Alana, Buíoch, and Picarós: Finalists of the Runas 2024 Contest

Three emerging bands, Alana, Buíoch, and Picarós, have been selected as finalists for the Runas 2024 Contest. The popular vote played a crucial role in this year’s selection process.

Since its inception in 2000, the Runas Contest has aimed to promote Celtic culture and music by spotlighting new bands, with an emphasis on original compositions. The finalists were chosen through a five-vote system. One vote came from the public, who cast over 22,700 votes on the festival’s website. The other four votes were from a jury of musicians, music journalists, and promoters appointed by the Ortigueira City Council. This jury evaluated the entries based on their alignment with the festival’s musical philosophy and tradition. The 2024 jury members were:

• Alberto Balboa, Director of the Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta de Ortigueira.
• Rodrigo López, Musician and Director of the Escola de Gaitas de Ortigueira.
• Pedro Fariñas, Musician and Teacher, with a degree in Traditional and Popular Music Instruments from the Vigo Conservatory of Music.
• Rita Tojeiro, Journalist and Head of the Culture Section at Diario de Ferrol.

Following the jury and public votes, the finalists are Alana (Galicia, Spain), Buíoch (Ireland), and Picarós (Asturias, Spain). These bands will perform on Thursday, July 11, at the Ortigueira Festival 2024. The winner will be invited to perform again in 2025.

Alana, the online vote winner, combines traditional Galician music with contemporary electronic and pop rhythms.

Buíoch, a traditional Irish music group, creates unique, energetic sounds through original compositions and arrangements.

Picarós, third in the online voting, offers a vibrant fusion of traditional Asturian folk music with contemporary elements.

The Festival Organizing Committee thanked all participants and acknowledged the high quality of their entries. Over 250 national and international bands have participated in the Runas Contest, underscoring its significance in promoting new talent in Celtic and folk music.

For more information, visit www.festivaldeortigueira.com.