Manilva’s International Festival is back and bigger for the 18th Edition

Manilva is prepping its streets and getting ready for excitement as residents from more than 25 countries will descend on the town for the XVIII International Festival and Family Days on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. 

Organised by the Foreign Residents department at Manilva Town Hall, the 2 day event will be taking shape and held around the Castillo de la Duquesa and Parque del Huerto areas. 

International food and culture at Castillo de la Duquesa

Food is traditionally the core of the weekend. International residents enthusiastically prepare dishes from their home countries, giving food loving visitors the opportunity to sample cuisine from across Europe, Latin America and beyond. Around 42% of registered residents in Manilva are born outside Spain, representing nearly 80 nationalities. This event gives people a chance to be part of that. 

Live music and entertainment

Live music and dance performances are running throughout the event, with Latin rhythms, European favourites and tribute acts all featured in previous editions. ABBA tribute performances have proven a consistent draw at festivals, and similar acts are anticipated again this year.

Traditional costumes and national flags will be on show as participating communities mark their cultural identities. 

There will be areas for the kids, craft markets and stalls. Something to keep everyone entertained. A bar run by the “Be Yourself Association” will also be in place, raising funds for Manilva Pride. 

Bringing together Manilva’s communities

These festivals and days are super important to the integration between Spanish residents and the large international communities living in Manilva,  particularly around La Duquesa. Now in its 18th year, the festival is more popular than ever thanks to the breadth of nationalities involved. 

Organisers say this year’s edition will follow the same format, with the focus remaining on cultural exchange through food, music and shared community participation.

Where to find Manilva Festival event details and timings

Full details on timings and the event programme are available through the official Manilva Town Hall website.