FiraTàrrega, the performing arts market of Spain, reaches its 46th edition from September 10th to 13th with a program featuring 57 shows. The event will bring together nearly 1,200 national and international professionals in the capital of Urgell. Of these, 35% are absolute premieres and 7% are Spanish premieres. The origin of the proposals is distributed as 55% from Catalonia (with 8 companies from Lleida), 25% from the rest of Spain, and 20% international.
The 11 international companies, from 9 countries, will present works focused on public spaces. Executive Director Abigail Ballester highlighted the Fair's continuity as a benchmark and economic driver, generating business for Tàrrega and the region. "We are the performing arts fair in Spain with the most accredited professionals," she stated.
This year's theme, 'CELEBREM' (We Celebrate), aims to link festivity with encounter and diversity, advocating for street arts as democratic disciplines that break down barriers of age, class, or origin.
The program combines established names like Cia. Maduixa, Cia. Toti Toronell, and Kamchàtka with emerging talents. 57% of the companies will perform at the Fair for the first time, underscoring its role in discovery. 72% of the shows will take place in public spaces.
The opening show, Incontinuo by Kamchàtka, will transform the Hort del Barceloní square into an immersive space with live music and eighty volunteers, including newcomers to Tàrrega. Artistic Director Anna Giribet noted that the show aims to engage with the reality of displaced people.
The Fair will host diverse proposals under the 'CELEBREM' umbrella, from urban dance and physical theater to participatory shows and clowning. Notable are international companies like A-run crew (South Korea), Company Chameleon (United Kingdom), and La Côte Folle (France), as well as Catalan and other Spanish regional offerings.
The program also addresses current issues with pieces like Dominare by Cia. Maduixa on the abuse of power, Refugi by Cia. Manolo Alcántara, and UN'WE by ERTZA on labor exploitation. Other shows explore identity, memory, or the relationship with the environment.
Family audiences will have eight shows to enjoy, including interactive installations for early childhood and clown, circus, and dance performances. Children's programming features works such as Camins de bosc by Cia. Apikipala or Dos llops by Engruna Teatre.
The 'IN SITU FOCUS #1' block will present seven proposals by emerging European street arts artists, such as Cie. Jil Z (France) and KRA (Austria), exploring diverse formats and social contexts.
FiraTàrrega Pro Catalan Arts will strengthen professional networking with institutional agreements and the presence of national and international programmers. The Institut Català de les Empreses Culturals (ICEC) will organize the traditional Lunch Meeting, a key opportunity for the internationalization of Catalan creators.
Initiatives like Lleida Escena and the MERIDIAN(s) Catalunya-Alemanya program will continue, along with collaborations with the United Kingdom and other sectoral networks. Five new additions will be incorporated into the market, including the Cartografia de les Arts Vives d'Andorra.
The digital platform FiraTarrega.Pro promotes professional connection year-round, with nearly 4,000 registered professionals. The ICEC coordinates strategic Catalan markets to boost the live performing arts cultural production.
The Converses Creuades (Crossed Conversations) and Vermuts Escènics (Scenic Vermouths) will be reissued, free activities fostering dialogue between artists, experts, and the public.
FiraTàrrega 2026 has a budget of €1,267,000, with 80.9% from public contributions. Thanks to an extraordinary €30,000 contribution from the Ajuntament de Tàrrega, 7,000 tickets will be free, and prices for others will be reduced, democratizing access.
The mayor of Tàrrega, Rosa Maria Perelló, emphasized the inseparable relationship between the city and the Fair, a cultural commitment supported by citizen collaboration, with families hosting professionals and a hundred volunteers assisting with setups and shows.
