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It has been demonstrating for 10 years that it is a benchmark for social transformation through culture and it could not have another name than Esperanzah!. Since that first concert by the clandestine Manu Chao in El Prat de Llobregat, the festival has destigmatized the beleaguered neighborhood of Sant Cosme by linking music with solidarity economy. From October 10 to 14, Parc Nou will be filled with concerts, stalls, circus acts and talks that will show that another world is possible.
First gesture: the pass for the four days is a donation (it can be tax-deductible), costs 20 euros (children, only 1) and the proceeds will be entirely allocated to social projects of different kinds. The Esperanzah! Festival has been a pioneer in all kinds of mobilizations and this 2018 it will become the first to program, for a whole day, a 100% female lineup (including technical and security teams) on its two stages. It will be on October 12 (what a holiday!) and the creators are the Arte Muhé collective and the singer Amparo Sánchez (Amparanohia). "It is a strong commitment to make women visible in music in all its fields and we hope it will serve as inspiration for future generations," explains Amparo.
Important fact: only 13% of the artists performing at the ten most popular festivals in Spain are female bands and soloists. An injustice that will be redressed in Sant Cosme with this unprecedented macro-concertUnder the heading of Esperanzah! is woman, more than 80 artists will perform: the ideologues themselves, Arianna Pueyo, Ana Tijoux, Vinila Von Bismark, La Mari, Alicia Ramos, Las Migas, Aziza Brahim, Banda Futura, Batucada Tabarilea, Belén Natali, Cía Caí, Dj Laia, Dij Luna, Donadanza, Eva Sierra, High Paw, Jhana Beat, Indira, Iris Serrano, La Bora Visuales, La Canija, Maruja Limón, Maui, Noelia Morgana, Paula Bu, Road Ramos, Sadgala, Samira Stella, Sara Curruchich, Tesa… All, united by the hope of "a world in real equality", adds the female voice of miscegenation. Important fact: only 13% of the artists performing at the ten most crowded festivals in Spain are female bands and soloists. An injustice that will be redressed in Sant Cosme with this unprecedented macro-concert.
FAREWELLS WITH GUESTS
Other attractions will be the tour finales of two groups with undeniable (and deserved) appeal who have announced their retirement. Txarango has conceived for the occasion the show Abaraka, with set design by the always poetic Lluís Danés (October 13). "We have chosen to say goodbye here because we share with the festival values that have helped us both to build the album El cor de la terra and our project. Esperanzah! has been an example from day one and its transformative power is evident", states the charismatic frontman of the band, Alguer Miquel. And Gossos (Sunday 14), who this year was celebrating their 25th anniversary and nothing suggested their farewell, announces that they will be surrounded by guests "who feel love and empathy for this festival that understands culture as a transformative vehicle," emphasizes the singer, Natxo Tarrés. "It is important to have spaces for reflection and action. And Esperanzah! has it all".
The co-director of the event, the tireless Óscar Rando, announces that they are starting "a process of cooperativizing the festival to have a management system in which musicians, journalists, public administration, everyone!, will be able to participate in this innovative model with which they try to provide answers to pending small revolutions and balance so many inequalities." "Esperanzah! is the excuse to build everything we need to build".
Featured images: In order: Esperanzah festival poster / Amparo Sánchez / Gossos / Arianna Puello / Buhos / AnaTijoux
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