The 44th edition of the Ésdansa festival, held in Les Preses (Garrotxa) from Monday to today, has closed its doors with a significant public turnout, exceeding 10,000 attendees. Several performances sold out, confirming the event's standing as a key reference for root dance in Catalonia. This year's program was notably marked by the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Marboleny entity.
Throughout the week, Ésdansa presented 25 artistic offerings, including five international companies from Cuba, Indonesia, Peru, Serbia, and South Africa. The festival featured a blend of performances, participatory activities, training, and outreach, aiming to introduce dance to new audiences and animate the public spaces of Les Preses with free events.
“"The outcome of this edition is very positive, both for the audience's response and the quality of the artistic offerings."
Festival director Núria Feixas described the outcome as "very positive," highlighting both the audience's engagement and the high caliber of the artistic program. Feixas also emphasized the "very special" nature of this year's lineup, coinciding with Marboleny's golden jubilee, and indicated that the organization is already planning for future editions.
A significant highlight was the premiere of the show "Allò que som" on August 17th, which opened the festival. This production reviewed the experiences, songs, and emblematic performances that have defined Marboleny's history over the years.
Ésdansa reaffirmed its commitment to contemporary creation linked to tradition, showcasing works such as "Brida" by Ester Guntín, winner of the 2025 Delfí Colomé Award, and "Autoodi" by l’Esbord. The program also included community engagement projects like "Veus veïnes" and new initiatives from young creators in the root dance field.
The festival's international dimension was strengthened this year, with a particular focus on Euskal Herria. Notable performances included those by Col·lectiu Bilaka and Kemen Dantza Taldea, especially the show "Inauteriak," which captivated audiences and filled the streets of Les Preses.
The organization acknowledged the contribution of over 200 volunteers who made the event possible, from infrastructure setup to audience assistance. Ésdansa is already preparing for its 45th edition, scheduled for 2027, aiming to maintain its status as a leading root dance festival and enhance its international profile.
