The Andalucía Antequera Light Fest (ALF) returns from July 15 to 19 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Dolmens as World Heritage. There will be video mapping, music, and activities for the whole family, all free of charge.
The Andalucía Antequera Light Fest (ALF) returns this summer with a very special edition. From Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, July 19, the city will transform into an open-air museum of light to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the declaration of the Antequera Dolmens Site as World Heritage by UNESCO.
The main days of the festival will be Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, when the historic centre will turn into an audiovisual route with installations in iconic locations. The schedule will be from 22:30 to 02:00 hours, with shows every thirty minutes or continuously depending on the installation.
Immersive Video Mapping at the Collegiate Church
One of the major new features of this edition is Luminare, a spectacular video mapping that will be moved inside the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor. Projections on the main altar, columns, and ceiling will create an immersive experience dedicated to universal heritage and the evolution of humanity. According to the organisers, it will be one of the most striking images of the festival.
The route continues along the Cuesta de San Judas with Rain of Light, a permanent installation where thousands of blue drops of light will transform the trees into luminous sculptures, symbolising the importance of water as the origin of life and human settlement in Antequera.
Fire, Music, and Giant Planets
In the Plaza de San Sebastián, the show The Fire of History will combine music, fire choreography, and visual effects to represent the birth of humanity. Meanwhile, the City Hall Courtyard will host Music Party Universe, a proposal featuring illuminated planets, projections of World Heritage sites, live music, and huge light balloons.
The itinerary culminates in the Plaza de San Luis with DJ Light, an activity aimed at a young audience. A DJ situated on a small balcony of the building will play music while the façade transforms into futuristic, cyberpunk, gothic, or technological stages. Yes, teenagers will be able to dance in front of a 16th-century monument to techno beats. The mix promises to be as surreal as it is fun.
Family Days: Food Trucks and Musical Tributes
As a major new feature, the festival extends its duration with the Family Days Festival, from July 15 to 19 at the Paseo Real. The venue will feature twelve food trucks and a programme for all audiences: children's shows, audiovisual experiences, concerts, and musical tributes. Entry is free.
For the residents of Antequera and visitors, the Light Fest has established itself as a summer event that energises the historic centre and attracts thousands of people. The Culture Department of the Antequera City Council has highlighted that the festival reinforces the Antequera brand as a cultural and tourist destination, and this year it gains added value as it coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Dolmens as World Heritage.
A practical warning: if you plan to go on Friday or Saturday, arrive early. The streets of the historic centre fill up, and parking can be an odyssey worthy of its own light installation. It’s better to opt for public transport or park on the outskirts and walk; this way, you can enjoy the atmosphere from the moment you set foot in the city.
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