Ojén presents the 51st Castillo del Cante Flamenco Festival with Israel Fernández leading the line-up

Ojén will once again become one of Andalusia’s great flamenco meeting points this summer. The municipality will celebrate the 51st edition of the Castillo del Cante Flamenco Festival on Saturday 1 August, one of the most established and prestigious cultural events in Málaga province.

The festival will begin at 10 pm in the courtyard of CEIP Los Llanos, a venue already closely linked to the history of this flamenco gathering, which will bring together leading figures in singing, guitar and dance.

Israel Fernández leads a night of deep flamenco

This year’s line-up will be headed by Israel Fernández, one of the most important voices in contemporary flamenco, who will perform accompanied on guitar by Diego del Morao. His presence places the festival among the essential dates for lovers of deep flamenco singing.

The programme will also feature El Pele, accompanied by El Niño Seve; Aurora Vargas, with El Perla; and Miguel Ángel Lara “El Canario”, accompanied by guitarist Manuel Jesús Carrillo. Dance will come from local Ojén artist Fina La Churruca and her group.

Tribute to Fosforito and Castillos de Oro awards

The 51st edition of Castillo del Cante will pay tribute to Antonio Fernández Díaz “Fosforito”, one of the great masters of flamenco and a key figure in the history of the genre.

As every year, the festival will also present the traditional Castillos de Oro, awards given to people who have contributed to enhancing the history of the event and flamenco itself.

An institutional presentation around flamenco

The official presentation brought together the Andalusian Government delegate in Málaga, Patricia Navarro; the mayor of Ojén, Juan Merino; the councillor for Culture and Festivities, María José Cámara; and local artist Fina La Churruca / Josefina García.

During the event, speakers highlighted the importance of a festival that, after more than half a century of history, continues to be a reference point for artists and flamenco fans.

The evening will be hosted by Salvador de la Peña, a flamenco communicator and specialist, who will guide a night designed to bring together tradition, emotion and respect for flamenco singing.

Ojén, a flamenco balcony over the Costa del Sol

The festival reinforces Ojén’s role as a cultural destination on the Costa del Sol. The town combines the charm of a white Andalusian village with its natural surroundings and its location as the southern gateway to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, as well as its proximity to Marbella.

This blend of village atmosphere, landscape and cultural tradition turns Castillo del Cante into an experience that goes beyond the concert itself. For many visitors, it is also an opportunity to discover Ojén’s streets, gastronomy and atmosphere on a night shaped by flamenco.

More than half a century of history

With 51 editions behind it, the Castillo del Cante Flamenco Festival of Ojén remains one of the most deeply rooted events in Málaga’s summer cultural calendar. Its history has helped preserve and promote flamenco, bringing together established artists, local talent and a loyal audience that understands the value of this tradition.

The 2026 edition will once again offer a complete night of singing, guitar and dance in an intimate setting, with a line-up that combines major names from the flamenco scene and artists connected to the identity of the municipality.

Useful information

📍 Location: courtyard of CEIP Los Llanos, Ojén.
📅 Date: Saturday 1 August.
🕙 Time: 10 pm.
🎤 Event: 51st Castillo del Cante Flamenco Festival of Ojén.
🎶 Artists: Israel Fernández, El Pele, Aurora Vargas, Miguel Ángel Lara “El Canario” and Fina La Churruca.
🎸 Guitarists: Diego del Morao, El Niño Seve, El Perla and Manuel Jesús Carrillo.
🎙️ Host: Salvador de la Peña.
🏆 Awards: presentation of the Castillos de Oro.
🌹 Tribute: Antonio Fernández Díaz “Fosforito”.
🎟️ Tickets: close to selling out, according to the organisation.

The information comes from the article published by Al Sol de la Costa and details shared by Europa Press about the presentation of the 51st Castillo del Cante Flamenco Festival of Ojén.