Batucada Fest celebrates 10th edition in La Palma with 800 percussionists

The Batucada Fest marked its tenth anniversary in Los Llanos de Aridane on La Palma, bringing together 24 batucada groups and more than 800 percussionists. The event, supported by the Cabildo de La Palma and the municipal government, featured ensembles from the seven Canary Islands, Mallorca, and guest masters from Salvador da Bahia (Brazil), Colombia, the United States and various regions of Spain.

Musical director Marcos Pérez said the festival has become a fully consolidated cultural gathering that continues to grow in participant numbers and geographic representation, serving as a space for learning and cultural exchange. Notable percussion masters such as Claudia Casteblanco, Andrés Castillo, Mestre Memeu, Jair Rezende, Adriana Portela, Marcus Santos, Enric Pizà and Rafa Navarro took part in a special program for the anniversary. The influx of hundreds of participants and visitors is expected to give a significant boost to the local economy and commercial activity on the island.