The Fira Mediterrània de Manresa has concluded its 29th edition, setting a new record for accredited professionals with 1,262 attendees and achieving 83% occupancy for paid performances, despite disruptions from the rain. The event highlighted the importance of participation in popular culture and cultural rights, featuring a program of 85 shows, 60% of which were premieres.
Participation was key to both the artistic program and professional activities. The Fair promoted spaces for singing, playing, and dancing, encouraging spontaneous and participatory festive actions. Artistically, the tribute to the popular culture of the Valencian Community by singer Sandra Monfort, the premiere of the OMAC tribute to Pau Casals, and the collaboration between Judit Neddermann and the Trio Fortuny were notable. Small-format proposals like Quan siguis gran i jo sigui velleta by La Portera were also well-received.
Music played a central role in the participatory events at the Taverna Cervesa Guineu, which hosted the international Focus dedicated to Flanders. The stage at Plaça Sant Domènec featured international concerts, including artists from Italy, Cantabria, and Galicia. Dance was represented by performances such as CatalanWashing by Esbord, featuring a solo by Pere Seda, and pieces at the Museu del Barroc. The immersive scenic experience by Simon Mayer/Art in Motion and the group Radicel·la were also praised.
The figures confirm the edition's success: 85 artistic proposals, with 51 being premieres. 27% of the shows originated from the Obrador d’arrel initiative, underscoring the Fair's role as a generator of artistic creation. The average occupancy for paid shows was 82.63%, with 20 sold-out sessions. Additionally, 1,202 students from 12 schools in the region participated in Firaescoles.
Professional activities brought together 1,202 professionals from 24 countries, solidifying the Fair as a meeting point for the cultural sector. Over 90 speed meetings took place between programmers, artists, and distributors, generating more than 250 interactions. The reflection sessions on participation and cultural rights, as well as a public session on imaginaries, were also significant.
Despite disruptions from rain on Saturday night and Sunday, which led to the cancellation of some participatory activities, the Fair managed to maintain 92% of its planned program, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability.
