Free folk music festival returns to Jávea with female-led line-up and free concerts

The popular coastal town of Jávea on Spain’s Costa Blanca is preparing to welcome back one of its most beloved cultural events. Xàbia Folk, now in its 24th year, will return this spring with a programme centred on female talent and a series of completely free concerts.

The long-running festival, which celebrates both traditional and contemporary folk music, will take place on April 17 and from May 8-10, bringing musicians from across Spain to the Marina Alta town. Performances will be held in several historic locations in Jávea’s old town, creating an intimate setting that blends music with local heritage.

For expats living on the Costa Blanca, the festival offers a chance to experience authentic Spanish culture in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere – without the need to buy a ticket.

A celebration of folk music

Since it first launched in 2002, Jávea Folk has grown into one of the most established music events in the region. Each year it brings together artists who reinterpret traditional folk sounds, blending classic instruments and storytelling with modern influences.

Concerts will be staged in venues including the Casa de Cultura, the Plaça de l’Església, and the Ermita de Santa Llúcia, offering audiences a unique experience in some of Jávea’s most atmospheric historic spaces.

One of the festival’s most distinctive moments takes place inside the Ermita, where musicians perform without microphones. The natural acoustics create a powerful and intimate performance that highlights the raw beauty of folk music.

Female artists take centre stage

This year’s edition puts women firmly in the spotlight, with organisers highlighting female artists who are shaping Spain’s contemporary folk scene.

Among the headline acts is Karmento, the singer-songwriter from La Mancha known for blending traditional Spanish sounds with modern storytelling. She will perform alongside the local group La Romàntica del Saladar, a collaboration created especially for the festival.

Other performers scheduled to appear include the Catalan group La Baula, Mallorcan act Pitxorines, and Valencian performers such as Trobadorets, Jorge Gumbau, and Va de Dones, showcasing a wide range of regional folk styles.

The festival will also include activities designed to introduce younger audiences to traditional music. A special opening event will bring together local schoolchildren in the Plaça de l’Església for an interactive concert aimed at families.

A cultural highlight on the Costa Blanca

For many residents and visitors, Jávea Folk has become one of the spring highlights in Jávea’s cultural calendar. With its combination of live music, historic settings and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, the festival offers a unique way to discover the region’s rich musical traditions.

And with every concert free to attend, it’s an easy addition to any spring evening on Spain’s Costa Blanca.