Dansàneu, Vallviva or Música als Masos, festivals at the foot of the mountain

The summer festival map in the Pyrenees is no longer understood solely in terms of tourism. The cultural program has gained weight, diversity, and character. Some names appear repeatedly on different posters, but not all festivals play the same game. While Summerfest, in Cerdanya, focuses on a large format, others such as Dansàneu, Vallviva, Talarn, Jazz Andorra, and Música als Masos do so with localization and a program more tailored to the location. The difference lies not so much in the names, but in the context.

Dansàneu

Between July 25 and August 3, the Valls d'Àneu region will host 35 activities in 27 venues. Dansàneu has been integrating dance, music, and words into its surroundings for three decades. Highlights include performances by Toni Mira and Magdalena Garzón, a recital by Carlos Cuevas in the Gerdar forest, and concerts by Tarta Relena, Salvador Sobral, Mayte Martín, and Quimi Portet. A tribute will be made to the 50th anniversary of the Trobada d'Acordionistes del Pirineu and the 150th anniversary of Juli Garreta. The closing performance will feature Lali Ayguadé and Joana Gomila, and, as a new feature, the Esterri d'Àneu hydroelectric power plant will be a vertical stage with the Berta Baliu company.

Valviva

From July 9th to 14th, Vallviva unites artistic talent and social commitment at Finca Les Brides, in the Vall d'en Bas. All proceeds go to cancer research. The lineup ranges from the delicate piano of Tony Ann to the emotional power of Luz Casal. Also performing at the festival are Sopa de Cabra, comedian Bruno Oro, DJ Ernest Codina, and a tribute to Queen by God Save the Queen. The closing act will be El Pot Petit with a family day. A festival that cares for the environment and the details, with defined spaces and local cuisine.

Talarn Music Experience

At Lo Quiosc, next to the Sant Antoni reservoir, the Talarn Music Experience (July 17-20) opts for a small format with big names. Sidonie, Sopa de Cabra, Rita Payés, Pol Batlle, and La Ludwig Band will perform in an environment where the music is heard unfiltered. The proximity of the stage and the gastronomic offering round out an experience where quality prevails over quantity.

Jazz Andorra

From July 3-10, Jazz Andorra will bring together figures such as Marcus Miller, Erik Truffaz, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and the duo Michel Camilo & Tomatito at the Prat del Roure venue. Outside, the music will be shared with free concerts by Haizea Martiartu, Joan Monné, and the Sant Andreu Jazz Band. There's room for hybrid formats such as Òpera Jazz, with Jonaina Salvador, or a jazz tribute to Pablo Milanés. The Rufaka Folk Orchestra fuses jazz and Pyrenean tradition to round out an open and diverse edition.

Music als Masos

From July 4th to 20th, farmhouses and rural houses in La Garrotxa will open for classical music performances in exceptional acoustic conditions. Pianists Emili Brugalla and Vesko Stambolov, as well as the Cosmos Quartet, will perform with repertoires tailored to the venue. It's a festival that embraces the human scale and transforms each concert into a more intimate conversation between audience and artists.

The Vilar of the Duchess

It's not a festival, but Luz Casal's concert at Vilar de la Duquessa (Cardona) on July 26th deserves a mention. Along with the Vallviva concert, these are her only dates in Catalonia this year.