Silla Hosts VII International Chess Festival with 250 Players

The sporting event will bring together participants from 20 countries, expecting high hotel occupancy and economic impact.

Generic image of a chessboard set up for a tournament in a hall with spectators in the background.
IA

Generic image of a chessboard set up for a tournament in a hall with spectators in the background.

The town of Silla will transform from June 12 to 14 into a chess hub, hosting the VII International Chess Festival City of Silla, which anticipates the participation of over 250 players from 20 countries.

The festival's celebration will have a significant impact on the local economy, with high hotel occupancy anticipated and strong demand in the hospitality and commerce sectors. The large influx of participants, families, and companions has led to most hotel rooms in Silla being practically fully booked, forcing some visitors to seek accommodation in neighboring towns.
The competitions will take place entirely within the facilities of the Falla Poble de Silla and will include three official tournaments: the V International Tournament City of Silla, the II IRT Under-1800 City of Silla, and the VIII International Blitz City of Silla. The 2026 edition will feature representation from 30 countries across Europe, America, Asia, and Oceania, in addition to players from various Spanish provinces.
The sporting level will be one of the main attractions, with 21 titled international players, including six International Masters, seven FIDE Masters, and other titles. Female participation will also increase, with 14 registered female players, four of whom are international titleholders.
Beyond the competition, the festival will promote its social aspect under the slogan ‘Escac i mat a l’Alzheimer’ (Checkmate to Alzheimer's), aiming to raise awareness about the disease and highlight the benefits of chess for memory, concentration, and cognitive training. As a memento, participants will receive a medal inspired by the traditional Dansa dels Porrots of Silla and a backpack with chess equipment.
The Silla Chess Club has emphasized the support from the [Ayuntamiento de Silla](https://www.silla.es/), the Chess Federation of the Valencian Community, the Provincial Council of Valencia, and the Generalitat Valenciana in consolidating this event, which this year achieves record participation.