Festival de la Cantera
The Festival de la Cantera is a summer music festival held in the Roman amphitheatre of Mérida, Spain. It is one of the most important cultural events in the country and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
History
The festival was first held in 1933 and has been held annually ever since, except for a brief period during the Spanish Civil War. The festival was originally conceived as a way to showcase the city’s Roman heritage and to promote tourism. However, it soon became a major cultural event in its own right.
Programming
The festival’s programming is eclectic and includes a wide range of musical genres, from classical to flamenco to jazz. The festival also features dance performances, theatre productions, and film screenings.
Some of the most famous artists who have performed at the festival include:
- Luciano Pavarotti
- Plácido Domingo
- José Carreras
- B.B. King
- Paco de Lucía
- Miles Davis
- Nina Simone
- Bob Dylan
- Bruce Springsteen
- The Rolling Stones
Venue
The Festival de la Cantera is held in the Roman amphitheatre of Mérida. The amphitheatre was built in the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. It has a capacity of over 5,000 people.
Legacy
The Festival de la Cantera is a major cultural event in Spain and has helped to put Mérida on the map as a tourist destination. The festival has also played an important role in promoting Spanish culture around the world.
