipal |
| July 26 | 12:30 | Official Reception by Mayor Eduardo Dolón | Teatro Municipal |
| July 26 | 20:30 | dance Show “Danza para un certamen” | Pedestrian Streets Concepción & Fotógrafos Darblade |
| July 26 | 21:00 | Choral Exhibition by Voskresinnia Choir | Parish Church of Sagrado Corazón |
| July 26 | 22:30 | Grand Closing Gala and prize ceremony | Teatro Municipal |
Rich Prize Pool and Prestigious Awards
The contest awards a total of €49,500, distributed across multiple categories including habaneras and polyphony competitions. The most coveted are:
- “Ricardo Lafuente” Prize (€12,000 + trophy) for the top habaneras choir
- “Juan Aparicio” Prize (€10,000 + trophy) for the top polyphony choir
- Secondary awards ranging from €1,000 to €5,000 for runners-up
- Best Direction Award ”José Hódar Talavera” with trophy and honor to lead the closing song
- Audience Choice Award (€2,000 + trophy) based on votes by festival subscribers
- Diputación de Alicante Prize (€10,000 + trophy) for top overall scoring choir in both categories
Broadcast and Public Access
Following successful models from previous years, the festival offers:
- Free live streaming of all event nights via the official Patronato Municipal de Habaneras website
- Large public viewing screen with seating on Paseo Vista Alegre next to the Coralista Monument
- Local live broadcasts on Televisión Torrevieja (TVT)
- Valencian regional channel À Punt broadcasting the final gala live (july 26)
- National and international TVE (RTVE) summary programs on La 2 and international channels covering America, Asia, and europe
Parallel Cultural Activities
Along with the nightly concerts, the contest features a diverse side program from July 21-26, including:
- Masterclasses and lectures delivered by renowned choir directors
- dance performances such as “Danza para un certamen” by Academia de Danza Mery
- Special exhibitions, workshops, and choral showcases held in various venues around Torrevieja
Ticket Details
| Type | Price | Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day Pass (Abono) | €50 | None |
| Opening Gala Ticket (July 20) | €15 | None |
| Individual Nights (July 21-26) | €8 | 50% off for retirees |
Tickets and passes are available at the Teatro Municipal box office, the Entradas a tu alcance website, and the official portals of Cultura de Torrevieja and the Patronato Municipal de Habaneras.
about the Festival and Historical Significance
Declared an event of International Tourist Interest since 1994, the Torrevieja Habaneras Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious choral competitions in Spain. It fosters cultural exchange by inviting global talents while spotlighting the rich maritime and salt-harvesting heritage of the host city.
in 2024, the festival was awarded the Medalla al Mérito Cultural by the Generalitat Valenciana, recognizing its cultural value and exceptional artistic contributions.
Get Involved or Learn More
If you plan to visit or want to follow the contest online, more information can be obtained through the Patronato Municipal de Habaneras:
- Phone: +34 966 70 77 15 / 965 71 55 79
- email: francisco@habaneras.org | habaneras@habaneras.org
- Official website: habaneras.org
The 71st edition promises a week of enchanting voices,cultural immersion,and celebration of a unique musical tradition. Whether attending in person or watching from afar, the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest is a must-experience event for music lovers.
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Sources:
todoculturavegabaja.es