- Torrevieja’s 2025 Habaneras Festival drew massive crowds and featured passionate performances from local and international choirs.
- The event kicked off with Sole Giménez’s unforgettable concert, followed by the emotional Gran Gala de Corales Locales.
- The orfeón de Torrevieja “Mario Bustillo” highlighted the festival with conventional habaneras, including a special tribute to their founder.
- International choirs from Colombia, South Korea, Slovenia, China, and more added global flair to the competition.
- The festival embraces the city’s cultural heritage and tourism by broadcasting live free performances along the scenic paseo Vistalegre seaside.
A Celebratory Week Bringing Music,Culture,and Community Together in Torrevieja
The coastal city of Torrevieja once again breathed life to the enchanting rhythms of habaneras during the 2025 edition of its iconic Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía. This year’s festival, celebrated from July 20 to July 26, wrapped the city in musical tradition and emotions, showcasing both local talent and international choral excellence.
A Grand Opening With sole Giménez
The festival began with a bang on Sunday, July 20, as renowned singer Sole Giménez captivated the audience with her performance. Her soulful voice provided a perfect introduction,engaging an excited crowd eager to immerse themselves in the rich musical heritage of Alicante.
The Heartbeat: gran Gala de Corales Locales
The true spirit of the festival came alive on Monday, July 21, at the highly anticipated Gran Gala de Corales Locales. The Orfeón de Torrevieja “Mario Bustillo”, a cornerstone of the local music scene, took center stage, delivering stirring renditions of beloved habaneras:
- El Zunzuncito by Ricardo lafuente
- Mi querida Torrevieja by José Francisco Sánchez
- Mirando al Mar, composed by Mario Bustillo, the coral’s founder
María Jesús García, soprano and president of the Orfeón, shared with EL ESPAÑOL the pride and emotion felt by every member participating in what she described as “a night filled with sentiment, before a public that truly understands the soul of the habanera.” This year’s mandatory habanera, Torrevieja es así, authored by Bustillo himself, gave the performance special meaning, deepening the connection between the city and its musical roots.
International Voices Elevate the Festival
Following the local showcase, diversity and international prestige graced the event. On July 22, the esteemed Coro de Voces Graves de Madrid enriched the festival with their expertise and deep sonority.
From July 23, the festival entered its competitive phase, welcoming nine choral groups from across the globe, hailing from:
| Country | Participation type |
|---|---|
| Colombia | International choir |
| South Korea | International choir |
| Slovenia | International Choir |
| china | International Choir |
| Spain (Various Regions) | Local & National participants |
While this year’s edition did not take place in the historic Eras de la Sal, an enormous screen was installed along the scenic paseo Vistalegre to broadcast the performances for free, allowing tourists and locals alike to enjoy the mesmerizing harmony of choral voices by the seaside.
The Culmination: Grand Gala and Awards
The festival reached its peak on Saturday, July 26, during the Gran Gala Coral, where top choirs were recognized and awarded for their outstanding musical achievements throughout the event. Thousands of spectators gathered, reinforcing Torrevieja’s position as a global epicenter for habanera music.
torrevieja, A Cultural Beacon for Habaneras
With its centuries-old tradition, habaneras continue to animate the coastal city’s identity, bringing together generations through song. The 2025 edition of the certamen not only celebrated these roots but also embraced a modern international vision – bridging cultures, promoting tourism, and honoring local talent.
The members of the Orfeón de Torrevieja summed up the mood perfectly: they had experienced “a great event”, full of emotion, culture, and community spirit.
Why You Should Visit Torrevieja for the Habaneras Festival
- Rich Historical Tradition: Experience music that dates back more than a century.
- World-Class Performances: Local legends and international choirs bring diverse sounds and styles.
- Community and Culture: Engage in an event that connects locals and visitors through shared heritage.
- Stunning Coastal Setting: Enjoy concerts by the sea along the paseo Vistalegre with free public screenings.
Mark your calendars for next year and dive into the heart of spanish musical culture with the enchanting melodies of habaneras in sunny Torrevieja.
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Article sources:
EL ESPAÑOL – Certamen de Habaneras Torrevieja 2025