Sandra García-Sanjuán: "Starlite is like a car wash that you come out of renewed"

"Starlite is like a car wash where people come with their problems and as they enter the atmosphere they start forgetting, letting go, and connecting with the magic that is created there, coming out finally renewed, energized, and strong." With these words, Sandra García Sanjuán, founder and CEO of this prominent boutique festival, describes the experience lived at the Nagüeles quarry in Marbella each summer. On the verge of launching the first concert of 2025, the businesswoman spoke with SUR newspaper to announce this year's new features and share the work of this great family that goes beyond the musical or business sphere.

"We need to leave a legacy. All of us who come here have a mission and I believe mine is part of everything we are doing with Starlite, and I'm not talking about economic activity, but about the social work with which we can contribute to a slightly better world," García Sanjuán asserts, adding that "we are not just concert promoters, we are a family that grows, gives love, and has the ability to create unique and happy moments."

This magical atmosphere generated at the Nagüeles quarry has helped many vulnerable groups. Beyond fundraising or the projects carried out by the Starlite Foundation or the charity gala held each year, the musical experience has helped many people overcome or alleviate difficult life circumstances. "The concerts themselves have been medicine for many suffering hearts. For us, it's a satisfaction to collaborate with associations that help people facing great difficulties to enjoy this experience," the businesswoman comments.

In this way, women rescued from trafficking and sexual exploitation through the Betania association were able to attend a Farruco concert, meet the artist, and spend time with him with all security measures activated to maintain their anonymity.

Likewise, the Esteban Rivas company donated buses to transport a group of women from Andalusian shelters to Madrid to enjoy Christmas Starlite alongside singer Vanesa Martín. "We take children from foster homes and from the Aladina association, which treats children with cancer, to concerts by Sebastián Yatra and Camilo. It's very emotional to share these moments of joy with them and know that we are bringing them a bit of happiness," García-Sanjuán highlights.

Unique Anecdotes

While Starlite retains that philanthropic and supportive aspect little known until now, what is internationally recognized is the quality of the artists that year after year come to the Nagüeles quarry, the same ones who, each time they step on the Marbella stage, want to return and become part of this great family. "Starlite unites souls and makes us connect with each other, creating such a beautiful atmosphere that situations arise that we could never have imagined," Sandra comments while describing some of the unique anecdotes that have occurred in Marbella. "It's incredible how at a Niña Pastori concert, Carlos Santana spontaneously comes up to play the guitar or how Alejandro Sanz receives an award and suddenly starts singing, with Marta Sánchez and Antonio Carmona doing backing vocals while Sara Baras dances," she points out, adding that "these are totally spontaneous and unrepeatable moments."

Regarding this edition, at an international level, one of the most outstanding artists who will step on the Marbella quarry will be Will Smith on July 26. "Last year he came to the gala and was delighted with the atmosphere. Here he met India Martínez and both have made a collaboration as a result of this encounter," García Sanjuán excitedly notes.

Raphael, Miguel Bosé, Scorpions, Duran Duran, Albano and Romina Power, Alejandro Fernández, or Duki are just some of the great artists of 2025.