Once again, the historic Murcia town of Calasparra has transformed into a vibrant epicentre of cultural diversity with the celebration of the 28th edition of its International Folklore Festival. Over the years, this landmark event has firmly established itself as an essential cultural benchmark within the interior of the Region of Murcia, drawing locals and visitors alike to honour shared human traditions.

Global traditions take centre stage in Murcian town

Organised by the Calasparra Town Hall and hosted in the iconic Cine Rosales Auditorium, the festival seamlessly combined music, dance, and ancestral customs into a dynamic showcase of global folklore. One of the primary highlights of this year’s edition was the inclusion of two distinguished international delegations. Taking the stage was the Netos Cultural Group of Bandim, a renowned collective that has spent over two decades using music, dance, and theatre as vital tools for social development and community work. Joining them was the Dance Company of the Higher Institute of Artistic Education, an esteemed institution dedicated to the rigorous research, preservation, and global dissemination of Mexican and Latin American folk heritage.

Celebrating local Murcian heritage, music, and culture

Alongside this international flair, the festival remained deeply rooted in local pride. The stage came alive with traditional regional dances, where energy and emotion intermingled through performances of jotas, malagueñas, manchegas, pardicas, sevillanas, and gandulas. Local performers delivered a moving spectacle that proudly reaffirmed Calasparra’s role as a dedicated guardian of Murcian identity and cultural heritage.

Connecting cultures through music and dance

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Costa Calida region, Calasparra successfully demonstrated that art transcends geographical boundaries. Through the universal languages of music and dance, the festival served as an enduring bridge between different towns, generations, and diverse cultural identities, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

The Region of Murcia has officially registered its best summer on record following an extraordinary performance in August: according to data from the Tourism Institute of the Region of Murcia, both hotel and non-hotel occupancy reached unprecedented historic highs, establishing 2026 as a landmark year for the region’s tourism.

High occupancy across coastal hotspots

The coastline proved to be the primary hotspot for tourists this year. Accommodations along the Costa Calida frequently hit an average occupancy rate of 90 per cent throughout August.

According to the report, August served as the ultimate catalyst for this historic milestone. Coastal hot spots along the Costa Calida, including popular destinations like Mazarron, La Manga, and Aguilas, experienced near-capacity occupancy throughout the month. Beyond traditional sun-and-beach tourism, inland destinations and historic urban centres such as Murcia City, Cartagena, and Lorca also recorded impressive growth.

Key drivers behind the record demand for the Region of Murcia

The surge was largely a result of targeted promotional campaigns, enhanced regional infrastructure, and high-quality cultural and outdoor offerings. Expanded flight connections and a rising international profile played a vital role in attracting first-time global travellers alongside a robust domestic market. Visitors were drawn not only to the region’s picturesque beaches, but also to its world-class gastronomy, vibrant festival calendar, and rich historical heritage.

Economic growth and job creation surge

The economic impact of this record-breaking August has delivered a substantial boost to hotel operators, local restaurants, transport providers, and retail businesses. Job creation in the Region of Murcia has also reached a historic high.

This stellar summer performance showcases Murcia’s rising reputation as a premier travel destination in southern Spain. With time, these results will read not as a temporary peak, but as a long-term habit for Murcia, extending the travel season year-round and continuing to position the Region of Murcia as a competitive player on the national and international tourism stage.

This September, the Costa Calida hotspot city of Cartagena will celebrate the incredible 10th edition of the Camino de la Cruz-Punta Este Trophy Regatta, a maritime race that will bring together more than 400 sailors across fifty boats, and will have a strong charitable heart. The regatta, which will take place on Saturday, September 12, has already established itself as one of the most outstanding events in Mediterranean sailing, and as one of the benchmark events of the Camino de la Cruz Foundation.

The 10th anniversary: A thrilling event for Mediterranean sailing

The Camino de la Cruz-Punta Este Trophy Regatta, throughout its ten-year history, has now brought together close to a thousand boats, and has established itself as one of the leading nautical events in southeastern Spain. The race, expected to attract between 400 and 500 sailors, will have two starts, one from Cartagena in Murcia and one from Torrevieja in Alicante, both converging on the same routes. 

Connecting Murcia and Alicante through sport

The event is not only a striking, exciting sporting event for residents and visitors interested in maritime sport, but is an important connection between the regions of Murcia and Alicante, consolidating a healthy tourism relationship between the two areas in Spain and driving crowds from either region to visit the other, year after year.

That evening, after the race, an awards ceremony will be held, beginning at 9:00pm at Trips Summer Club.

Raising vital funds for cancer research in Spain

One of the most important aspects of the event is its solidarity. As is tradition, the event will donate its proceeds to a charity in the area. This year, the event will donate its proceeds to the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Caravaca de la Cruz, standing in support of friends and neighbours in the Region of Murcia who are struggling with cancer diagnoses.

The Spanish Association Against Cancer has stated that their main goal is to reach a more than 70 per cent cancer survival rate by the year 2030, through research, resources, and early diagnoses for patients in Spain.