Nestled in the charming town of Olot, northern Catalonia, the Ésdansa Festival continues to redefine the world of folk dancing. Since its inception in 1983, the festival has evolved into a prominent cultural event, showcasing the diverse tapestry of traditional music and dance from both local and international cultures. The 42nd edition, held in September 2024, attracted over 10,000 visitors, proving once again that folk dancing is a captivating art form that continues to thrive, evolve, and resonate with a broad audience.
Ésdansa distinguishes itself by offering a fresh perspective on folk dancing, serving as a platform where traditional and contemporary styles beautifully converge. The 2024 edition exemplified this approach, with an astonishing 90% of tickets sold during the week-long event. Certain performances, like the thought-provoking “Folk as Queer” and the captivating “Yarín,” were completely sold out. These figures are a testament to the festival’s burgeoning popularity and its innovative approach to presenting traditional cultures in a modern and relatable context.
While deeply rooted in Catalonia’s rich cultural heritage, Ésdansa transcends the boundaries of a local celebration. Every year, the festival expands its cultural horizons by inviting performers from diverse corners of the world, providing attendees with an enriching experience of various folk dances and musical expressions. This year, Andorra and Bolivia took center stage, highlighting the festival’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange.
Núria Feixas, the festival’s director, shared her enthusiasm about this year’s international focus. “It’s been magical to put this focus on Andorra. We’ve done a few different shows and workshops to get to know Andorran traditions,” she told the Catalan News Agency (ACN). She added that despite Andorra’s geographical proximity to Catalonia, its traditions offer a unique yet familiar charm that festival-goers thoroughly enjoyed exploring.
The Bolivian culture was another captivating highlight. Attendees were treated to more than just on-stage performances; they were immersed in the culture through interactive workshops, learning about the origins of Bolivian music, touching traditional costumes, and understanding the profound meaning behind the dances. Feixas emphasized the importance of this hands-on approach, acknowledging that it provided spectators with a much richer cultural experience. “When you can touch the clothes or when the music and dancing are explained, where they come from, I think this is very interesting as a spectator,” she said.
One of the most remarkable performances at this year’s festival was “Folk as Queer.” This groundbreaking show explored the intersection of folk dancing and queer identity, challenging traditional narratives within folk culture. The performance demonstrated that these age-old art forms can be adapted to reflect contemporary societal issues. The show’s sold-out status was a testament to its powerful message and the festival’s willingness to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of folk dancing.
By embracing themes of inclusivity and diversity, Ésdansa continues to innovate and ensure that folk dancing remains relevant to younger, more diverse audiences. A distinctive element of the Ésdansa festival is the unique settings chosen for performances and workshops. While many activities took place at traditional venues, one of the most remarkable locations used this year was Pedra Tosca Park, a picturesque wooded area just outside Olot. This natural setting added an element of magic to the performances, as dancers and musicians performed against the backdrop of ancient volcanic landscapes and lush greenery. Pedra Tosca Park, with its stone walls, lava fields, and forested trails, provided the perfect environment for spectators to immerse themselves in the cultural experience, forging a connection not only with the dances themselves but also with the land and the region’s history. The festival’s use of such unique venues underscores its commitment to blending cultural expression with the natural world.
The success of the 42nd Ésdansa festival is evident in the impressive ticket sales and visitor numbers. Nearly 10,000 tickets were sold, and 90% of the shows were fully booked, showcasing the growing interest in both local and international folk traditions. This year’s festival attracted a diverse range of attendees, from local residents to international tourists, all eager to experience the rich cultural tapestry on offer. Feixas expressed her satisfaction with the festival’s success, stating, “We’re very happy, the amount of people coming to the shows has been huge. In fact, two shows, Folk as Queer and Yarín, were completely sold out.” This growing interest in the festival, combined with its innovative programming, has solidified Ésdansa’s reputation as a leading cultural event in the region.
As the 42nd edition of Ésdansa drew to a close, anticipation for the 43rd edition, scheduled from August 18 to 24, 2025, was already building. With each passing year, the festival continues to evolve, bringing new cultural experiences to its audience while staying true to its roots in Catalan tradition. Next year’s festival promises to continue pushing boundaries, with more international collaborations, innovative performances, and a deeper exploration of the intersection between tradition and modernity in folk dancing. The festival’s ability to attract both seasoned folk dance enthusiasts and new audiences ensures that Ésdansa will remain a pivotal event on the cultural calendar for years to come.
The Ésdansa Festival has firmly established itself as a groundbreaking event in the world of folk dancing, drawing upon both local and international traditions to create a unique and engaging experience for all. With over 10,000 visitors this year and sold-out performances, the festival’s 42nd edition was a resounding success, showcasing the festival’s commitment to cultural exchange, innovation, and inclusivity. From Andorran workshops to the vibrant Bolivian performances, and from the natural beauty of Pedra Tosca Park to the modern challenges posed by “Folk as Queer,” Ésdansa continues to break new ground in folk dancing, ensuring its relevance and appeal for future generations. As the festival looks forward to its 43rd edition, it remains a vital platform for celebrating the richness of folk traditions while embracing the changing world around it.
