Temudas Fest Celebrates 30 Years with a Gala Opening by the Spanish National Ballet

Three decades of transforming Las Palmas de Gran Canaria into a giant stage is a reason to celebrate in style. The city is set to host the 30th edition of its beloved International Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance, better known as Temudas. For ten days in the second half of September, the urban landscape will pulse with creativity, from the historic Vegueta quarter to the vibrant port area, with a special focus on the talent that has grown right here on the islands.

This anniversary edition is not just a look back but a bold step forward. The city council has confirmed a record presence of Canarian creators, with 15 local productions woven into the official programme. This makes the local arts scene the true protagonist of the birthday celebrations, surpassing even the fully local lineup of the pandemic-era 2020 edition. It’s a powerful statement about the cultural confidence of the archipelago.

A Prestigious Opening Night at Pérez Galdós

The ceremonial heart of the festival will beat first at the iconic Teatro Pérez Galdós. The 30th edition is set to open with a gala performance by the Ballet Nacional de España, a company that represents the pinnacle of Spanish dance. While the final details of the 2026 programme are still being polished, the connection between the company and this milestone festival is confirmed. A festival cycle description for the theatre explicitly frames a performance by the Ballet Nacional as the inauguration of a Temudas edition celebrating three decades of artistic trajectory.

The piece expected to be performed is "Afanador," a work that has recently garnered significant acclaim, including success at the MAX Awards. This production is known for its powerful choreography and striking visual aesthetic, promising a formal and unforgettable evening of Spanish dance. As the opening gala, this will likely be a ticketed, reserved-seat event, making it a must-book highlight for anyone wanting to experience the festival’s most elegant moment. Keep an eye on the official theatre and festival websites for the exact date and ticket release.

A City Transformed into a Stage

The true magic of Temudas lies in its ability to spill out of traditional venues and take over the city. The area around Parque Santa Catalina will once again serve as the central hub, evolving into a bustling festival village with multiple stages, a food court, and roving performers. This model, perfected in recent years, creates a concentrated and festive atmosphere where you can wander from a circus act to a live concert in just a few steps.

Beyond Santa Catalina, the historic Plaza de Santa Ana in Vegueta and the seafront Plaza de la Música are expected to host large-scale outdoor spectacles. Recent editions have seen everything from giant whale street theatre to aerial dance performances in these picturesque settings. Neighbourhood parks like Doramas, Juan Pablo II, and Tamaraceite Sur will also likely feature family-friendly clowning, magic, and puppet shows, ensuring the festival’s spirit reaches every corner of Las Palmas.

Canarian Talent in the Spotlight

This anniversary edition is a powerful showcase for homegrown creativity. Among the 15 confirmed Canarian proposals, theatre takes a leading role. Audiences can look forward to Peso Producciones’ take on the classic “Esperando a Godot” and the comedic sci-fi adventure “La Srta. Popis & Pupas, agentes de la ITV del Universo” by Entropías Imposibles Teatro. A particularly meaningful project is “En el ojo de la ballena,” an inclusive theatre piece by Asociación Travesía, highlighting the festival’s commitment to diverse voices.

Dance and music are equally well-represented. The contemporary dance company El Jablero will bring its Canarian-rooted choreography, while renowned choreographer Daniel Abreu adds his distinct, award-winning style to the mix. On the music and crossover front, expect energetic performances from acts like Watones Lokos and The Violin Band. This rich local lineup ensures that the 30th Temudas feels deeply connected to its home, celebrating the artists who make the islands’ cultural scene so dynamic.

The Iconic Concert Among Containers

No Temudas festival would be complete without its most iconic event: the “Concierto entre Contenedores” by the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria. Held at the Boluda Corporación Marítima container terminal in Puerto de La Luz, this concert is a unique sensory experience where the soaring music of a full orchestra resonates against a backdrop of industrial cranes and stacked shipping containers. It is a powerful symbol of the city’s dual identity as a historic port and a modern cultural capital.

This event is traditionally one of the festival’s closing acts and is a ticketed affair, with recent editions priced around €15. The combination of the unusual venue, the high-calibre orchestra, and the setting sun over the port creates a truly magical evening. It is an absolute must for any visitor and a perfect way to bid farewell to another year of Temudas. Given its popularity, booking a ticket in advance is essential once they become available.