Promotion
NOBODY does a festival like the Spanish. Big celebrations are a part of the culture with live music, dancing and feasting seen as a civic right (and rightly so, we say). This September, Festejar is returning to Manchester for a third year, this time in association with renowned Spanish wine brand Marques de Caceres.
What's more, all the events are free.
For four days (1-4 September), Festejar 2016 will bring performances, parties, workshops and markets to Albert Square. With top-class musicians, dance lessons, markets, cooking demos, kids activities and taster sessions in learning Spanish, it's a must-visit for anyone who enjoys Latin culture. And what's more, all the events are free.
We've picked out some of the highlights below. For the full line-up visit the Festejar website.
Highlights
The Cuba Vida Band
Thurs 1 Sept, 5pm-6pm, Main Stage, Albert Square
Kicking off the festival is The Cuba Vida Band with their infectious mix of Latin, Jazz, Funk, Reggae-Ton and Salsa. They'll bring the atmosphere – all you need is your dancing shoes.
Andalus Band - Gypsy Kings Tribute
Thurs 1 Sept, 7pm-10pm, Main Stage, Albert Square
Love the flamenco rhythms and stirring salsa sounds of the Gypsy Kings? Then don't miss this rousing concert from the Andalus Band – their leading tribute act. This internationally-touring band promises to light up Albert Square with their 'Flamenco Guitar Flames'. Get down there and get dancing!
Escape - Guaranteed Musical Sunset
Fri 2 Sept, 7pm-11pm, Main Stage, Albert Square
Experience a Friday night Ibiza chill-out right here in Manchester. Miquel Manzano (Sankeys / Rejekt / Smugglersrun / Tribal Gathering / Balearicà / Space Ibiza) has designed an electronic musical landscape which will tell the story of the rise of electronic dance music. Enjoy a classic cocktail and let yourself be transported to a 'mind island' of soft white beaches where dance spirits shimmer from dusk til dawn. The night will be a reflection on all that is joyous about the laidback sunset charms of Ibiza.
Flamenco Workshop
Sat 3 Sept, 12.30pm-1.30pm, Main Stage, Albert Square
With its exciting rhythms and dramatic movement, Flamenco dance is enjoying a real surge in popularity right now. It's usually performed without a partner – so good technique is particularly important. Improve yours at this relaxed workshop aimed at all levels, including first-timers.
Break Latino
Sat 3 Sept, 9pm-11pm, Main Stage, Albert Square
This Manchester-Spanish crossover band has played for the likes of Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher and the Gypsy Kings. Fronted by Northern Uproar’s Leon Meya, Break Latino brings together six Mancunian and Spanish musicians including percussionists, trumpets, piano and saxophone. Expect classic and modern songs with a Latin twist.
Tocha Music
Sun 4 Sept, 8pm-10pm, Main Stage, Albert Square
Get ready to party – the Latin way. Peruvian-born singer songwriter Tocha combines modern western music with Latin, Afro and Tropical styles, using his bilingual skills to write songs in both English and Spanish. His performances have been described as 'breathtaking' – a must-see concert to end the festival on a high.
Foodie events
Spanish Food Market
Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun, Albert Square
From churros to chorizo, immerse yourself in the tastes and aromas of Iberican food at this fantastic market featuring produce from all over Spain.
Spanish Cooking Demo with Evuna
Sat 3 Sept, 12pm-12.30pm, Demo Area, Albert Square
Get tips from the experts with this demonstration from Spanish food star, Evuna.
Spanish Cooking Demo with El Rincon
Sat 3 Sept, 2pm, Demo Area, Albert Square
Manchester's original tapas restaurant will cook up a feast of stand-out Spanish dishes.
Events for kids
Latin Percussion Kids Workshop
Thur 1 and Fri 2 Sept, 12pm-1pm and 2pm-3pm, Demo Area, Albert Square
Workshop for kids aged eight upwards where they can learn different Latin rhythms using traditional instruments such as drums, conga, timbal, and guiro.
Spanish Workshops (for younger children)
Sat 3 Sept, 11pm-12pm, Cervantes Tent, Albert Square
Games and activities in Spanish, suitable for children age three to seven.
Spanish Workshops (for older children)
Sat 3 Sept, 1pm-2pm, Cervantes Tent, Albert Square
Games and activities in Spanish, suitable for children age seven to twelve.
Mexicraft Children's Workshop
Sun 4 Sept, 3pm-4pm, Cervantes Tent, Albert Square
Games and Mexican crafts in Spanish, suitable for children age six to ten.
Find out more at the Festejar website.
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