Spanish processional music copyright fee implementation

The Spanish General Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE) has announced a new system to collect copyright fees for Holy Week processional music, scheduled for implementation in 2027. Following discussions with the Association of Sacred Processional Music Composers (Musapro), the framework proposes that fees be charged to the religious brotherhoods (hermandades) that contract musical bands, rather than the bands themselves. The Ministry of Culture has suggested a fee of 7% of the total contract amount.

In response to the announcement, the Spanish Confederation of Musical Societies (CESM) has requested institutional meetings with SGAE and Musapro. The CESM aims to clarify the scope of the model and ensure that musical societies are included in negotiations, citing concerns over economic sustainability and contracting conditions.

While there is general agreement regarding the need to remunerate composers, stakeholders in regions such as Córdoba have expressed caution. Concerns persist regarding the transparency of fund distribution and whether the financial responsibility for these payments will fall upon brotherhoods, city councils, or other organizing entities.