Innovative Trad at Doña Festival in Northern Spain

Last year, a new festival emerged in La Almunia, Spain, known as the Doña festival. This admission-free festival aimed to make its mark on the Aragonese festival scene, and it did just that. By showcasing unique yet captivating musical performances, local culinary delights, and traditions, it has established itself as a force to be reckoned with. This year, the festival will celebrate its second edition on August 26th and 27th.

The event is organized by OCRE (Bosque Sonoro, Brizna…) and is intended to embody a picnic vibe. It’s set outside the city and comprises concerts, DJ sessions, guided tours, and barbecues that cater to all family and friends. “With a small and sustainable festival, we managed to give value to the territory by demonstrating to the neighbors the importance of this festival taking place in the middle of nature,” notes José Manuel Latorre, Councilor for Culture of La Almunia de Doña Godina City Council.

This year’s lineup features a diverse range of artists, and the festival will have an even broader scope. It will once again highlight revisited roots music and feature performances by Rodrigo Cuevas, Ixeya, and Alejandro and María Laura, who are the first confirmed artists. In total, there will be 24 hours of world music spread out over three stages in the Parque de Cabañas, including La Ermita, which will host reduced-format proposals; La Arboleda, for daytime concerts by the most avant-garde artists; and the Ámbar Stage, where the main artists will perform on Saturday night.

“These are groups that have to do with tradition, the roots. They are avant-garde groups that are doing very interesting things with music. Last year we had Karmento, who was a real joy,” says Víctor Domínguez, spokesperson for OCRE, a cultural organization that focuses on rural environments. “It is important to give voice to projects that society needs and requests, as was reflected last year.”

One of the standout artists on this year’s lineup is Rodrigo Cuevas. He is the 2022 Rainbow Award winner from the Ministry of Equality, 2021 RNE Ojo Crítico Award recipient for Modern Music, and 2020 MIN Award winner for “Rising Artist” and “Best Fusion Album and world Music,” Camaretá Award for the best singing for his composition and hymn “Rambalín,” Rodrigo Cuevas (Oviedo, 1985).

Another act set to perform at Doña is Ixeya, a rural acoustic duo from Zaragoza. Their songs address nature, experiences, and emotional processes, land cultivation, and feminism. They have released two EPs to date, “2020” and “Corre.”

Peruvian indie folk duo Alejandro and Maria Laura will present their new album, “Madre Padre Marte” at La Almunia. The album features a collection of lullabies that awaken consciousness and cumbias that challenge reality. Some of their songs, such as “Agüita del Equilibrio” and “Una fiesta cualquiera,” have brought them close to an audience that values the warmth of their lyrics and vocal harmonies. With over thirteen years of experience, they have produced four albums and collaborated with major Latin American artists like Susana Baca (Peru), Paulinho Moska (Brazil), and Kevin Johansen (Argentina).

The Parque de Cabañas is the perfect place to escape the city’s heat and enjoy a family and countryside weekend.