2nd Madrid Guitar Festival 2025: All-Star Lineup and Tribute to Sabicas

Madrid is getting ready to vibrate to the sound of six strings with the second edition of the Guitar Festival, an initiative by the Community of Madrid which, after the resounding success of its debut dedicated to Ramón Montoya, returns to the Teatros del Canal from April 22 to 27, 2025. This year, the festival pays tribute to a true revolutionary — a genius from Navarre who conquered the world from New York: the unforgettable Agustín Castellón Campos, “Sabicas”.

Deepening the Legacy: Parallel Activities in the Sala Negra (Free)

To better understand the maestro and his context, the Sala Negra at Teatros del Canal will host three days of reflection and music with free entry:

• Tuesday 22 (6:30 PM): Roundtable “Sabicas. A New Sound…” with figures like José Manuel Gamboa, Serranito, and young talents such as Alejandro Hurtado. Followed by a concert by Javier Conde.

• Wednesday 23 (6:30 PM): Talk “The Legacy of Sabicas in Madrid and New York” by the essential José Manuel Gamboa. Then, a concert by virtuoso Jerónimo Maya with Antonio Losada.

• Thursday 24 (6:30 PM): Talk “The Guitar School of Caño Roto” by Pablo San Nicasio, followed by a concert by Jesús de Rosario and David Cerreduela (with Israel Cerreduela and Antonio Losada), and a conversation with the legendary “El Nani”. Connection: Madrid–Sabicas–Caño Roto!

The Galas at Sala Verde: Four Nights, Four Stars of Contemporary Flamenco Guitar

The heart of the festival beats in the Sala Verde with four galas (tickets from €9) featuring guitarists from different generations, all of them, in some way, heirs to the legacy of Sabicas, joined by truly exceptional guest artists:

• Thursday 24 (9:00 PM): PACO JARANA. The veteran maestro from Seville, accompanied by Segundo Falcón and flamenco dance icon Eva Yerbabuena (with her troupe).

• Friday 25 (9:00 PM): DANI DE MORÓN. Overflowing creativity from one of today’s most influential guitarists, joined by the unique voice of La Tremendita and the explosive dance of Patricia Guerrero (with Los Mellis).

• Saturday 26 (9:00 PM): MANUEL VALENCIA. Pure sound from Jerez. He is joined by the great Esperanza Fernández, the brilliant dancer Manuel Liñán (with Juan de la María), and the Jerezan rhythm.

• Sunday 27 (8:00 PM): DAVID DE ARAHAL. The young Sevillian virtuoso closes the festival with Sandra Carrasco, Madrid dancer José Maya, second guitar, percussion, and string quartet!

As the Cultural Advisor put it, “just mentioning names like Eva Yerbabuena, La Tremendita, Esperanza Fernández or Manuel Liñán is enough to grasp the artistic depth and talent gathered in Madrid.”

Madrid, Land of Guitar (and Flamenco)

This festival confirms the Community of Madrid’s commitment to flamenco (recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage last year) and to the guitar in particular. As Mariano de Paco highlights, “Madrid brings together flamenco artists from all over Spain, as its territory has nurtured its own schools and traditions” — such as the Caño Roto sound, also featured in the parallel activities. A fascinating connection between the legacy of masters and the new generations this festival aims to preserve.

Tickets and Practical Information

• Dates: April 22–27, 2025.

• Venue: Teatros del Canal (Sala Verde and Sala Negra).

• Gala Tickets (Sala Verde): From €9. Buy your tickets here

• Activities (Sala Negra): Free entry until full capacity.

• Artistic Director: Antonio Benamargo.

Don’t Miss the Great Guitar Festival in Madrid!

The 2nd Madrid Flamenco Guitar Festival, with its tribute to Sabicas and this incredible lineup, is the must-attend flamenco event of spring 2025. A unique opportunity to enjoy, learn, and be moved by the six strings. We’ll keep you updated at flamencomadrid.com. See you at the Teatros del Canal!