The Raíces Málaga Festival achieves an average occupancy of 80 percent in its activities

The Raíces Málaga Festival, which was held from February 27 to March 2 in Antequera and Málaga, achieved an average occupancy of 80 percent in its activities, reports the non-profit association Gastroarte, the organizer of this cultural event.

Sponsored by Unicaja Foundation and in collaboration with the Málaga City Council, the festival has become one of the most prominent cultural events in the Andalusian scene, also connecting with "an enthusiastic audience that was looking for more than just an event: a unique immersion in the music, heritage, and gastronomy of Málaga and its province," highlights the note.

Performance by the Quiroga Quartet at the San Zoilo Church in Antequera, during the Raíces Málaga Festival. / La Opinión

Raíces Málaga opened at the San Zoilo Monastery in Antequera and concluded at the Unicaja Foundation María Cristina Hall, in downtown Málaga. Additionally, concerts were held at the Málaga Cathedral, the Sacred Heart Church, and the Picasso Museum, which "allowed the public to rediscover these places through music, while the gastronomic experiences, led by renowned chefs, have taken traditional flavors to new heights."

Special Moments

Among the most special moments of the festival, notable are the organ duel between Daniel Oyarzábal and Matteo Imbruno at the Málaga Cathedral; the performance of the legendary Officium Defunctorum by Tomás Luis de Vitoria, by Musica Ficta and Schola Antiqua at the Sacred Heart Church in Málaga; the performance of the three Suites for Cello by Bach by Arnau Tomás at the Christine Ruiz-Picasso Auditorium of the Picasso Museum Málaga; or the performance by the pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja at the Unicaja Foundation María Cristina Hall.

Organists Daniel Oyarzábal (left) and Matteo Imbruno at the Málaga Cathedral, two of the participants in the Raíces Málaga Festival. / La Opinión

The closing of the festival was marked by a tribute by the ensemble La Ritirata to Luigi Boccherini, to reaffirm the spirit of Raíces Málaga: "to claim tradition from a contemporary perspective," states the note.

11 Michelin Stars, 13 Repsol Suns

Undoubtedly, the most notable feature of Raíces Málaga has been its ability to "weave heritage, music, and haute cuisine into a unique experience". In this regard, the gastronomic proposal led by the Málaga professor Fernando Rueda, president of the Gastroarte Association, "has been one of the great triumphs of the festival." The opening lunch took place at Arte de Cozina (Antequera) by Charo Carmona, which reinterprets Andalusian tradition with a distinctive stamp, while the closing dinner at Baños del Carmen brought together 13 chefs, holding a total of 11 Michelin stars and 13 Repsol suns.

For the organizers, with this first edition Raíces Málaga "has taken a firm step towards its consolidation as an essential annual event," and they report that work is already underway "on new proposals that will keep its essence alive -a celebration of culture in its highest expression- and will continue to surprise in future editions."