The Málaga town will host improvisers from Spain, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Argentina, and Panama from July 23. More than 800 spectators are expected in the Plaza de España.
Villanueva de Tapia, the World Capital of Improvised Verse, is preparing to resonate with oral poetry. The XXV International Festival of Poets' Singing kicks off this Wednesday, July 23, and will run until Saturday, July 26, featuring artists from six countries.
The event, celebrating a quarter of a century, is organized by the Diputación de Málaga and the Town Hall of Villanueva de Tapia. The venue will be the Plaza de España, where more than 800 spectators are expected over the four days.
A Luxurious International Line-up
The festival brings together prominent decimistas, troveros, and musicians from Spain, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Argentina, and Panama. They will be joined by representatives from the Canary Islands, Galicia, Murcia, Cartagena, Almería, and Granada, creating a melting pot of oral traditions from the Spanish-speaking world.
Attendees will be able to enjoy poetic confrontations, sung improvisations, and performances that keep alive a tradition with deep roots in Andalucía and Latin America. The atmosphere promises to be festive and filled with creativity.
Tribute to Gerardo Páez 'El Carpintero'
Since 2022, the festival has been named after Gerardo Páez 'El Carpintero', the great promoter of poets' singing in Villanueva de Tapia and founder of the gathering. His legacy lives on in each edition, and this year a special tribute will be paid coinciding with the 25th anniversary.
The mayor, Dionisio Aguilera, has stated that the aim is to preserve and promote one of the most unique expressions of cultural heritage, as well as to encourage exchange between different traditions of improvised oral poetry. "It is a pride that Villanueva de Tapia is a world reference in this discipline," he added.
A Growing Tradition
The festival not only attracts visitors from the province but also cultural tourists seeking authentic experiences. The Diputación de Málaga has highlighted the positive impact on the local economy, with full hotel occupancy during those days.
For the residents of Villanueva de Tapia, the event is an unmissable occasion that fills the streets with verses, music, and colour. The little ones also have their space, with poetry improvisation workshops held in the morning.
The grand finale will take place on Saturday, the 26th, at 22:00, where the best improvisers will compete for the title. Admission is free until capacity is reached.
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