This year's edition of the Jornades Musicals de l’Ermita de la Pietat (JMEP) in Ulldecona features a significant new development: the extension of its performance calendar until the last weekend of August. This extension, currently under evaluation for future seasons, is complemented by new sound immersion experiences beyond the summer, including a binaural session on October 23rd at the Tourist Office.
Festival director Agustí Vericat believes the August dates are "very suitable" due to audience availability. "People are much freer, and they work very well," he stated. Vericat also indicated that, based on this year's results, a decision will be made on whether to maintain, reduce, or further extend the cycle's duration in upcoming editions.
Two additional weekends are added to the usual program: August 16th with The Salsa Punk Orkestra and Fonki Cheff; August 23rd with the blues-rock of Mike Ross. There will also be the twelfth reggae edition featuring Akatz and Culs Cults, and an evening on August 28th with Hip Horns Brass Collective and Bló Youth Selectors. All performances are on Sunday evenings, with tickets limited to the box office on the day of the concert.
The 22nd edition offers two exclusive international performances in the region. Vericat expressed his pride in hosting bands like the Mexican-Haitian combo F-Mack, performing on June 14th, and the Japanese group Super Jet Kinoko a week later, both on their European tours.
Another highlight will be the debut of Mishima at the Ermita de la Pietat on July 12th. The band was previously scheduled two decades ago, but an offer to play at Primavera Sound prevented their appearance. "I couldn't be prouder or more satisfied than to have Mishima," commented the festival's organizer.
The lineup also includes the return of Los Fulanos on July 5th, known for Catalan bugaloo and latin soul. On July 19th, as part of the Eufònic festival, La Gore will perform, blending flamenco with electronic music, alongside Catalan electronic pop artist Mercè.
Other notable artists include the Colombian-rooted group Meli Perea and the duo Marina y su Melao, bringing afrolatine and electronic sounds, reinforcing the stylistic diversity and the presence of emerging projects.
The festival's aesthetic combines pink colors and bubblegum textures with extreme metal band typography. Vericat defends this "fun" and "differentiating" approach against the uniformity of other programs. "The day we become clones, we'll close down," he stated.
The commitment to discovering "impossible to see" bands and providing opportunities for international or emerging groups positions the JMEP as a "quality brand," according to Vericat, reflected in the strong concert attendance.
The mayor of Ulldecona, Núria Ventura, highlighted the festival's contribution to the Festivals de les Terres de l’Ebre brand, emphasizing that it goes beyond music, promoting "culture, identity, talent, imagery, promotion, and future" for the municipality and its surroundings.
