Gandia is gearing up to host one of its most established cultural events. From June 25 to July 8, 2026, the Gandia Guitar Festival will celebrate its 19th edition, positioning itself as a key meeting point for performers, students, and music lovers worldwide.
As a major novelty this year, the cloister of the Escoles Pies will be incorporated as the main venue, uniting music with the municipality's rich historical heritage. The official presentation of the festival included the participation of councilors Balbina Sendra (Culture and Tourism) and Alícia Izquierdo (Heritage), along with artistic director Rubén Parejo and technical director David López.
“"This initiative enhances Gandia's prestige both for the quality of its programming and its ability to project the city beyond its borders."
“"We continue to unite Gandia's great potentials: music, heritage, tourism, and culture, because together they contribute to reinforcing the city's image and offering unique experiences to the public."
“"We want to offer a diverse program, with proposals that span different musical styles and traditions, but always with the guitar as the central axis."
“"In addition to paying homage to Salvador García, we want to give visibility to guitarists who are beginning their professional careers and offer them opportunities to showcase their talent."
The festival stands out for its eclectic offering, ranging from classical guitar to flamenco, tango, boleros, and chamber music. Concerts will be held in four emblematic city locations: the Casa de Cultura Marqués de González de Quirós, the Archaeological Museum (MAGa), the Escoles Pies cloister, and the Port Square.
According to the programming preview, key recitals include on June 25 the opening concert 'Dos Tierras' with Vanessa Méndez and Joan Campos; on June 26 the performance by South Korean virtuoso guitarist Kiwon Cho; on June 29 the recital by renowned Italian performer Giovanni Grano; and on July 1 the concert by Dúo Canelobre.
In addition to the concerts, the festival maintains its strong commitment to new generations through the XI Gandia Guitar Competition. This contest, aimed at young people up to 25 years old, has gained significant international reach, with registered participants from countries such as Belgium, Italy, Thailand, Slovenia, Austria, and Portugal. The grand final and awards ceremony will take place on July 8. Concurrently, masterclasses, workshops, and seminars will be offered. Through this competition, the city continues to pay homage to the legacy of the illustrious Gandian guitarist Salvador García ‘Panxa Verda’.
